Depression is a common mental health condition, but if you believe you might be suffering from this it helps to know what type you may have so you can seek the appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression after a significant event in life, you could be suffering from something called reactive depression. 

Here, we are taking a closer look at reactive depression, the signs and symptoms, the causes and triggers, how it differs from other types of depression, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how to access treatment and support, as well as a few self-care tips that could help you see a difference straight away.

At Augmentive, we aim to provide holistic, tailored mental health support to everyone so they can live their life to the fullest, so if you have questions about reactive depression, we’re here to help. 

What is depression?

Depression is more than feeling sad. There are a lot of emotions, thoughts and physical sensations involved with depression, and these can come on either without warning or reason, or as the result of a particular event. Depression can cause symptoms such as persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in usual activities or hobbies, fatigue, lack of motivation, trouble focusing, trouble sleeping, physical symptoms and more. These symptoms can cause major issues in a person's life and interrupt daily functioning. 

Worldwide, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression, so it is a common mental health condition that requires diagnosis and treatment the same as any physical condition.

“Sometimes it feels like a black hole but sometimes it feels like I need to cry and scream and kick and shout. Sometimes I go quiet and lock myself in my room and sometimes I have to be doing something at all times of the day to distract myself.” – Anonymous, via Mind.org.uk 

What is reactive depression?

Reactive depression is sometimes referred to as situational depression or exogenous depression, and is thought to be a short-term type of depression caused by a particular event, such as a traumatic experience or a big life change. 

While ‘endogenous’ means depression that comes “from within” and does not have a particular cause, ‘exogenous’ means depression that comes from the outside with a specific event to blame for a person’s stark shift in mood. 

Unlike clinical depression, which is thought to have biological or genetic roots, reactive depression can be a natural and almost expected response to external circumstances, however it should not affect a person’s daily functioning on a long-term basis.  

Although temporary, this form of depression can have a profound impact, and can cause just as serious symptoms as any other types of depression, including a risk of suicide. For this reason, it should not be considered a milder version of depression, and should be treated with the same gravity as others. 

Reactive depression is sometimes categorised as an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood based on the criteria in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). The DSM-V states that an adjustment disorder may be characterised by “emotional or behavioural symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor(s) occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor(s)”. It also suggests that this reaction to an external stressor is likely to last less than six months.

What sort of events might trigger reactive depression?

Reactive depression is thought to be caused by a response to a significant life event or big change, so this can come about through a number of circumstances that will be unique to the individual, including:

• Death of a loved one
• Losing a job
• A traumatic accident
• A major surgery 
• A worrying diagnosis 
• Abuse
• A natural disaster
• Divorce or the end of a relationship 
• Financial strain
• Legal stresses 
• Chronic illness

Keep in mind that positive experiences can lead to reactive depression as well as negative ones, such as: 

• Moving to a new city
• Getting married 
• Starting a new school or job
• Leaving school or a job 
• Birth of a child 

It is thought that both types of depression – endogenous and exogenous – could be present at the same time, as a person who is already at risk of depression may find this is triggered by an adverse event or big change. Research has also looked at the possibility that certain people are more susceptible to reactive depression than others, since not everyone experiences depression after a stressful event. 

How does reactive depression differ from other types of depression?

There are many different types of depression that are triggered for different reasons. Here are a few of the most common types: 

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – This is a period of depression that people most often feel during the winter when there is a lack of sunlight.
• Postnatal Depression – In the weeks and months after giving birth, some women may experience postnatal depression due to hormone-related issues.  
• Dysthymia (also known as Chronic Depression) – This is a mild depression but it is thought to last for a long time, usually 2+ years.
• Psychotic Depression – This is a more intense bout of depression that may be considered an ‘episode’ and can lead to hallucinations in some cases.
• Endogenous Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) –  A persistent and intense feeling of sadness due to no identifiable external reason.  
• Work Depression – Studies have found a clear correlation between occupational burnout, stress and depression, so some people may experience depression due to work-related stress. You can learn more in our article; What To Know About Work Depression, And How To Tackle It

Reactive depression is different from other types of depression in that it has a distinct, identifiable trigger, and tends to emerge as the result of an external event or stressor. 

Unlike other types of depression which may be the result of a low amount of stress building up over time (work depression), a mental health issue (psychotic depression) or a more general type of depression that has no triggering factor (endogenous depression), reactive depression is more like, for example, postnatal depression as it is caused by a specific event that others can perceive as stressful.

How does reactive depression differ from grief or trauma?

It is important to identify the difference between reactive depression and other immediate reactions to certain stressful situations. For example, the death of a loved one can trigger reactive depression, but it will also undoubtedly lead to grief, which is a normal, healthy process that happens when someone dies and we mourn their absence. 

Reactive depression can occur in response to a number of stressful situations, but grief is an emotional response to loss, specifically. Similarly, reactive depression can be the result of a traumatic experience, but trauma is often caused by experiences that cause distress or harm, and leave a lingering sense of this. 

Reactive depression, trauma and grief can all lead to feelings of sadness, longing and emptiness, and grief and trauma can both eventually turn into depression, however they are all slightly different and require a different type of treatment. 

For clarity:

• Grief = A response to loss involving death. If feelings of depression persist, a person may be diagnosed with persistent complex bereavement disorder, which is characterised by prolonged and excessive grief.
• Trauma = A response to harm or threat. If feelings of depression persist, a person may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Reactive Depression = A response to a major life event. If feelings of depression persist, a person may be diagnosed with another type of chronic depression after some time has passed. 

