When depression is a diagnosable mental illness, it can come and go for a lifetime. Depression can make appearances in someone’s life situationally. For example, depression is one of the five stages of grief outlined by Elizabeth Kubler Ross. After a relationship ends, someone is in grieving. Both parties of a relationship will grieve in their own fashion, but they will both grieve at some point in time. As such, situational depression may be part of their experience of grieving.
Situational depression is true to its name. Though the symptoms may be intense and even mirror major depression, the experience of depression in grieving a recent heartbreak will be short term. Situational depression might last a few weeks or a few months in people who are grieving a relationship. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it might be necessary to contact a therapist, psychiatrist, or a treatment professional.
Symptoms Of Situational Depression After A Breakup
The symptoms of depression are often thought of as melancholy, slowness, and sadness. All of these symptoms can be symptoms of depression. However, depression doesn’t always appear on the outside how it feels to people on the inside. In order to cope with difficult feelings of depression, many people exhibit opposite behaviors like energy, anger, and hyperactivity. Signs of Situational Depression could include:
Pervasive feelings of sadnessLonelinessCryingAngerInsomniaOversleepingLoss of appetiteOvereatingHyperactivityLoss of energy or interest in life
How To Manage Situational Depression After A Breakup
For those who go the route of feeling slowed down, the answer to coping with situational depression is engaging in activities which help produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain, a messaging chemical which helps the brain regulate mood. Low depression is caused in part by a sudden drop in the production of serotonin. Exercise, meditation, yoga, and a healthy diet are all proven ways to boost mood in depression.
For those who turn to hyperactivity to cope, slowing down will be extremely difficult. Slowing down long enough to cry, grieve, and thoroughly feel all the feelings of a break up is hard to do. In order to fully move on and heal, it is a necessary thing to do.
If you or someone you know is having extreme difficulty coping with the loss of a relationship, help is available. Sometimes a few months of clinical support, guidance, healing therapy, and relaxation can help turn a life back around. The Guest House Ocala specializes in the private treatment of traumas, addictions, and related mental health struggles. Call us today for information on our custom programs of care: 1-855-483-7800