MENTAL HEALTH
Situational Depression: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
March 24, 2020
Symptom Guides > Mental Health > Situational Depression: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

by
Dr. Chesney Fowler
Dr. Fowler is an emergency medicine physician and received her MD from George Washington University. She completed her residency in emergency medicine at Christiana Care Health System. In addition to her work at K Health, Dr. Fowler is a practicing emergency medicine physician in Washington, DC.
Depression treatment starting at $19/month.
Start your free assessment to see if you’re eligible
Depression is incredibly common: every year, more than 16 million American adults experience a major depressive episode. While most types of depression occur due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, situational depression—also known as adjustment disorder or reactive depression—is a type of depression that takes place after a traumatic or difficult life event.
Situational depression symptoms can mirror other kinds of depression, causing you to feel sad, anxious, or disinterested in normal activities. If these symptoms interfere with your everyday functioning, a doctor might diagnose you with situational depression and recommend medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes to help you cope.
Usually, situational depression resolves with time as you recover from the triggering event. But sometimes, situational depression can be more severe and persistent. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical care if you suspect you have situational depression.
In this article, I’ll explain:
“Every year, more than 16 million American adults experience a major depressive episode.”
Want to feel better fast? Get personalized answers about your symptoms.
Depression treatment starting at $19/month. Start free assessment to see if you’re eligible.

by
Dr. Chesney Fowler
Dr. Fowler is an emergency medicine physician and received her MD from George Washington University. She completed her residency in emergency medicine at Christiana Care Health System. In addition to her work at K Health, Dr. Fowler is a practicing emergency medicine physician in Washington, DC.
Up Next
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Related Articles
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments