how long will it take to cure depression? how will I know if I have depression, without consulting a doc?

Hi there Zara,

Thank you for your questions about depression. Your first question is, how long will it take to cure depression? There is no simple answer for this and experts are divided on what "curing" depression even looks like. Depression does sometimes resolve by itself over time, especially if there is a known cause for the depression, such as job stress or bereavement. Oftentimes, with this kind of circumstantial depression, the depression resolves itself once the external stressor has been dealt with or there have been lifestyle changes that allow for a healthier, happier life. If there is no obvious cause for the depression, it's quite likely that it stems from untreated anxiety, which is more subtle than depression and harder to notice within oneself. In this case, the underlying anxiety must be recognized and treated before the depression abates. Depression forms from anxiety because the brain begins to feel exhausted and hopeless from all the stress being generated by the anxiety, which is not been treated or dealt with, and starts to feel as if things won't get any better. Untreated, depression can last for years.

Your second question is, how will I know I have depression without consulting a doctor? The simple answer is, you won't! Only doctors and psychiatrists can diagnose depression and/or prescribe antidepressants. Therapists, counsellors and clinical psychologists can treat depression with talking therapy. A combination of anti-depressants and talking therapy is recommended to help treat depression, and many people have gone on to fully recover from it. Is there any reason why you don't want to consult a doctor?

You say that lately you have been crying all the time, and crying all night, and you feel really tired and don't know why. It sounds as if you are very confused about the way you feel and why. If you are crying all the time, it sounds as if that in itself may be very exhausting for you, and it would be wise to consider what is going on with a mental healthcare professional. Feeling sad and low can cause us to not take care of ourselves properly, including eat, sleeping, socializing, getting fresh air and exercise, which can create feelings of exhaustion and worsen mental health. This can create a vicious cycle. 

You also say that you have gone from someone who was very motivated to someone who has no motivation or aims in life. What was it that originally motivated you? Perhaps you have been more motivated by worries and anxious feelings, such as needing to prove yourself or compensate for feelings of inadequacy. It could be that these feelings are contributing to the feelings of depression. I would encourage you to reflect on the emotions happening behind your thoughts, and talk to a trusted friend or relative. Also, you might want to consider checking in with your doctor, and looking into getting therapy for yourself. Depression is entirely possible to treat and recover from, but it often involves growing in self awareness and letting yourself ask for help.

I hope this answer is helpful for you and I wish you all the best in your future life,

Eleanor