I have a question about depression?

Question

I was just wondering if any of you who suffer from depression have ever questioned if your depression was clinical or situational. I was diagnosed with clinical, but sometimes I think mine is more based on the situations at hand. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Thank you everyone! Great responses! I think I should have elaborated more, my apologies. I am 35 and I have been married for almost 15 years. I noticed that shortly after we got married and then had our baby girl right away..the depression started and kept getting worse. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that "these great people" made me depressed. I am saying that it seems odd that this is when it started and I haven't been able to kick it since. I mean...just off and on. I have never been suicidal( so sorry for those of you who have suffered that way). I developed a weight problem when I was pregnant with our 1st child. My therapist once told me that if I lost the weight, I would lose half the depression. I have never lost it...lost some, then gained some. Anyhow, there are some more facts. Thanks again everyone.

Answer 1

If you can change the situation without causing hardship to yourself or anyone else, and if the depression then lessens, I would guess that it was caused at least in part by the situation.
This is something I would suggest only if you talk it over with the doctor and get his/her support throughout the change, and after. Good luck.

Answer 2

First off, if at all possible make certain that you are under the care of a medical professional as you work through your depression -- clinical, situational, or otherwise.

Unfortunately, without knowing what your situation is that you believe is the root cause of your depression it will be difficult to answer. I would tend to think that unless these situations you mention are exceptionally bad, you are most likely clinically depressed as you were diagnosed.

If you can, and I completely understand this may be impossible, discontinue putting yourself in these situations that you believe are making your depressed. If this is an option and as a result you find you're no longer having problems, then you know it was those situations that were affecting you.

Answer 3

Doctors can't tell you for 100% whether it's clinical or situational. They can only give it their best guess. And sometimes it can be both. If you feel that your current situation is causing you to be depressed, then it is. You know yourself better than anyone.


After reading the second half of your question, and now seeing your situation. If I read everything right, you said that it started when you had your baby. It sounds like you have post-partum depression. Some people think that it only lasts for a couple months. But in more severe cases it can be permanent. There's a LOT more to post-partum depression than people think. Go to this website and see what you think. If you think it sounds right, talk to your doctor. As with any depression they can put you on an anti-depressant to help. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

depression that is ongoing even though not considered severe is clinical. situational depression can clear up by its self and it does not return.

if you have been diagnosed with clinical depression make sure
you treat it, otherwise odds are in time it will worsen and your symptoms and life will spiral out of control before and quicker than you will realize.
achieving stability from that point can be a long and difficult journey.you should include therapy in your treatment plan as this should always be the primary source of treatment. look into joining support groups in your area as they in its self can be most helpful.

i did not seek treatment for my mild clinic depression until i was in my 30's (1993) after have a severe mental breakdown. my depression evolved and became so severe that it included that included 3 sudden major suicide attempts in 9 months. after that i was not able to achieve stability until 1997. those years became the worst in my life and could have been easily avoided had i correctly sought treatment for my mild ,manageable clinical depression in the 1st place.

i am happy to say that i am now leading a wonderful, happy and full life and have not had a major depressive episode since 1997. i maintain my stability with the on going use of meds and maintenance therapy. and i probably will always have to. but that is fine with me as i have seen the other-side and never want to be there again I
best of luck to you....doda

Answer 5

I've seen other questions pertaining to the differences between clinical and situational depression. My opinion is that clinical depression or a person with a tendency toward depression may have their symptoms exacerbated by circumstances in their life. Diagnoses may also have to do with doctor's familiarity with the issues at hand or any bias toward one term or the other. After all, I think that is what it boils down to, you experienced symptoms of depression which deprived you of a normal functioning life. Investigate ways to control these symptoms with either medication or lifestyle changes, and you should notice a world of difference.

Answer 6

i don't think there's such a thing as clinical or situational depression. it is said that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. maybe it is. but if that were the case, then the meds that are supposed to correct it would work. what i'm saying is that yeah, things happen to contribute to depression. i know that from experience, as i was diagnosed with chronic depression. if you do have questions about it, talk to the doctor that diagnosed you. if he can't help, get a second opinion.

Answer 7

I suffered from major depression at a very young age. It continued through my teens and into adult life. I can remember being 5 years old and frozen with depression sitting under my back porch for hours. Today, I take Wellbutrin, Abilify and Zoloft and I haven't been depressed for about 6 years now so it's probably clinical....)(

Answer 8

It is normal to be more depressed when situations are not great in your life. Even non depressed people have these feelings of sadness or sorrow. So even though you { Like me } suffer from a chemical imbalance it can be worse when bad things are going on in our lives. I wish you all the luck in the world . Stay close to your Doctor and keep your meds. up to date .

Answer 9

I was diagnosed a few years ago with clinical depression,I have it all the time, I don't even want to leave my house anymore, I feel like people are watching me. It sucks if I didn't have children I think I would end my existence

Answer 10

Life is about a lot of bull sh*t.Depression like other mental states and emotions are part of life. They WILL GOT THROUGH YOUR HEAD.Chill, don't sweat it.Enjoy life to the fullest,this earth is not going to last an eternity. At least you won't live for ever.Keep your mind blank from all thought and breath deeply.Have deep talks with close friends or relatives.Talking helps.