How to Heal When Life Feels Broken-Situational Depression

Situational depression is a temporary depression that occurs in response to a specific stressful or traumatic event. I’ve been in several traffic accidents, and each time I fall into a depression whether it’s my fault or not. It’s a fear of mine.

I’ve got some anxiety mixed in with the depression—it’s the classic “what if” spiral. It’s been a tough, traumatic experience, and my brain just needs some time to work through it. A lot of people deal with depression for different reasons, like losing a loved one, a job, a relationship, financial struggles, or big life changes. It happens, and it’s okay to take the time you need.

Situational depression is usually identified by looking at a person’s history, symptoms, and recent triggering events. It’s also worth noting that situational depression is different from major depressive disorder, which is a more serious and long-lasting condition.

Causes of situational depression

Situational depression often happens after a major life change. It could be something like moving to a new city, starting a new job, or going through a breakup or divorce. These changes can feel overwhelming and bring up emotions like uncertainty, loss, or fear, which could lead to situational depression.

Stress could also be a factor. We all deal with stress in our daily lives, whether it’s from work, school, relationships, or other responsibilities. When we’re under a lot of stress, our bodies release cortisol, which can lower the levels of serotonin and dopamine—the chemicals that help us feel good.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Triggering Events: Situational depression arises from specific events or situations that cause significant distress, including:
- Loss: Death of a loved one, loss of a job, or the end of a relationship.
- Life Changes: Divorce, illness, redundancy, or financial problems.
- Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic injury or natural disaster.
- Other stressors: Living in a dangerous area, rejection, or financial problems.

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Situational depression symptoms

Here are some symptoms, such as:

Mood swings

Mood swings, from one extreme to another. Especially being bipolar, I was susceptible to that. But when you experience a traumatic event in your life, your brain cannot handle the stress, and your mood goes out the window.

One minute, you’re as calm as a cucumber, the next you’re bouncing off the walls. The aftermath of the event has a mind of its own. You try to stay calm, but your brain is processing the event. There may be fear, or there may be sadness.

Depending on the event, your body may go into shock. That happened to me when I tried to end my life. I couldn’t process what I had just done. I still denied it all throughout my hospital stay. Then, when I finally accepted what had happened, I couldn’t stop crying.

Anxiety symptoms

I’m all too familiar with anxiety symptoms, since I suffer daily. You may be anxious about what happened to you. That’s part of your brain trying to grasp the severity of the situation. “Did that really happen?” you might think.

With situational depression, anxiety is a reaction to external stimuli. You may deny the event, or be completely unaware of what just happened. You may go into shock. That happens to me when I experience a traumatic event.

You might freeze right before the event happens. I do the “what if’s” a lot. I could have prevented the accidents if I hadn’t froze so many times. But, you can’t blame yourself, that’s exactly how your body reacts.

Loss of interest

With situational depression, you lose interest in things quickly that you once cherished. Depression can take away all that you hold dear to you, even if it’s for a short time. It steals your happiness and replaces it with sorrow.

But the situation doesn’t have to be like that. You can come out fighting on the other end. I always believed there was a silver lining waiting for me at the end of the road. I would and will not stop until I find it.

There is always a positive to a negative. Don’t think that this is it, I’m done. Keep searching for the light, and your life will become brighter and brighter. That’s the bad thing about depression, we dim or smother out the light.

Social withdrawal

Social withdrawal is prominent with situational depression (or any depression). When you’re depressed, you don’t want to be seen by anyone. You withdraw from your friends and family. And then the world itself.

You hide even from yourself. You try to withdraw inside yourself, so you don’t have to feel. Again, it doesn’t have to be like that. Go through the stages of depression, and you should be OK on the other side. This doesn’t have to be permanent.

Look inward of how far you’ve come with your life. Celebrate it! You’ve been through something traumatic, but you will break free of the depression. Don’t dwell on the event, because that will make depression hang around a lot longer.

Emptiness

Emptiness is something you don’t ever want to feel. It leaves a hole in your heart and soul. You feel like you are nothingness. Why do you even exist? It can be very detrimental to the person experiencing the depression.

But on the flip side, you were put on this planet, because you are someone special. God wouldn’t have put you here if He thought you couldn’t handle life’s situations. Plus, hopefully you have friends and family that are supporting you.

So, don’t think you aren’t worth anything. People care about you, even strangers. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to lend you a helping hand.

