Reactive Depression vs. Other Types: Online Treatment Options

People often struggle to identify whether they are experiencing depression due to a specific occurrence in their life or if they need to explore another issue related to mental health. This can make it very difficult to decide on the best course of action for treatment. 

This article describes what reactive depression, also known as situational depression,  is and how it is different from major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and other depressive disorder diagnoses. 

We will examine how platforms such as Calmerry can assist those experiencing symptoms of depression and how online depression therapy can help, depending on the specific disorder.

What is reactive depression? 

Reactive depression is a type of depression that develops as a direct response to a specific stressful or traumatic life event.  It follows a definite traumatic or stress-inducing event. From a diagnosable perspective, it is equivalent to reactive depression ICD 10 (F43.2) classified under adjustment disorder. Such a condition is directly related to a stress-inducing stimulus.

Although, unlike clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD), this condition normally manifests within three months after being triggered, this condition does not occur on its own.

Individuals experience episodes of feeling emotionally distressed and physical symptoms. Nonetheless, differences exist because this type of depression is often triggered by a situation rather than biochemistry.

This condition is often resolved once the stressor is removed, coping resources are developed, or a plan to manage one’s mental health is put into place.

Causes of reactive depression

Common underlying factors of reactive depression include stressors that affect an individual’s life:

• Loss of job, unexpected money troubles, or setbacks within one’s career
• Divorce, separation, or serious relationship conflicts
• The death of a loved one, which can sometimes occur simultaneously with grief-related problems such as persistent complex bereavement disorder
• Receiving a serious medical diagnosis and personal experiences with serious medical conditions
• Major life shifts like relocation to a new city, retirement, immigration, and/or a change within one’s family

These can lead to increased vulnerabilities. People can exhibit symptoms of depression without any past experiences with mental illnesses.

Symptoms of reactive depression

During reactive depression, some of the symptoms that a person may experience include:

The emotional symptoms: depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, hopelessness, and poor concentration.

The physical symptoms: insomnia, weakness, loss of appetite, headache, and feeling weak.

Although these symptoms are similar to other depressive disorder symptoms, they can be distinguished due to their occurrence in relation to the stressor.

Diagnosis

A mental health professional can assess whether there is a match to an adjustment disorder with depressed mood using ICD-10 or DSM-5 criteria. The diagnosis is determined by examining:

• A particular event that causes symptoms to occur
• Symptoms occurring within 3 months of the stressor
• Substantial distress but less severe and less persistent than Major Depressive Disorder
• No previous history of recurrent/chronic depressive disorder
• How well it matches the stimulus that triggered it

This assessment is what helps to determine whether talk therapy is effective, whether a medication such as an SSRI is required, and what modifications to standard approaches to conditions such as MDD are required.

Reactive depression vs. other types 

It is very important to identify the source of these symptoms. Though these diagnoses present similar depressive symptoms, they have different causes, triggers, and courses.

The table below breaks down the core distinctions:

Online treatment options for depression types

Different types of conditions require different levels of support, and the same applies to online care. Because depression differs in its causes, duration, and intensity, choosing an online program that matches the specific mental health condition is essential.

Someone whose symptoms occur in response to a recent life event may benefit from short-term, focused therapy, while people with major depressive disorder or chronic depression often need longer, structured programs, monitoring, and sometimes medication, such as SSRIs.

Online treatment for reactive depression

For reactive depression, online therapy services focus on addressing the triggering life event, reducing emotional distress, and helping individuals regain a sense of control. These approaches are tailored to the immediate nature of the condition and often yield positive results in a short timeframe.

Effective methods include:

• Trauma-informed CBT
• Crisis-oriented counseling
• Grief-focused online therapy
• Short-term intensive programs (6–12 weeks)

Online treatment for major depressive disorder

For individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) or other clinical forms of depression, online therapy typically follows a longer, more structured care plan. The focus is on consistent support, behavioral interventions, and, when necessary, medical management.

Treatment may include:

• CBT programs lasting 12+ weeks
• Psychiatric consultations for medication for depression 
• Progress monitoring and symptom tracking
• A combination of therapy and medication when needed

Online treatment for adjustment disorders

For milder, situational conditions like adjustment disorders, online therapy provides targeted support to help individuals navigate major life changes such as relocation, job loss, or relationship transitions. These conditions often involve short-term emotional distress that doesn’t meet the criteria for clinical depression but still impacts mental well-being.

Online care focuses on building coping skills, reducing stress, and improving emotional stability. Common approaches include:

• Short-term therapy (4–8 sessions)
• Online stress-management programs
• Therapist-guided self-help modules
• Building resilience and coping strategies

Choosing the right online platform

The choice of online platform depends on varying needs and conditions.

