bout of depression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bout of depression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary period of experiencing depressive symptoms or feelings. Example: "After a particularly challenging year, she found herself in a bout of depression that lasted several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"There are some people who go through a bout of depression and never suffer again but my diagnosis is a recurrent complex depressive disorder.

The Guardian - Sport

Martha Rhodes experienced her first bout of depression at 13.

The New York Times

Low point: "A long bout of depression I had a couple of years ago".

The Guardian - Music

■ Twice as many women as men will suffer a serious bout of depression in their lives.

The Guardian

To try to escape a particular bout of depression, he would change something in his life.

The Guardian - Travel

"He was going through a big bout of depression," she said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He has admitted to bouts of depression.

The Guardian - Sport

His bouts of depression, which sometimes required hospitalization, were crippling.

The New York Times - Books

The bipolar Philippe suffers bouts of depression bordering on insanity.

The Guardian

The parents endured grinding work and bouts of depression.

The New York Times - Books

Q. I've had some severe bouts of depression before my periods.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when choosing between "bout of depression" and more formal or informal alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "bout of depression" to describe chronic or long-lasting depression. Use it specifically for temporary episodes. For chronic conditions, consider using terms like "major depressive disorder" or "persistent depressive disorder."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bout of depression" functions as a noun phrase describing a temporary period or instance of experiencing depressive symptoms. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a usable and understandable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bout of depression" is a common and acceptable way to describe a temporary period of depressive symptoms, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and is used to communicate someone's experience of feeling sad or hopeless for a limited time. While more formal terms like "depressive episode" exist, "bout of depression" strikes a balance between informality and clinical accuracy, making it suitable for general discussions and news reports. Remember to use it accurately to describe a temporary state and avoid confusing it with chronic depression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depressive episode

A clinical term referring to a specific timeframe meeting diagnostic criteria for depression.

episode of depression

Emphasizes a distinct occurrence with a clear beginning and end.

spell of depression

Suggests a period of time, often temporary, characterized by depressive symptoms.

major depressive episode

A more severe and prolonged period of depression.

relapse into depression

Implies a return to a previous state of depression after a period of remission.

period of low mood

A milder term that may not necessarily indicate clinical depression.

short-term depression

Highlights the limited duration of the depressive symptoms.

fleeting depression

Indicates a short-lived, temporary feeling of depression.

wave of sadness

Conveys a sudden, overwhelming feeling of sadness, potentially shorter in duration.

attack of the blues

An informal way to describe a temporary state of feeling down or sad.

FAQs

How can I use "bout of depression" in a sentence?

You can use "bout of depression" to describe a temporary period of feeling sad, hopeless, or lacking interest in activities. For example, "After losing his job, he experienced a "bout of depression"."

What are some alternatives to "bout of depression"?

You can use alternatives like "episode of depression", "spell of depression", or "period of low mood" depending on the context and severity.

Is it appropriate to use "bout of depression" in formal writing?

While "bout of depression" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "depressive episode" might be preferred in academic or medical contexts.

What's the difference between "bout of depression" and "major depressive disorder"?

"Bout of depression" describes a temporary period of depressive symptoms, while "major depressive disorder" refers to a more persistent and chronic condition diagnosed based on specific criteria.