Depression only in negative circumstances?

It's not a phenomena. It's life.

@robertwills anxiety not depression.
Depression is a thing that doesn’t go poof one day to the next.
Anxiety about a particular circumstance is short term.

@robertwills
I think it is a way for your brain to avoid uncomfortable situations. It is like dreading what is coming and wanting to avoid it so you shut down. It may be anxiety first then depression.

1. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/resolve-feelings-dread-about-future
2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/crazy-for-life/202112/fear-dread-and-depression-melt-if-you-do-this
3. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/understanding-emotional-avoidance
4. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stop-avoiding-stuff/202110/understanding-your-avoidance
5. https://slam-iapt.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/5.-Avoidance-the-depression-TRAPs-revised-2021.pdf
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4957550/
7. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202504/understanding-and-strengthening-distress-tolerance
8. https://manhattancbt.com/depression-avoidance/

@robertwills
As someone else mentioned, you may be feeling anxiety related to certain task rather then depression. Depression and anxiety sometimes occur together. I am treated for both, but my anxiety varies depending on what is happening in my life.

I think this Mayo Health System article gives a good description of both with suggestions on how to handle:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/addressing-your-mental-health-by-identifying-the-signs-of-anxiety-and-depression
How do you handle the difficult days?

Yes, it seems like it's a real phenomenon, I believe there's a reason that "Safety and Happiness" is indicated in the US Declaration of Independence as the only purposes of government.