Reactive Depression: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

Reactive depression describes symptoms of depression that occur in response to an external problem or stressor. Also called situational depression, the symptoms of this condition can mimic those of major depressive disorder. Reactive depression is not a formal diagnosable condition, but it describes adverse psychological reactions people may have to difficult life circumstances.

Getting a Diagnosis For Reactive Depression

Depressive symptoms that occur in response to an external cause are most often diagnosed as either major depressive disorder or as an adjustment disorder with depressed mood:

• MDD: major depressive disorder is often diagnosed when a person’s symptoms outlast the stressful situation or persist for several months and is characterized by periodic depressive episodes. It is considered a chronic condition and can cycle through active periods and times of remission. A stressful event could trigger depressive symptoms that were previously in remission, possibly even when these symptoms were gone for several years.
• Adjustment disorder: adjustment disorders are usually diagnosed when there is a clear external cause for the symptoms and when they are expected to resolve as the situation improves.²

Causes & Triggers of Reactive Depression

Any stressful event, situation, or circumstances that overwhelms a person’s current ability to cope can cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

More common causes and triggers of reactive depression include:

• The conception, birth, miscarriage, or death of a child
• A change in relationship status or loss of an important relationship
• A job loss or being in a high-stress job
• Legal or financial stress
• A chronic health problem, new diagnosis, or depression after surgery
• A change in living situation or location
• New physical, cognitive, emotional, or social impairments
• A loss of independence or control
• New restrictions or limitations that impact normal routines
• A major life choice, decision, or pressure of an unsolvable problem
• Current events, tragedies, or traumatic events

Protective Factors That Make It Less Likely for Depression to Develop

Not all people who have these experiences will develop lasting symptoms of depression, but some will. The factors that help determine how a person copes with and overcomes a situation are often referred to as “protective factors” or “resiliency” factors. Protective factors include having strong supportive relationships, advanced problem-solving skills, adaptability, and an optimistic outlook.³

In addition to getting professional treatment and making positive changes to lifestyle, routine, and self-care, it’s also important to identify and address root causes of the depressive symptoms. Unlike major depressive disorder, reactive depression stems primarily from external causes. Sometimes the cause of the depression is obvious, but other times there can be more than one cause, or the cause might be ongoing.

Here are five questions to ask to narrow down root causes of reactive depression:

• What are the main sources of stress in your life?
• Are you experiencing conflict, strain, or doubt in an important relationship?
• Have your circumstances changed in ways that add more pressure or stress?
• Do you have certain unmet needs in one or more areas of life?
• Have you experienced a recent loss or difficult life transition?

Once the source of depressive symptoms has been identified, the next step is to begin working to make changes or improvements to this area of life, or to find solutions to the underlying problems. Often, the situations that cause reactive depression won’t have “quick fixes,” but actively working to improve or find solutions is usually possible and can have a direct effect on a person’s symptoms.

Treatment of Reactive Depression

Since there is no formal diagnosis for reactive depression, people who seek help will be treated in the same way as someone dealing with other forms of depression, like major depressive disorder. The frontline treatment is therapy, but sometimes medication is recommended as well.

Common methods for how to treat depression include:

Therapy

Depression therapy might include individual, group, or couples counseling with a licensed mental health professional. Therapy works by helping people develop new coping skills for stress, anxiety, and depression.

CBT for depression and interpersonal therapy have the most documented success in treating depression, but other therapy modalities like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are also used. These therapies all use different methods to help a person better understand, track, and respond more skillfully to their depressive symptoms.

In cases where the depression is in response to trauma, trauma-informed treatments like EMDR for depression, trauma-focused CBT, or cognitive processing therapy can also be effective in working through traumatic memories.

Problem solving therapy and solution-focused treatments can also support people in addressing root causes of reactive depression.⁴

Psychiatric Medication

Medication for depression like SSRIs or SNRIs which can be prescribed by a psychiatrist, doctor, or other prescriber. These medications work on specific receptors in the brain to increase levels of chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine known to be involved in mood regulation. Medication is normally recommended in conjunction with counseling, instead of as a standalone treatment.⁴

Support Groups

Support groups are not considered a formal treatment for reactive depression but can be a helpful addition to other forms of treatment. Support groups are offered in most communities for a variety of issues like divorce, chronic pain, grief, or other common issues that can cause reactive depression.

These groups can be a great way to form connections with other people who have had similar experiences, receive and provide helpful tips, and to have an emotional outlet. If you can’t find a great fit in your community, online support groups can be incredibly helpful resources.

How to Get Help For Reactive Depression

If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of reactive depression, there are many resources that can help. Often, setting up an appointment with a counselor is a good first step to take to get help for depressive symptoms. Those with health insurance for mental health can go through their insurance company to find a list of therapists near them who participate in their insurance network.

Sometimes, a primary care doctor can also be helpful in getting a prescription or a referral for a recommended prescriber. A therapist directory is also a good place to choose a therapist since you can search for someone with the exact specialty you’re looking for.

Those who are struggling with specific issues may also benefit from finding local or online support groups specific to these issues. Hospice is a great resource for bereavement and grief support groups, and local churches often host support groups for issues like divorce, infertility or miscarriage.

There are also countless options online for virtual recovery meetings, support groups, and forums on almost any issue or root cause of reactive depression.

Finding Help For a Loved One

The best thing to do to help a loved one dealing with depression is to encourage them to get professional help. While it can be uncomfortable knowing what to say to someone who is depressed because of stigma or fear of upsetting the person, not saying anything makes it more likely that their symptoms will worsen. The best way to approach this uncomfortable conversation is from a place of care and concern, and to ask about how you can help support them through this difficult time.

Living & Coping With Reactive Depression

In addition to getting professional treatment, there are also some lifestyle changes and ways to cope with situational depression. Many people who become depressed feel less interested and motivated to do things, causing them to isolate themselves, opt out of activities they usually enjoy, and even stop doing the things they need to do.

While it can feel counterintuitive, the best thing to do in these situations is usually to push yourself to follow your normal routine and to do the things you normally enjoy. However, don’t smile through depression (i.e., smiling depression) or hide it from loved ones. Having people in your life who can encourage you to stay active can make a huge difference.

Ways to reduce depressive symptoms include:⁵

• Social interactions can help improve mood, reduce stress, and reduce depression
• Physical exercise boosts brain chemicals that help balance mood and improve energy
• Mindfulness and meditation for depression help to manage stress and its negative impacts
• Take advantage of the benefits of nature on mental health (e.g., decreases stress, improves mood, and boost energy
• Yoga can be helpful in improving physical and mental wellbeing
• Setting and working towards goals can help to feel more hopeful about the future
• Setting boundaries with people and improving work/life balance can be instrumental in reducing stress
• Finding positive emotional outlets like journaling, art, talking with others
• Being consistent with sleep schedule and ensuring you get 7-8 hours per night
• Practicing self-compassion by stopping negative self-talk and self-care and staying attuned to needs

Final Thoughts on Reactive Depression

Dealing with any type of depression on your own can be incredibly challenging and isolating. Don’t be afraid to reach out to trusted loved ones to help you find the treatment that can alleviate your symptoms.

For Further Reading

• Those wanting more information on stress and how to counteract the negative effects of it can learn more on the APA’s Website
• Those wanting more information on depression, anxiety, and ways to cope and find treatment can find more information and resources on the ADAA’s website

Reactive Depression Infographics