Saturday, April 27, 2024

Does Depression Ever Go Away

How Long Does It Take For Postpartum Depression To Go Away

Does Depression Ever Go Away?

Of course, each case of postpartum depression is different. As is the length of the recovery period. Thus the exact time it takes for postpartum depression to go away varies from person to person. Treating depression isnt an exact science, it can take a long time.

Things like how long was it before you sought treatment, how severe is your illness and how well the treatments you receive are working for you, will affect the length of your recovery but it is totally possible.

The sooner you start on your road to recovery, the sooner you will get back on track.

If you feel your treatment plan isnt working for you, its important that you speak up and let your health visitor and GP know.

There are many treatments available and it can be trial and error finding whats best for you., treating depression isnt the same for everyone.

All medications affect people differently. I fully support the use of antidepressants as a treatment for postpartum depression, I know some are not keen on taking them but for me they have worked wonders.

Having someone to talk through your feelings with is a massive help, it can be a family member, friend, partner or health professional.

Whoever it is its important to be honest dont worry about what other people think, as long as you are doing whats best for you and your family thats all that matters.

I will not lie to you. The recovery is tough and long and yes, you will have setbacks but its worth it.

Can Giving Birth Cause Depression

In the days following the birth of a baby, it is common for some mothers to have mood swings. They may feel a little depressed or have a hard time concentrating. They may lose their appetite or find that they cant sleep well even when the baby is asleep. This is called the baby blues and goes away within 10 days after delivery. However, some women have worse symptoms or symptoms that last longer. This is called postpartum depression.

What Psychological Therapies Can Help With Depression

Some of the different types of psychological therapies that can be used to treat depression include the following.

  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy aims to replace unhealthy, negative thoughts and behaviours with healthy, positive ones. CBT can help break the habit of negative thought patterns that impact on your mood.
  • Interpersonal therapy focuses on your current relationships with other people and aims to improve your interpersonal skills how you relate to others including family, friends and coworkers.
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a newer type of therapy that may be especially helpful for people prone to worry.

Psychological therapies are usually given by psychologists . Your GP can give you a referral to a psychologist, but you can see a psychologist without a referral.

Some GPs with special training may also be able to offer psychological therapies, especially techniques such as structured problem-solving or stress management.

There are also online programs available to help in the treatment of depression. Some programs are specifically developed for treatment in children and teenagers. Online programmes are especially useful for people who live in remote areas with limited access to psychological services. Some examples of programs include:

  • web-based CBT
  • online support with self-help strategies and
  • online group chats and information sessions.

Don’t Miss: How Many Children Have Depression

Severities Of Clinical Depression

Clinical depression can often come on gradually. So it can be difficult to notice when something is wrong. You might try to cope with the symptoms without realising you’re unwell. It can sometimes take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.

The severity of clinical depression depends on how much impact it has on your daily life:

  • mild clinical depression has some impact
  • moderate clinical depression has a significant impact
  • severe clinical depression almost impossible to get through daily life

You can have clinical depression and other mental health disorders. For example, anxiety, psychosis or other difficulties.

How Can I Help A Loved One Who Is Depressed

Does Depression Ever Go Away If Left Untreated?

If someone you know has depression, help them see a health care provider or mental health professional. You also can:

  • Offer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
  • Invite them out for walks, outings, and other activities.
  • Help them stick to their treatment plan, such as setting reminders to take prescribed medications.
  • Make sure they have transportation to therapy appointments.
  • Remind them that, with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

Take comments about suicide seriously, and report them to your loved ones health care provider or therapist. If they are in immediate distress or thinking about hurting themselves, call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Also Check: Do You Have To Be Sad To Have Depression

How Long Can Depression Last

The good news is that depression can be treated! Psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatment options when it comes to treating depression. Although, a combination of psychotherapy, medications, and self-help can also help treat depression.

Please keep in mind that the treatment might not be the same for all and factors such as individual personality, symptoms, and severity must be taken into account.

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is the first line of defense when it comes to treating depression and related disorders. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy are more common.

Talk therapy can help in:

  • Identifying the triggers
  • Reframing negative thinking patterns with positive thinking
  • Provide effective coping techniques to help in the future

Psychotherapy treatments are tailored according to the individuals personalities, experiences, symptoms, goals, etc.

2. Medications

Medications are often combined with psychotherapy and while one type of medication might work for you, it might not work for others. However, medications should always be taken as prescribed by your doctor and over-the-counter medications should be avoided.

Antidepressants can have side effects that may worsen your condition, therefore, it is recommended you take prescribed medications only.

