Situational Depression

Misty Said:

How do you beat situational depression if you can't change your situation?

We Answered:

Embrace it, or move. Just doing what you can to affect the situation (e.g. global poverty, climate change, etc) can make you feel better, even knowing you can't change the world to your own desire. Apart from that, focusing part of every day on something you enjoy will help. If you hold your nose against the rough bark of a tree it will hurt. If you step back you'll see the tree is only one part of a forest - and most of it is good. Similarly if you focus on pain it will consume you - but if you open your mind to other things, it becomes just one part of a life which is up to you to live.

Dennis Said:

What's the difference between clinical and situational depression?

We Answered:

Clinical depression doesn't get better on its own. Medical help is needed. Situational depression will lessen and go away. Sometimes a boost with St. John's Wart helps. My best advice, make an appointment with your family doctor or any doctor you feel comfortable talking to.

Myrtle Said:

How can I help someone i know with situational depression?

We Answered:

First: Research. If you don't know much about depression, it's harder to recognize dangerous symptoms and be able to offer some relief.

Second: Listen. Although you may think that the last thing your friend wants to do is talk to you about depression, you could be wrong. Sometimes a friend just needs someone to talk to. Actively listen without judging or giving advice.

Third: Acknowledge. Tell the person suffering from depression that you've noticed that they seem down or depressed lately.

Fourth: Find out why your friend is depressed. Ask them if there is anything you can do to help.

Fifth: Try to understand. Every person's story is different, and so it is impossible to completely understand. However, keeping an open mind and putting yourself in your friend's shoes can help you come closer to them.

Sixth: Don't tell your friend that life is still worth living and that this situation will improve and the sadness will get better. This trivializes their pain and will not help.

Seventh: Be patient. Because depression is heavy, slow moving and unpredictable, it can frustrate and even anger those who are trying to help. Remember that depression is a complex disease, and try to understand that the depressed person is not herself right now.

Eighth: Encourage your friend not to abuse drugs. People with depression can be much more vulnerable to the negative effects that occur when recreational drugs wear off.

Ninth: Don't push too hard. If it makes your friend feel worse to face up to their problems, do not force them to continue. Sometimes analysing a person's past can make them feel worse rather than better; in this case, focus on how they feel now and how they want to be in future, and forget whatever caused them to feel depressed. Leave it in the past until they are ready to either deal with it or let it go.

Gregory Said:

What type of medication is good for situational depression?

We Answered:

Since a psychiatrist or other medical professional will have to prescribe the medication, they would know best. I am taking amitriptalene, and that seems to be helping me, but everyone is different.

Jose Said:

My therapist says I have situational depression, what does that mean?

We Answered:

It just means that your depression is being caused by things going on in your life and not the result of a chemical imbalance.

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