How long does reactive depression last for?

There is no way to tell exactly how long depression will last for, and each type of depression will be different. Certain studies have found reactive depression is a typical response to a major life event, and usually lasts no longer than around two weeks. For depression that lasts longer than two weeks and is affecting a person’s daily functioning, they may be diagnosed with a more significant depressive disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms of reactive depression?

The signs and symptoms of reactive depression are very similar to that of other types of depression. Some of the main symptoms that occur include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in usual activities or hobbies
• Pulling away from friends and family 
• Fatigue and reduced energy 
• Lack of motivation
• Irritability or agitation 
• Brain fog and trouble focusing
• Trouble sleeping
• Changes in eating patterns, weight loss or weight gain 
• Ignoring personal hygiene 
• Impaired performance at work 
• Low self-esteem 
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches and more 
• Suicidal ideation

Symptoms that are specific to reactive depression tend to include:

• Listlessness
• Withdrawal from usual activities and loved ones
• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Loss of focus 
• Frequent crying episodes 
• Anxiety and worry
• Suicidal ideation 

How is reactive depression diagnosed?

In some cases, reactive depression could be easier to diagnose than other types of depression because there is often a significant event preceding it, which can be identified by the person themselves and the medical professional they see. However, this is not always the case. 

Diagnosing reactive depression will still involve a comprehensive assessment to distinguish it from other mood disorders, and this usually involves a thorough evaluation of medical history, and questions about any recent life events, big changes or sources of stress. Often criteria from the DSM-V will be used to establish what type of depression the person has, and rule out other potential causes like medical conditions or substance abuse. 

If you are unsure about what could be causing your reactive depression, you may want to ask yourself things like:

• What is causing me the most stress in life right now?
• Has anything happened recently that has altered my lifestyle?
• Have I recently experienced something that feels traumatic?

How can reactive depression be treated?

Treating reactive depression often involves addressing the underlying triggers (such as the significant event that caused the depression) and the individual needs of the person (such as the type of treatment option that will suit them and their lifestyle). 

Keep in mind that if you consider your depression symptoms to be mild, you may wish to wait a while to see if your symptoms improve on their own over time without treatment. In any case, you should always let someone know how you are feeling in case your symptoms get worse or you need to talk. If you feel your depression symptoms are moderate or severe, and you think you need to seek support, there are many treatment options that can help: 

• Analytical Psychotherapy – This type of therapy is based on the idea that unresolved, unconscious conflicts can lead to depression. The aim with this therapy is to identify and work through the issues in your life that have led to you feeling this way. With the help of a therapist, you can identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping skills, and improve interpersonal relationships as a result.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – This is a specific type of therapy that tackles negative thoughts before they exacerbate issues further. By combining cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy, therapists can help you to unlearn problematic behaviours by identifying and changing destructive thought patterns. 
• Systemic therapy – This type of therapy focuses on relationships in the family, friends, at work and other dynamics to help improve communication, address issues, and reduce symptoms of depression as a result. 
• Medications – Psychiatrists or doctors can prescribe certain medications to help treat depression. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can help to address symptoms of depression alongside various forms of therapy. 

What are some self-care tips to help cope with symptoms?

While seeking appropriate treatment is important, there are also additional things you can do yourself at home that can complement traditional treatments and improve symptoms of reactive depression. These include things like:

• Establish a consistent routine
• Get adequate sleep by going to bed at the same time each night 
• Eat a diet of nutritious foods 
• Do regular exercise to improve your mood by increasing endorphins
• Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment, even if you don’t feel like it 
• Spend regular time outside getting fresh air 
• Connect with your loved ones and talk to them about how you feel, if you are comfortable doing so 
• Try mindfulness activities like meditation and breathwork 
• Set goals – these do not need to be big goals, just small, achievable ones 
• If you experience work stress, take steps to alleviate this – you may want to speak to your manager or delegate more tasks to colleagues 

As reactive depression is often triggered by a change in your life or a significant event, you should also look at doing anything you can to alleviate the root cause of the stress. For example, if your depression has been triggered by a relationship breakup, you could cut contact with an ex partner if they are causing you stress or anger, and spend more time with friends who have a positive attitude. Similarly, if your depression has been triggered by moving away from family to a new city, try connecting with your family members more regularly on the phone, organising to visit them, and taking steps to explore your new city. 

How do I access treatment and support?

Navigating reactive depression can feel daunting, but taking steps to access the treatment and support you need is an excellent first step towards recovering and moving on from whatever trigger event has caused you to feel this way. 

You can reach out to your GP to discuss how you are feeling, treatment options, and any support groups or other resources in your area. Alternatively, speak to a private mental health professional who can assess your needs and provide various forms of therapy to address your specific issues and get you back to feeling like yourself again. 

At Augmentive, our specialists can diagnose and treat depression using a mix of therapy and medication where needed. We offer a free 15 minute consultation to help guide you towards the best practitioner who can help with the specific issues you are facing, and has experience in treating reactive depression.

Please note: Augmentive is not an emergency mental health service, so if you are having suicidal thoughts you should call Samaritans on 116 123 or reach out to someone you trust for help. 

Whether you’re feeling off-kilter or want to shake up your routine, our state-of-the-art mental wellbeing platform gives you quick and seamless access to world-class support on your terms, from private psychiatric assessments to helping you find a therapist for support on your journey.

If you have a question about mental health, like if reflexology for depression really works, we’re here to assist on your journey. Our free 15 minute consultation can guide you to the most relevant specialists to answer your questions and discuss next steps.