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Difference between clinical depression and situational depression

Clinical depression is something that stays with you for the rest of your life. Situational depression only hangs around as long as you let it after a traumatic event. Clinical depression is what I was diagnosed with when I was sixteen years old.

I’ve been on several meds because of it. It hangs onto you for the rest of your life. Some people (like me) coexist with it as long as the meds are working. For situational depression, the doctor may temporarily put you on meds.

Of course, I believe situational depression is easier to deal with. It’s easier to work on an event than your whole life of depression. Plus, clinical depression seems so ominous. You expect something bad will happen.

Situational depression, how long does it last?

Situational depression usually lasts a few months, but if the source of stress continues, it could stick around a bit longer. So, you need to get rid of the stressor if possible. If it’s -say, a traffic accident, you can’t get rid of that, but you can choose how to deal with it.

Work your way through the process of situational depression. While the duration is shorter, the months a person experiences situational depression can be very difficult, and the depression can be severe.

But don’t let that stop you. You will persevere. You just have to believe in yourself, even if no one else will. It all starts with you. So, don’t throw a pity party for your sake. Stand back up on both feet and fight this.

Treatment for situational depression

Medication for situational depression

While medication may not always be necessary, it can be helpful in some cases.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Here are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for situational depression. They help boost serotonin levels in your brain, which can lift your mood and ease anxiety. A few examples include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs help boost serotonin levels, but they also increase norepinephrine levels as well. Some common examples of SNRIs are venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Older antidepressants can be a solid option for severe or treatment-resistant depression. They work by increasing important neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine to help improve your mood. Some common examples include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Benzodiazepines

These medications can be helpful for easing anxiety and insomnia that often come with situational depression. However, it’s important to use them cautiously and only for a short time, as they can be habit-forming. A few common examples include diazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam.

Important Considerations

Medication should always be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional who takes the time to understand your unique situation and medical history.
Medication treatment is usually short-term, lasting just a few weeks to a few months.
Hence, medication can work with other therapies, like psychotherapy, to offer well-rounded treatment.
Make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and take your medication exactly as prescribed!
Side effects may happen, so be sure to let your healthcare professional know right away.

Alternative Therapies

Get Moving in Nature

a short haired woman in white tank top with her hand on her face

Getting out into nature changes your perspective about life. You stop worrying about the small things, and look at the bigger picture. You appreciate the simple things (animals, trees, flowers) more.

Ground Yourself to the Earth

My favorite grounding technique is to pretend you have roots growing out of the bottom of your feet into the soil below. Feel how the soil might feel between your toes, and wiggle them. You are one with mother earth.

Creative Visualization

My favorite imaginary place is this beautiful island in the middle of the ocean. There is a waterfall as you go deeper in the lush forest. I stand underneath the waterfall and let the water cascade all over me. I hear the birds singing. Just let your imagination run wild.

Cuddle an Animal

Cuddling with an animal will always brighten your day, especially if you’re an animal lover like me. They can sense when something is wrong with you, and they try to make it better. Unconditional love.

Help Others

Helping others always makes you feel good inside. Whether greeting elders at a nursing home, or helping out a homeless person, makes me happy. Helping those in need puts a smile on my face.

Overcoming situational depression

Overcoming situational depression is something that you’re going to work hard for, depending on how bad it is. Resilience building will help you in every way. It will give you the confidence to push forward through the depression.

Be kind to yourself—recovery takes time, and it’s normal to have ups and downs. Celebrate the little wins along the way; every bit of progress matters, no matter how small. And most importantly, don’t give up. With the right support and strategies, you can move past situational depression and feel like yourself again.

Never fear the unknown in depression. You will be guided through by so many people who want to help you. You’ll be surprised. So, you’re never alone in your journey.

Sum It All Up

Situational depression is the epidemy of having a stressful event that your brain needs time to process. It usually lasts a few months, depending on the situation. It can also be severe. But, I know you will make it through it because you’re a tough cookie.

You are very resilient and will push past this. Nothing can stop you. Talking to and connecting with friends and family is a surefire way to get through this. Taking up a new hobby, or engaging with an existing interest, is another way to push forward.

There are many ways to help you get through this, you just have to implement them. Don’t be one of those that fall by the wayside. You’re stronger than that. Lots of love. Until next time…