Reactive depression is a psychological disorder that arises in response to a stressful or traumatic event in a person's life. It is characterized by a feeling of deep sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, and difficulties carrying out daily tasks. Although reactive depression shares some symptoms with clinical depression, the main difference lies in its origin, since in reactive depression there is a specific trigger that precedes it.
Symptoms of reactive depression
The symptoms of reactive depression can vary in intensity and duration depending on the person and the magnitude of the event that triggered it. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Persistent feelings of sadness
One of the main characteristics of reactive depression is the constant presence of sadness and melancholy. The person may experience a feeling of emotional emptiness that does not disappear, even in situations that previously brought them joy or satisfaction.
Disinterest in daily activities
People who suffer from reactive depression often lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. They may experience a significant decrease in their motivation and energy, making it difficult to participate in social, work, or recreational activities.
Changes in appetite and weight
Changes in habits Dietary disorders are common in people with reactive depression. Some may experience an increase or decrease in appetite, which can lead to significant weight changes in a short period of time.
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Depression reactive can affect a person's ability to concentrate and make decisions. They may experience difficulty focusing on simple or complex tasks, which can affect their performance at work or in their studies.
Sleep problems
Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or hypersomnia, are common in people with reactive depression. They may have difficulty falling asleep, wake up during the night, or experience excessive daytime sleepiness.
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
People with reactive depression may experience an overwhelming sense of worthlessness. guilt, self-criticism or worthlessness. They may attribute responsibility for the triggering event to their own actions or believe that they are not capable of handling the situation.
Common causes of reactive depression
Reactive depression can be triggered by various factors stressful or traumatic events in a person's life. Some of the most common causes include:
Loss of a loved one
The death of a loved one can be one of the most common triggers for reactive depression. Grieving the loss of a family member, friend or pet can generate a deep feeling of sadness and hopelessness in the affected person.
Relationship problems
Interpersonal conflicts, such as a breakup of a romantic relationship, family problems or work disputes, can trigger episodes of reactive depression. Difficulties in personal relationships can significantly affect a person's emotional well-being.
Traumatic events
Exposure to traumatic events, such as natural disasters, serious accidents, or violent situations, can trigger reactive depression in some people. Experiencing shocking events can generate a deep emotional and psychological impact that triggers depressive symptoms.
Work or academic problems
Problems at work, such as job loss, stress work or conflicts with coworkers can be triggers of reactive depression. Likewise, academic problems, such as academic failure or excessive pressure to perform, can contribute to the development of depression in students.
Chronic illnesses or disabilities
Chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, or serious medical conditions can be triggers for reactive depression. The experience of dealing with an illness or disability can generate feelings of sadness, frustration and hopelessness in the affected person.
Conclusions
In conclusion, reactive depression is a psychological disorder that arises as a response to stressful or traumatic events in a person's life. It is characterized by a deep feeling of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, and difficulties carrying out daily tasks. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of reactive depression and seek professional help if necessary to adequately address this disorder and regain emotional well-being.