fit of depression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fit of depression" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a period of time when a person is feeling depressed. For example, "He had been feeling fine for months, but suddenly he was struck with a fit of depression that lasted for several weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Alumni said Mr. Wycoff, in a fit of depression, committed suicide in England.

The New York Times

The Kremlin fended off stories that he had surrendered to a fit of depression.

The Economist

On a table are typewritten texts, one of which explains that after the painter, in a fit of depression, destroyed his own works and disappeared, a critic proposed turning the scene into a Conceptual installation.

The New York Times - Arts

Chappe was accorded the title telegraph engineer, but when rivals contested the priority of his invention, his natural tendency to melancholia was apparently deepened; in a fit of depression he committed suicide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And Ali Mossafa, who plays the man whose return to the family he abandoned in a fit of depression, is the catalyst for some devastating truths to emerge.

BBC

We cannot begin to reconstruct here the details of his arguments.[29] Suffice it to say that Rehberg's reviews made an impact on his contemporaries, not least Reinhold himself, who fell into a fit of depression after reading them.[30] Rehberg's articles had made a great contribution toward skepticism about foundationalism, which would soon have a profound impact on the development of Romanticism.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Eight years later, Chung Mong Woo, long subject to fits of depression, committed suicide.

The New York Times

Rahv had fits of brilliance but had fits of depression too.

The Economist

No wonder, then, that she was subject to fits of depression and had a lifelong fear of going crazy.

The New York Times - Travel

Marisleysis, who suffered fits of depression during her surrogate motherhood of Elián, "opened a beauty parlour – what she always wanted, and married a police officer from Miami Beach.

The Guardian

Subject in the last years of his life to fits of depression, he sought relief by becoming a disciple of the religious enthusiast Antoinette Bourignon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, use "fit of depression" to convey a sudden and intense onset of depressive symptoms. This emphasizes the abrupt nature of the experience.

Common error

While "fit of depression" can be effective, avoid using it repeatedly in the same text. Vary your language with synonyms like "bout of depression" or "sudden depressive episode" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fit of depression" functions as a noun phrase describing a sudden, intense period of depressive symptoms. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to characterize the abrupt onset and severity of an emotional downturn. It functions similarly to other phrases like "bout of depression" or "spell of depression".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fit of depression" is a grammatically sound and acceptable expression used to describe a sudden and intense period of depressive symptoms. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase effectively conveys the abrupt onset of low mood and related symptoms. While not overly common, its usage spans across reputable news outlets, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating its appropriateness in various contexts. When writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, and remember that alternative phrases like "bout of depression" or "wave of depression" can also be used to describe this experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bout of depression

This phrase replaces "fit" with "bout", suggesting a limited period of depressive symptoms.

spell of depression

Similar to "bout", "spell" emphasizes a duration of depressive feelings.

sudden depressive episode

Highlights the abrupt onset of a depressive period.

wave of depression

This alternative presents depression as an overwhelming emotional surge.

attack of depression

Implies a sudden and intense onset of depressive symptoms, similar to a panic attack.

surge of depression

Conveys a rapid and intense increase in depressive feelings.

relapse into depression

Describes a return to a depressive state after a period of improvement.

episode of major depressive disorder

More clinical and formal, it refers to a specific period meeting diagnostic criteria for major depression.

descent into depression

Emphasizes the process of falling into a state of depression.

period of low mood

A more general and less severe way to describe a time of depressive feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "fit of depression" to describe a sudden and intense period of depressive symptoms, for example: "After the bad news, he experienced a "fit of depression" lasting several days."

What are some alternatives to saying "fit of depression"?

Some alternatives include "bout of depression", "spell of depression", or "wave of depression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "fit of depression" or "episode of depression"?

"Fit of depression" suggests a sudden and perhaps shorter duration, while "episode of depression" can refer to a longer, more clinically defined period. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "fit of depression" and simply saying someone is "depressed"?

"Fit of depression" implies a more acute and intense experience than simply stating someone is "depressed", which can refer to a more chronic or ongoing condition.