Reactive Depression: What It Is, Symptoms And Treatment

Reactive depression is a type of depression that is produced in response to a stressful event in a person’s life. This event can be a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, the breakup of an important relationship, the loss of a job, among others.

Unlike other clinical symptoms of depression, reactive depression has a limited duration and ends when the traumatic event is overcome. In general terms, this pathology lasts a few months, but it can vary depending on the person.

According to the DSM-V⁽¹⁾ Reactive depression can be included within the group of disorders related to trauma and stressors. To establish a proper diagnosis, the following must be met: specific criteria:

• Exposure to traumatic situations real or imaginary.
• Lingering memories.
• Nightmares about the stressful event.
• Distress.
• Avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic moment.
• Difficulty remembering events.
• Decreased interest in participating in social activities.
• Duration of a month or more.
• Deterioration in relationships social, work and/or family.
• The alterations cannot be explained by the ingestion of toxic substances and/or psychiatric medications.

As we have seen, reactive depression is an emotional response to a stressful life event or situation, such as a separation, work, financial or health problems. Symptoms of reactive depression may include:

• Sadness feelings and persistent hopelessness.
• Loss of interest in activities that used to be pleasurable.
• Changes in appetite and in weight.
• Problems sleeping or sleeping too much.
• Fatigue or lack of energy.
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• Difficult to focus or make decisions.
• Recurrent negative thoughts of death or suicide.

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms may also be present in other types of depression, so it is essential talk to a mental health professional to obtain a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

The most common causes of reactive depression can be both environmental and genetic factors. We see them below:

• Environmental factors: This can be any situation that the person has not been able to tolerate, such as the loss of a loved one or a significant relationship, financial or work problems, a serious illness or injury, either of themselves or a loved one, major life changes , like moving to a new city or having a child.
• Genetic factors: Neural connections can be altered after exposure to a stressful event. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to whether cognitive functions function correctly after experiencing a complex situation.

It must be taken into account that not all people who experience stressful situations develop reactive depression. Individual vulnerability, history of trauma and lack of social support can also influence the likelihood of developing reactive depression.

If you want to get out of reactive depression, there are various effective strategies to alleviate the symptoms of this pathology. Discover how to treat this depressive condition with these recommendations:

• Psychological therapy: There are effective therapeutic methods for the treatment of reactive depression. When symptoms appear that imply difficulty in carrying out daily activities, it is important to go to a mental health professional to manage this situation.
• Psychiatric medication: Taking antidepressants reduces the intensity of the symptoms of reactive depression, since it regulates neuronal circuits, thus balancing emotional responses. However, it should be noted that the intake of this type of medication must be supervised by a mental health professional.
• Writing: Write down the thoughts and emotions you experience after the traumatic event. In this way, everything that generates discomfort is externalized and it is possible to adopt another perspective on life.
• Healthy nutrition: Establishing a dietary pattern based on fruits, vegetables, seeds, whole grains and water is essential to maintain a good level of energy.
• Physical exercise: Releasing muscle tension allows you to generate endorphins, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of well-being, and reduces pain.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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