Why does shopping feel so bad right now?

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From Input:

Our complicated relationship with buying things online has just gotten even more complex thanks to COVID-19. So don’t worry, you’re not alone.

. . . .

I’ve been eyeing this pair of Nike x Off-White sneakers for more than a month. Every day, before and after work, I open the GOAT app, check if the price for the pair I want has fluctuated, and then I hit the buy button. But, just before I confirm my shipping address and payment details, I change my mind.

While right now may be the best time to shop for limited-edition kicks, because the resale market is in free fall, there’s only one thing stopping me from pulling the trigger: the world is too sad.

With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) virus wreaking havoc all around us, it’s hard for me to justify buying another pair of sneakers — especially when I can’t leave my New York City apartment as a result, and it could be months before that even happens. Deeper than that, though, it’s hard to find pleasure in anything when you read about the thousands of people the illness is killing, others losing their jobs, or the healthcare workers who are in desperate need of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Shopping for rare sneakers, a major passion of mine, has suddenly become mundane compared to our new reality — one in which toilet paper, napkins, and hand sanitizer have turned into hot commodities. That’s not to say I wouldn’t get joy the moment the shoes arrived at my doorstep if I were to order them, but at the moment my main concern has become ensuring I have food, drinks, and other essentials.

. . . .

According to recent data released from Bank of America, consumer spending in the US is down 30 percent year-over-year as of March 2020. Although airlines and hotels have been the most affected due to travel restrictions intended to stop the spread of COVID-19, clothing spending is down by as much as 82 percent compared to the same period in 2019.

Link to the rest at Input

PG suggests we’re seeing the wide range of humanity’s responses to crises and extreme stress all at once on a world-wide scale.

PG’s information on the topic of depression may be dated, but he seems to recall a category called “situational depression.”

. . . . [Time passes] . . . .

With a bit of quick and dirty research, PG learned that situational depression is still a thing.

From Medical News Today:

Situational and clinical depression are similar but not the same. Recognizing the differences between these types of depression is the first step toward getting help.

Situational depression is known medically as “adjustment disorder with depressed mood.” It often resolves in time, and talking about the problem can ease the recovery process.

Clinical depression, known medically as “major depressive disorder,” can develop if the individual does not recover. This is a more severe mental health condition.

. . . .

Some key differences between situational and clinical depression will determine the type of treatment the person needs and the severity of the condition.

No type of depression is more “real” than another. Both can present significant challenges and threats to wellbeing.

However, knowing which type of depression is at the root of a persistent negative mood can support recovery.

Situational depression

This is a short-term form of depression that occurs as the result of a traumatic event or change in a person’s life.

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood is another name for this emotional state.

Triggers can include:

• divorce
• loss of a job
• the death of a close friend
• a serious accident
• other major life changes, such as retirement

Situational depression stems from a struggle to come to terms with dramatic life changes. Recovery is possible once an individual comes to terms with a new situation.

For instance, following the death of a parent, it may take a while before a person can accept that a family member is no longer alive. Until acceptance, they may feel unable to move on with their life.

Symptoms can include:

• listlessness
• feelings of hopelessness and sadness
• sleeping difficulties
• frequent episodes of crying
• unfocused anxiety and worry
• loss of concentration
• withdrawal from normal activities as well as from family and friends
• suicidal thoughts

Most people who experience situational depression begin to have symptoms within 90 days of the triggering event.

Clinical depression

Clinical depression is more severe than situational depression.

It is also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. It is severe enough to interfere with daily function.

The Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V) classifies clinical depression as a mood disorder.

Disturbances in levels of certain chemicals — known as neurotransmitters — may be to blame.

However, other factors are likely to play a role, for example:

• genetic factors may influence an individual’s response to an experience or event
• major life events can trigger negative emotions, such as anger, disappointment, or frustration
• alcohol and drug dependence also have links to depression

Diagnosing depression

For a formal diagnosis of clinical depression, a person must meet the criteria outlined in the DSM.

A person must show five or more symptoms from a specific list of criteria, over a 2-week period, for most of nearly every day.

The symptoms should be severe enough that they substantially reduce the person’s ability to perform regular duties and routines.

At least one of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.

Other signs and symptoms include:

• depressed mood or constant irritability
• significantly reduced interest or feeling no pleasure in activities
• significant weight loss or weight gain
• a decrease or increase in appetite
• insomnia or an increased desire to sleep
• restlessness or slowed behavior
• tiredness or loss of energy
• feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• trouble making decisions or concentrating
• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide or a suicide attempt

Some people with clinical depression experience delusions, hallucinations, and other psychotic disturbances.

These do not generally occur in people with situational depression.

Treatment differences

Exercise and hobbies may help treat situational depression.

Situational depression is a natural response to a traumatic event.

The condition usually resolves:

• as time passes after the stressful situation or event
• as the situation improves
• when the person recovers from the life event

In most cases, situational depression is only short-term. Mild cases of situational depression often resolve without active treatment. However, some strategies can help a person reduce the effects of situational depression.

A few helpful lifestyle changes include:

• getting regular exercise
• eating a well-balanced diet
• keeping to regular sleeping habits
• talking to loved ones
• joining a formal support group
• taking up a hobby or leisure activity

People who find it difficult to recover from a traumatic experience might wish to seek consultation with a psychotherapist.

If the issue revolves around family dynamics or difficulties, family therapy is another option.

People with severe situational depression might receive a prescription for medications including antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs.

Link to the rest, including much more about Clinical Depression, at Medical News Today