Depression is a very common condition that most adults will deal with from time to time. Oftentimes, depression can be caused by changes in life we aren’t ready or able to adapt to. We depend on stability to stay mentally grounded, and when our routine is thrown out of whack, we can get what’s called situational depression. It can be triggered by aging, job changes, loss of friends, family conflict, or even the changing seasons. 

Whatever that depression-triggering stressor might be- it’s important to get to the root of it. Left untreated, mild situational depression can advance and have really negative effects on your success, happiness, and wellbeing. Depression affects how you feel, think, behave, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, and working. It can also negatively affect your relationships with others. 

It will affect almost every area of your life, but it can still be tricky to identify. It’s not as obvious as you might think it is! 

You might be experiencing situational depression if…

1. You feel really tired but still can’t get to sleep at night.
2. You’ve lost interest in your work, family, or friendships that would normally bring you purpose and joy.
3. You’re a very hard working person who suddenly can’t find motivation.
4. Your personality has recently changed, especially if you’re now more angry and irritable than usual. 
5. You’ve lost interest in sex and romance. 
6. You can’t concentrate no matter how hard you try. 
7. You’re feeling a persistent sense of hopelessness. 

Not to worry though, depression is very commonly treated by mental health professionals, and it can be beat! Seeing a professional is the most effective way to deal with depression. They’ll be able to give you healthy coping practices, talk you through the root causes of your depression, and give tips,medications and other treatment plans. We also understand that many people want to get a head start on treating their depression, so here are some things you can do to help yourself. 

Ways to help yourself beat situational depression: 

1. Make a plan! Evaluate the root causes of your situational depression, and work towards alleviating those root causes and finding a resolution. 
2. Continue to check in with yourself. Re-evaluate your situation, take your mental temperature, and adjust your habits and coping mechanisms accordingly.
3. Talk to friends and family. You can make them aware of your situational lean on them for love and support. If you don’t have someone to talk to, our therapists are here to listen! 
4. Bring structure into your life, make a routine, and stick to it. Stability is key!
5. Don’t be hard on yourself. It is okay to seek help and work through a situation.
6. Think through all possible options. Oftentimes, we narrow our options and dismiss them prematurely which makes us feel restricted. Thinking outside the box to find solutions for your situation is great for getting you out of the rut. Therapists can help brainstorm and ask questions to further your thinking.
7. Don’t make rash decisions. Think about what the normal you would do.Think through how decisions will affect other aspects of your life. Talking to others whether they be friends, family, and therapists to bring perspective into your life can be a big help when trying to make the right choices. 

You should talk to a mental health professional if..

1. You need someone to help explain and validate what you’re going through. 
2. You feel like you can’t talk to friends and family about your depression 
3. Your situational depression lasts longer than two weeks. 
4. Get help sooner before it becomes a bigger issue.
5. You can’t shake it, and it’s affecting your work and home life in negative ways. 
6. Everything seems overwhelming. 
7. Others notice that you’re acting differently, and are concerned that “something’s wrong.” 
8. You want someone to help you bring happiness back into your life. 

If you feel like you might be experiencing situational depression, remember that you’re not alone. It’s so common, and easy to beat with the right help. The mental health professionals at WellQor can help you overcome depression, and live a happier, healthier life. 

About WellQor

WellQor is a telebehavioral healthcare company focused on mental health for mature adults. With a national network of licensed mental health providers specializing in mature adult issues, WellQor helps people 45 and older with therapy for depression, grief, anxiety and other mental health issues in the context of mid-life and later life experiences. Our counselors and therapists help seniors and mature adults with major life transitions, changes in health and mobility, developing mental health issues and temporary periods of stress or depression often associated with aging. WellQor patients access services on an easy-to-use, secure web and mobile telehealth platform that makes things both simple and private. Visit WellQor.com for more information and to check insurance coverage by state.