Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause continuing sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. A common question many people who struggle with depression ask is, “Does depression go away?” There is no simple answer, as depression widely varies from person to person. Some people may experience episodes of depression that can resolve over time. Others may face recurring or chronic forms of the condition. With the right treatment and support, managing and alleviating the symptoms of depression can be achievable.
Understanding the persistence of depression
Depression is a multifaceted condition. It can be influenced by genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. Some people may experience situational depression triggered by specific life events. Other people may have a genetic predisposition. Predisposition can make them more vulnerable to persistent or recurrent depressive episodes. Neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain, hormonal changes and environmental stressors can also contribute to continuing depression symptoms.
Factors that can contribute to depression include:
- Underlying issues — If you have unresolved emotional traumas, chronic stress or unresolved grief, these can cause depression symptoms. These issues can cause persistent symptoms if not addressed through therapy or counseling.
- Chronic stress or negative thought patterns — Chronic stressors like work-related pressures or strained relationships can cause you to stay in a state of heightened anxiety. This state can make depression symptoms worse. Negative thought patterns and being overly self-critical can also make depression symptoms worse.
- Lifestyle factors — If you have poor sleep habits, a lack of physical activity, bad nutrition or a history of substance abuse, these can negatively impact your mood and energy levels. These factors can contribute to a persistent lingering of depressive symptoms.
- Neurobiological factors — Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine can affect your mood regulation. Addressing these imbalances is essential to help normalize levels and improve mood regulation.
How to treat depression so symptoms it may go away
The treatment of depression often involves a multifaceted approach. The approach should be tailored to each person’s needs and the severity of their symptoms. Key components of effective depression treatment can include:
- Professional evaluation — If you are experiencing depression symptoms, it’s crucial to seek help from a mental health provider. A licensed therapist, counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist can evaluate to diagnose depression. They can also recommend appropriate treatment options that may help your depression symptoms go away.
- Therapy and counseling — Psychotherapy and interpersonal therapy can be highly effective in helping to treat depression. Therapy sessions can provide you with a safe space. In this safe space, you can explore underlying issues, challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping skills to manage your depression and symptoms.
- Support system — It can be beneficial to have a strong support network of friends, family or even support groups. This support can help provide emotional validation and encouragement. Participating in social activities and maintaining connections with your loved ones can help keep away feelings of isolation and can help promote a sense of belonging.
- Lifestyle modifications — Healthy lifestyle choices can help boost your mood and energy levels. Make sure you exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, get adequate sleep and do stress reduction techniques to help improve your well-being. These actions can also help alleviate depression symptoms.
- Realistic goals — It can be helpful to set achievable goals. You can do this by breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Conquering small tasks on an ever-growing to-do list can help give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem.
- Progress monitoring — Keeping a journal or using a mood tracker to help monitor your progress can be beneficial. Document your moods, activities and triggers. This can help you identify patterns.
- Medication and medication monitoring — Antidepressant medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can help balance the neurotransmitter levels in your brain. Medications can be prescribed in conjunction with therapy. Combining medication and therapy can be helpful if your depression is moderate to severe. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on dosage and attend regular follow-up appointments. Report any side effects or concerns quickly so your medications can be adjusted as needed. In the event of multiple medications not addressing your depression symptoms, your mental health care provider may recommend esketamine. It is a beneficial treatment for persistent depression for those who haven’t responded well to other medications and treatments.
Depression can be a persistent and challenging condition. However, with the right combination of therapy, medication, support and other coping skills, it can be a manageable and treatable condition. It’s important to approach treatment with patience, persistence and a willingness to explore different strategies. Finding the best combination or treatment approach for you can take some time.
Depression doesn’t have to keep a hold on your life; Active Path Mental Health can help you regain your sense of hope
At Active Path Mental Health, we firmly believe that depression can be effectively treated and managed. Our expert team is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to our patients. We are committed to guiding our patients through every step of their journey. We want to help to ensure you receive the best tools to help support you in your depression management. Together, we can help improve your well-being.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
