Situational vs. Clinical Depression: What’s the Difference?
Depression, as a whole, can affect millions of people across the world each year. It’s a complex emotional experience that takes on different forms, each one having its own nuances.
The two most common variations are situational depression and clinical depression. They both share similar symptoms, but have separate underlying causes and duration times. Additionally, the management approaches used for each will vary.
Understanding the key differences is crucial for knowing which direction to seek the appropriate type of support. Here, we’ll explore the distinctions between the two and give guidance on how they can be best addressed.
The Cause and Triggers
Situational Depression
This type of depression is caused by a traumatic event or some significantly stressful experience. Things like the loss of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, job loss or retirement, moving, or receiving a major health diagnosis can all lead to mental health challenges.
Clinical Depression
When you’re dealing with clinical depression, it can stem from a wider variety of causes. You may be facing a genetic predisposition if family members have dealt with depression. Depression could be caused by brain chemistry or hormonal imbalances. Even chronic stress levels can impact the onset of depression.
Duration Time
Situational Depression
Once you’ve experienced some traumatic or negative life event, the onset of depression is within the first three months. While everyone may experience things differently, the depression will typically resolve within six months. Once the stressor is removed, the depression has the chance to heal.
Clinical Depression
When you’re dealing with clinical depression, any symptoms you’re experiencing are present for at least two weeks and have no set endpoint. These symptoms can persist for a few months or continue for years when you’re not seeking out treatment for them.
The Severity Level
Situational Depression
Symptoms of situational depression are typically on the mild side and directly linked to the event that caused them. You may experience sadness tied to your loss, anxiety, sleep disruptions, and a challenging time coping in the immediate time.
Clinical Depression
With this type of depression, more severe symptoms are likely to manifest. They’re also more persistent and relentless. You may experience a more persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, or guilt. There may be a loss of interest in activities that you previously enjoyed. In more extreme cases, suicidal thoughts can occur.
Obtaining a Diagnosis
Situational Depression
In professional terms, situational depression is not considered a standalone disorder. It’s more often considered an adjustment disorder with depressed mood as a side effect.
Clinical Depression
This one does have a standalone diagnosis, with certain requirements needing to be met. You must have at least five symptoms for that minimum time of two weeks.
Management Options
Situational Depression
If you’re experiencing symptoms related to a major life event, it’s likely that your symptoms will start to resolve with time, a bit of patience, and a support system. There’s an added benefit if you seek out stress management strategies and/or certain talk therapy options.
Clinical Depression
If you are dealing with clinical depression, on the other hand, you may require a little extra support. This could be a combination of therapy, coping mechanisms, and medication. Management of symptoms can involve more long-term treatment and require monitoring for the effectiveness of your treatment.
Getting Started
Whether you have situational depression, clinical depression, or any other variant, you don’t have to struggle to the point where your symptoms interfere with your quality of life. Help is available in multiple forms.
Starting with depression therapy can improve your day-to-day functioning and lessen the severity and longevity of symptoms. Regardless of your situation, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about your options and start your personalized path to healing.