3. Electroconvulsive Therapy

4. Lifestyle Changes

To treat or prevent recurring depression, you can try:

5. Alternative Treatments

Depression Can Last Months Or Years But Getting Treatment Can Improve Symptoms Quickly Learn How To Treatment Can Reduce The Duration Of Depression

With over a decade of editing experience, Tom is a content specialist for Advanced Recovery Systems,… read more

Dr. Sarah Dash is a postdoctoral research fellow based in Toronto. Sarah completed her PhD in Nutritional… read more

Depression is a serious mood disorder characterized by a low mood . Those affected by depression may wonder, how long depression lasts. Every case is different, but on average, a depressive episode can last several months. For some people, an episode may be shorter or much longer. If left untreated, depression can become long-lasting or chronic. It is important for individuals with depression to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Don’t Miss: Can Stress And Depression Cause Hair Loss

Does Depression Ever Go Away

Does depression ever really go away? Or does depression last forever, and is it still there even on days you feel happy?

It is possible for you to think thoughts like Depression is a part of me or Depression is part of my personality, as if depression is a part of who you are that never goes away, even on days you feel upbeat and happier.

Unfortunately, if you do this, you set yourself up for a lifetime of struggling with depression.

Right now, youre going to learn why its so important to not make this common mistake, and to instead think of depression as being a temporary condition that you can get rid of forever.

Does Postpartum Depression Ever Go Away

Will my Depression Ever Go Away

Does Postpartum Depression EVER Go Away? Yes! Absolutely!

Postpartum Depression is very treatable and with the right support from your family and GP you can fully recover from the effects of postpartum depression.

Ive suffered Postpartum Depression since my little man was born . I want you to know that Postpartum Depression gets better, and it gets easier.

Ive read a few posts here and there lately from woman who are suffering and ready to give up. Also, in some support groups Im in, some mums are having a tough time in their recovery.

Ive too felt like this before and I promise you its the postpartum depression talking, not you.

I wish I could offer you the perfect words to make all youre suffering go in an instant.

I wish I could be there with you and hug you to tell you its going to be OK and that I have a magical cure.

All I can offer you is my Postpartum Depression Journey.

Im hoping that it will inspire you to carry on and hang on in there, even on the dark days.

I hit rock bottom and thought my life would never get better, but you know what? Postpartum depression it gets better!

The hardest thing I did was going to the GP and telling her how I felt. I was convinced she would think I was bad mum and that they would take my baby away from me.

Nothing could have been further from the truth she was wonderful and supportive.

She said something to me that has stuck with me throughout my entire journey.

Recommended Reading: Depression A Teen’s Guide To Survive And Thrive

Tips For Preventing A Relapse

These prevention strategies can help to stop depression from returning:

Keeping up with treatment: Finishing the full course of a prescribed medication can significantly reduce the risk of relapse, especially during the critical 6 months after treatment begins.

Mindfulness based therapies: Mindfulness can help a person understand any negative thought patterns and find ways of dealing with them. One study shows that practicing mindfulness three times a week may reduce depression relapse by up to 50% within a year.

Educating friends and family: Telling friends and family what warning signs to look out for might help catch an episode early.

Prepare for a relapse: It may help to make a plan so that, if warning signs do appear, the individual can act upon them quickly. A doctor can help with this.

When worrying symptoms come back during treatment, it might mean that current treatment is not working as it should.

A doctor may recommend changing the treatment style or increasing the medication dosage.

Treatments that can help include:

Talking therapies: Interpersonal therapy , cognitive behavioral therapy , or both may reduce the risk of depression returning.

Medication: or mood stabilizers can help some people. Following the doctors recommendations for taking these drugs can help reduce the risk of a relapse.

Electroconvulsive therapy: In some cases, a doctor may recommend

Why Treatment Is Key

Getting help for depression can improve health and level of functioning. Treatment can also reduce the amount of time that depression lasts along with reducing the severity of symptoms and the risk of recurrence.

There is no single effective treatment for depression and the success rate of each treatment varies from person to person. Some people might respond well to medication, while others may see more improvements through online counseling and therapy. Successful treatment for depression may require trying several different options.

Depression is serious and can impact every aspect of a persons life. However, depression is treatable and there is hope for recovery.

If youre looking for healthy ways to manage depression, the Nobu app can help. It is free and for anyone that is looking to reduce anxiety, work through depression, build self-esteem, get aftercare following treatment, attend teletherapy sessions and so much more. Download the Nobu app today!

Also Check: Emory Treatment Resistant Depression Clinic

What Is The Outlook For People With Depression

Depression can come and go many people who have had one episode of depression will have another episode at some time in their lives.

The pattern of relapse of depression varies some people have long periods free of depression, others have clusters of episodes, and still others have more episodes as they get older.

Nonetheless, most people with depression can be treated successfully and ongoing treatment can help prevent relapses. With proper treatment, most people improve and can get back to their normal lives.

