Have you ever had to deal with reactive depression? Most people have.

Do you find that your mood is low for large periods of the day and you generally feel ‘down in the dumps’? Has your motivation to do things you previously enjoyed decreased? Do you often feel weepy or irritable? Do you find that your confidence is low and you generally have a poor opinion of yourself?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, you may be experiencing reactive depression symptoms and you may find this blog helpful.

Reactive depression is a common condition that many people have to deal with as a result of life stressors. Not everyone may admit that they have this type of depression or even know that they have it so often it goes undiagnosed.

What is Reactive Depression?

All of us had seen the ‘highs and lows’ of life.

A problem knocks your door – you get upset for a while – you find out the solution and get over it! This is the basic ‘funda’ of life. But, not for everyone! There are people who get stuck in the ‘situation’ and find themselves unable to move forward.

They feel tired all the time, don’t feel like eating, and get a feeling of the ‘lone survivor’ on the planet. People close to them will just say “C’mon dude, move on! Get a life!”

Think about it the other way – Given a choice, who wants to feel SAD and remain with the feeling forever?

It is a medical condition known as REACTIVE DEPRESSION.

Reactive depression is a subtype of clinical depression, also called an adjustment disorder with depressive mood. The depressed state in such a situation is directly linked to an external event.

The reasons for depression may vary from person to person:

• the death of a loved one
• break-ups or abusive relationship
• loss of a job
• rejection or harassment (at work, school, social circle)
• accident
• major life changes including shifting to a new place, separation from people, and retirement

Tell-tale signs of reactive depression

It is normal to feel ‘uncomfortable’ during situations like changing a city, getting admission in a new school, or experiencing rejection at the workplace. But if you have been living in a state of grief or sadness for a long period of time and find yourself unable to cope with it, it could be a sign of reactive depression.

There are a variety of depression symptoms that people may experience during the difficult phase. Some people may just not care about their normal routine, cleaning the house, going to work or college, or paying the bills while others may resort to drugs and alcohol for relief.

Few common symptoms of reactive depression are anger, anxiety, appetite changes, confusion, trouble focusing, crying spells, feeling hopeless, headaches, insomnia, irritability, heart palpitations, social isolation, and drug abuse.

If you or your loved one experiences any of these depression symptoms, please do not try to self-diagnose because it’s not something that should be taken lightly. A few psychotherapy sessions will determine whether you have reactive depression or not, and how intense your condition is.

Getting help from a professional

Depression of any type is treatable and there is no reason to suffer silently when you don’t need to. Typical options for depression treatment include psychotherapy, self-care, social support, and anti-depressants.

But you have to be very cautious while choosing a treatment for depression as it has been seen through studies that 40-60 percent of depressed patients experience ‘relapses’ after conventional treatment. Also, it has been seen that anti-depressants, when taken for a long period of time, may cause side-effects in a few people. A recent study reported in The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) showed that the long-term use of anti-depressants led to sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and sleep disturbances. Anti-depressants can also be addictive causing withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, headaches, and tiredness. So, save yourself from harmful side-effects of anti-depressants.  

If you are looking for a safe alternative to treat your depression symptoms, you can try homeopathy. Homeopathy is mind-body medicine. It treats your illness holistically from the root and gives you a long-lasting solution. For e.g., if you suffer from reactive depression after experiencing disappointment in love (which causes long-lasting grief), you may be prescribed with a homeopathy remedy Ignatia. Aurum metallicum is indicated for people who get continuous feelings of total helplessness. Their depression runs very deep. They feel alone. To fight loneliness, they spend most of the time in the office keeping themselves engaged in work.

Besides, suggesting you appropriate homeopathic treatment for depression, the doctors will also guide you on lifestyle changes that can help you cope with the condition in a better way.

So, do not punish yourself with depression. Give us a Call on 9033001642 and get professional help from the experts.