The Impact of Personality Styles on Depression

Personality and temperament can contribute to certain depressive disorders, particularly non-melancholic depression which consists of a loose grouping of non-biologically based disorders. Most non-melancholic depressions result from an interaction between personality, coping styles and quality of stress. Stress alone can also non-melancholic depression, but it is important to recognise that nearly every individual can be stressed at certain times without becoming depressed. This is because most people experience a rapid spontaneous resolution within days or weeks. However, some people do not. For them the stress either maintains the depression or, having initiated it in the first place, the depression is not simply resolved by the passage of time.

Let's look at acute stress-induced depression. In true cases, a person with this condition has become depressed purely as a consequence of a stressful event - like being criticised at work or rejected by a partner. In these cases, we're rather like a tree that's been battered by a cyclone, and we feel psychologically flattened. Recovery may come as a consequence of the trigger being removed, or by adapting to it, or through processing and acceptance. Many people recover in this way without the need for assistance. Some, however, benefit from counselling or learning problem-solving strategies. Antidepressant drugs are rarely necessary.

Now let's look at chronic stress-induced depression. Here, again in pure cases, the depression is a result of an external stressor and one from which there is no psychological escape. For example, it may result from living with a partner who is constantly belittling and judgmental, or from being continually humiliated, criticised and isolated at work. Rather like a plant that's too close to a path, we might be exposed to constant trampling - and, over time, our capacity to spring back is diminished. A gardener's solution might be to move the plant or protect it from being walked on. Likewise, management of chronic stress-induced depression involves encouraging changes to the person's social and work life and getting support through the difficult period. Even though the cause of this depression is social, antidepressant drugs and especially the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) - can provide partial assistance in some situations, as they reduce the constant worrying many people experience as a consequence of these stressful situations. It can mean the difference between sinking or swimming.

Finally let's look at personality-based non-melancholic depression. Certain personality styles can make us more vulnerable to particular stressors and so increase the risk of developing depression. Research at the Black Dog Institute suggests eight different personality styles that can contribute to depression.

They are:

- Someone who has 'anxious worrying' personality style tends to be highly strung, tense, nervy and prone to stewing over things

- A person with an 'irritable' personality style tends to be easily rattled and have low tolerance for frustration

- A person with a 'self-critical' personality style tends to have low self-esteem and gives themselves a hard time

- Someone who has a 'rejection sensitive' personality style tends to be hypersensitive to the quality of interpersonal relationships and perceives others as rejecting or demeaning

- Someone who has a 'self-focused' personality style tends to lack consideration and empathy for others, is often hostile and volatile in interacting with other people, and has a low threshold for frustration

- A person with a 'perfectionistic' personality style tends to perceive that they've failed to meet their own high standards, or that somebody has criticised their performance and they tend to feel demeaned

- Someone who has a 'socially avoidant' personality style tends to be shy and avoids social situations for fear of their limitations being exposed or of being criticised by others

- Finally, someone who has a 'personally reserved' personality style tends to be wary of others getting too close and becomes vulnerable and depressed when their inner worlds are exposed to others.

These are not pure 'types', which means many people will be at risk of depression through a combination of attributes from the different personality styles.

Let's consider one example in greater detail. A person with a perfectionistic personality style tends to work hard, push themselves to be the best and commit themselves fully to things they undertake. This person succeeds at most things and works to their potential. Under stress, the perfectionistic personality style can become more of a hindrance than a help. Perfectionism can lead to indecisiveness, procrastination or very rigid and controlling behaviours. As this person is especially prone to self-criticism, stress can cause a destructive downwards spiral of obsessive thinking about past behaviours and future decision-making. Temporary relief from this distress is often found in reckless behaviours like driving too fast or binge-eating. It's uncommon for people with a perfectionistic personality style to seek out professional help without pressure and support from others. When they do seek treatment, strategies that focus on problem-solving and goal-setting can be helpful in the short term.

It is important to note that while personality styles may dispose to depression, they appear to have quite differing relevance to differing types of depression.

In melancholic depression, there appears to be little effect of personality on the development of such a depressive condition.

In summary, non-melancholic depression doesn't have a primary biological cause. Rather, it is triggered by stress, or personality styles, or a combination of both, and treatment should address these issues.