Will Depression Ever Go Away?

Depression is temporary

Almost everyone experiences feelings of depression in their lives. Even for those diagnosed with a mood disorder, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, or Bipolar Disorder, the depression is temporary. The goal, of course, is to get the depression to end more quickly. While you did not choose depression, you can control it. Mental health disorders can be compared to many different physical health disorders. Think about someone who has diabetes. How much diabetes affects that person will depend on how they take care of themselves. Some people who have had depressive episodes frequently, due to mental health treatment, which sometimes includes psychotropic medications, changing the way they think, and participating in new activities, no longer have depressive episodes.

Strategies to end depression

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one treatment approach that can be useful for treating Depression. CBT typically takes about 8-12 sessions and often involves completing “homework” in-between sessions. For some people, taking prescribed psychotropic medications can improve their prognosis.  Coping skills and self-care activities can also help end depressive episodes. Increasing social support can also help alleviate depression. Getting involved in activities that give you a sense of fulfillment or purpose, or becoming more involved in a religion or spirituality, can also help improve your mood.

Keeping depression away

A great benefit of therapy, and perhaps one benefit over psychiatric care, is that you can retrain your brain. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you identify the thoughts and beliefs contributing to your depression and become proficient at challenging that way of thinking. You are basically retraining your brain. It is important to make sure we are making time to take care of ourselves. However, one word of caution for those who take psychotropic medications: Just because you feel better does not necessarily mean it is a good time to stop taking your medications. Depression can return quickly after stopping medications, and there can be withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping some medications abruptly; always talk with your doctor before stopping medications.

Even when it feels like Depression will not end, keep in mind that you are in control of your mental health. By getting help when you are struggling and sticking with treatment, whatever that may look like, you can live a meaningful and full life managing Depression.