Depression doesn’t always look like low energy, hopelessness and moving at a slower pace. If your depression symptoms have you feeling restless and full of pent-up energy, you might be wondering if you’re dealing with a different condition. However, some feelings of agitation are relatively common in people with major depressive disorder (MDD). Some clinicians use the term agitated depression to describe this experience.

Agitated depression can be dangerous if you’re inclined to engage in risky or aggressive behaviors. It can harm your relationships if you alienate the people who support you.

If you are in danger of ending your own life, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

In this blog post, we’ll define agitated depression and discuss some treatments that can help.

What is agitated depression?

Agitated depression isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but an unofficial term that describes a combination of depression and anxiety symptoms. Some researchers think this symptom presentation is more aligned with the bipolar spectrum than with depression and anxiety as separate but co-occurring conditions. However, that doesn’t mean everyone who experiences agitated depression has bipolar disorder.

There are many other possible explanations for the presence of both anxiety and depression symptoms. Many people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complicated grief experience agitated depression. Substance use and withdrawal from substances can cause these symptoms as well. A person with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression may also display symptoms of anxiety. This isn’t an exhaustive list. Suffice it to say that it’s important to take all of the factors that might be affecting your mood into account when seeking a diagnosis for a complex group of symptoms.

What should I do if I’m experiencing agitated depression?

If you’re experiencing agitated depression, it’s important to communicate what you’re feeling and seek help. If you’re feeling impatient or frustrated, take some time to address those emotions before conversations that might be difficult. Go for a walk, take some deep breaths or do something physical to release some energy. Remind yourself that your emotions aren’t directed at the person you’re speaking to. They’re a temporary challenge that you can work through together.

How can treatment help with agitated depression?

Most people with agitated depression will need psychotherapy, medication or a combination of the two to manage or reduce their symptoms. A therapist can help you uncover the likely causes of your symptoms and address these situations in your life. They can help you understand your thought processes better and develop some strategies and supportive relationships you can tap into when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

The following treatments can help people with agitated depression manage their symptoms:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — In CBT, your therapist helps you understand how your thoughts and feelings interact to contribute to anxiety and depression symptoms. Through self-reflection, you can start to choose more intentional ways to respond.
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) — MBSR can help you become more emotionally resilient and find a source of calm when your agitated depression has you feeling stressed.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) — In ACT, your therapist will help you change your relationship to stressors and situations that are beyond your control. You’ll learn how to adapt your thinking and act in ways that align with your values.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) — DBT helps you identify what you need to accept in your life and what you can change. It includes skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and relationships.

If you feel like no one around you understands your agitated depression, know that you’re not the only one experiencing it. It might take some time to find the treatment approach that works right for you, but there is hope that you’ll get through this tough time. Your support system will be critical to your long-term recovery. Finding a therapist and others who understand what you’re going through can help you feel seen and understood.

At Lightfully, we take a holistic approach to helping people navigate life’s challenges and build mental wellness. We treat our clients as people first, not a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. We use our Precision Care Model to create personalized treatment plans for each person we work with. Our clients receive individual, group and family therapies for a comprehensive and balanced approach to long-term well-being.

With the right treatment and the right support, you can manage your agitated depression. If you ever want to explore higher levels of mental health care, we’ll be here for you. Just contact us or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team.