Reactive depression' is a mood disorder that can be directly traced to an event, such as the death of a loved one, divorce or desertion, demotion or discharge. It can last up to several months, as a normal part of the 'grief' process. On a positive note, depressives eventually move from the depression to acceptance stage. The second type of depression is less transitory. But since the true cause of endogenous depression is unknown, preventing it is impossible.
Depressive bosses take little pleasure in work or leisure activities.
In fact, they take little pleasure in anything. Depressives generally experience pervasive negativity, that is, they are not dissatisfied with their own state but are also displeased with the world in general. They seem to react critically in most situations, feeling anguish, anger, contempt, disgust, guilt, fear, shame, and sadness. But while sadness may be the emotion most often associated with depression, employees working for a depressive may also notice their boss's tendencies toward being irritable, upset, and nervous. Depressives typically look more stressed and stained than they should in any given situation.