What Foods Help Ease Depression

Does Depression Ever Go Away?

While no specific diet has been proven to relieve depression, a healthy diet can help you feel your best physically and mentally. Certain foods may be linked to brain health and support for memory, alertness, and mood. Examples include foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids , antioxidants , and nutrients like choline . Always talk with your doctor before making any major diet changes.

Also Check: What Is Ect Treatment For Depression

Understanding Depression: Does Depression Ever Go Away

Depression is a little more than just feeling low or blue, it is a serious mental health condition that can have severe long-lasting effects on a persons health and wellness.

Depression is often accompanied by sadness and while sadness is a common emotion, depression can enhance the feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and other emotions.

While depression can be treated, some questions are left unanswered how long does depression last, and does depression ever go away? To understand the answers to these questions, we need to understand a little about depressive episodes and risk factors that can contribute to recurring depression.

Top 10 Depression Myths Debunked

by Patient Expert

Expert patient Deborah Gray identifies the most common myths about depression and explains the real story.

It’s all in your head. Only women get depressed. If you have depression, you’re stuck with it for life.

Do any of these statements sound familiar? For all the misconceptions about clinical depression, it seems that there’s a depression myth for every truth — and this makes it difficult to get a real sense of the illness and its capacity to be treated.

Perhaps part of the problem stems from our vocabulary for moods and mental illness: We use “depression” to describe so many ranges of experience that the meaning of clinical depression can get lost in the mix. Furthermore, because simple bad moods are a universal experience, many people think if they’ve had the blues, they know all about depression.

Here are the depression myths that I’ve heard the most, and the truth behind these misconceptions:

  • Myth: Depression is not a real medical illness.

  • Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that affects not only an individual’s mood and thoughts, but also the individual’s body. Research has shown that depression has genetic and biological causes. Individuals coping with depression have a higher level of stress hormones present in their bodies, and the brain scans of depression patients show decreased activity in some areas of the brain.

  • Myth: Even if depression is a medical illness, there’s nothing that can be done about it.

  • Also Check: Best Way To Beat Seasonal Depression

    Potential Triggers For Depression Relapse

    Each person also has personal relapse triggers, some of which you can control and some you can’t. These may be interpersonal or family stress, financial problems, job loss, and other real-world issues. The stress of our fast-paced modern world certainly has an impact, says Thomas Gazda, MD, a psychiatrist with Banner Behavioral Health in Scottsdale, Ariz. What is pleasurable to one person, he says, can be a trigger for depression in someone else: For some, the holidays are stressful, and for others, they are enjoyable and relaxing.

    One common trigger for depression relapse is a dangerous love entanglement. Its a phenomenon that engulfs people who become depressed within a high-conflict intimate relationship, says Dr. Brodsky. They receive depression treatment and recover, then stop their treatment and return to the relationship, only to become depressed again in a matter of months.

    Being aware of and avoiding such situations or triggers that set off depression symptoms are steps you need to take whether youre going through depression treatment or have recently recovered.

    Why Treatment Is Important

    Does Depression Ever Go Away?

    While many medications, such as antibiotics, cure the illnesses they are designed to treat, antidepressants do not cure depression. Their effect is only temporary. This is because antidepressants work by changing the brain’s chemistry, but only for as long as the person is taking them. They do not address the underlying causes of depression.

    The National Institute of Mental Health shares that depression has a number of potential, and oftentimes complex, causes. Some may be genetic or biological and others may be environmental or psychological.

    No matter the cause, untreated depression can be extremely debilitating to an individual, interfering with every part of life. In addition, severe depression can potentially lead to suicide if it does not receive immediate attention.

    Depression has also been linked to a variety of physical health issues, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic disorders. In the case of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, depression may accelerate the progression of the disease.

    Having depression can even make it more difficult to treat other medical illnesses because the lack of motivation and energy associated with depression makes it more difficult for patients to comply with their treatment regimens.

    Don’t Miss: Ketamine Vs Psilocybin For Depression

    Is It My Medication

    To further confuse matters, numbness can also be a side-effect of certain medications.

    It is true that there are medications and a particular group of antidepressants that can cause a very similar numbness, explains DePaulo. Its important to distinguish that and know if its a side effect of medication. The Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors at higher doses can cause this.

    A 2015 study published in the journal Sociology found that emotional numbness was among the dominating experiences of antidepressant use among young adults, and a 2014 study published in the journal Elsevier cited that 60 percent of the participants who had taken antidepressants within the past five years experienced some emotional numbness.

    That said, it can be tempting for people to assign blame on the medication when it is due to the depression, itself, especially in the initial weeks and months of treatment.

    Popular Articles
    Related news