For reactive depression: crisis counseling, therapists specializing in trauma, grief therapists, and flexible schedules.

For major depressive disorder/MDD, chronic depression: long-term management, pharmacological management, and monitoring.

For adjustment disorders: short programs & educational modules.

The choice of platforms relevant to each type of disorder ensures successful targeted therapy.

Research findings

Research has shown positive outcomes across different conditions. For example, online CBT and grief work led to a >70% change in reactive depression. [1] Finucane, A., Canny, A., Mair, A. P. A., Harrop, E., Selman, L. E., Swash, B., Wakefield, D., & Gillanders, D. (2024). A rapid review of the evidence for online interventions for bereavement support. Palliative Medicine, 39(1), 31–52. https://doi.org/10.1177/02692163241285101

Major depressive disorder saw a 60–70% improvement, which is similar to more traditional forms of therapy. [2] Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., & Van Straten, A. (2014). The effects of psychotherapies for major depression in adults on remission, recovery and improvement: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 159, 118–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2014.02.026 This is particularly true when combined with SSRIs and the monitoring of moods.

Online short-term therapy and coping skill training led to 80-85% positive outcomes for adjustment disorder. [3] Quero, S., Palau-Batet, M., Tur, C., Mor, S., Campos, D., Rachyla, I., Grimaldos, J., & Marco, J. H. (2022). Effect of an internet-based intervention for adjustment disorder on meaning in life and enjoyment. Current Psychology, 42(24), 20543–20555. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03177-w

These findings make it evident that online care is capable of lessening symptoms both emotionally and physically, especially within individuals affected by depression due to stress, grief, and other problems.

When online treatment works best

Online support is most effective when individuals:

• Have mild to moderate symptoms.
• Requires flexibility due to schedules, mode of travel, and/or personal health concerns.
• Feel comfortable with digital communication.
• They are motivated to employ coping mechanisms and comply with interventions.

It is particularly useful to those affected by situational stress, early symptoms, and limited access to local specialists.

When in-person treatment is preferred

Direct care may occasionally be required. The indications for face-to-face care include:

• Suicidal ideas and/or plans
• Severe trauma, or other problems such as PTSD
• Use of substance
• No change after online therapy
• Severe and persistent symptoms of clinical depression.

In such instances, hands-on evaluation and care provide more security and support.

Practical guide: getting started with online treatment

Starting online mental health services can feel daunting. You may not know if your symptoms are associated with a particular type of disorder. A structured approach can assist you with seeking appropriate support and gaining access to a mental health professional.

Step-by-step process

1. Determine the type of depression. Look back at your symptoms and experiences. Think about whether you are depressed because of a stressor.
2. Select a platform according to your needs. Look for support options if you experience symptoms that relate to a traumatic event. For depression, select long-term recovery programs. Make sure you can access therapies you like via the platform, such as video, chat, or message options.
3. Fill out an online assessment. Most platforms include an online depression test. This questionnaire helps assess your emotional and physical symptoms, your mental health treatment preferences, safety issues, and whether you need any medications.
4. Initiate targeted therapy. Starting therapy with a therapist proficient in your type of disorder is essential. For those with reactive depression, finding a trauma-savvy therapist is crucial. For someone with major depressive disorder, CBT is very effective on a long-term level. For those with an adjustment disorder, stress adaptation therapy is best. 

Developing coping mechanisms, following advice, and utilizing resources available on platforms such as journaling, worksheets, and monitoring progress can also help.

Red flags: when to seek immediate help

Online counselling is not safe if your personal safety is threatened. Seek immediate assistance if you experience any of these:

• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or intentions
• Self-harm or self-destructive behavior
• Complete loss of function (inability to eat, sleep, work, and communicate)
• Hallucinations/delusional thinking and other psychotic symptoms
• Severe reactions following loss, such as grief or trauma, could represent post-traumatic stress disorder or complex grief.

In these situations, you can receive professional help from emergency services or care provided in person.

Finding the right online therapy for your depression

Depression can have varying factors, seriousness, and approaches to management. For example, a reactive form of depression, which is triggered by a particular life experience, will easily respond to short-term online therapy centered on dealing with the stress trigger.

A mental health professional can assess you properly to know whether you have reactive depression, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, or other types of depressive disorder. This helps you receive correct assistance, which can range from short-term psychotherapy to long-term care and/or medication.

Services like Calmerry make it easier to get access to self-care. You can pair up with licensed therapists to begin online therapy that suits you.