Depression is a highly treatable illness.
In fact, 8090% of people who get treatment notice improvement.
It depends on its key in, length, and severity, among other factors.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
key in of Depression
Certain types of depression tend to last longer than others.
Conversely, persistent depressive disorder lasts for two or more years.
Underlying Causes
The cause of the depression can also affect its length.
Some health conditions can trigger or exacerbate depression.
Likewise, some new mothers develop postpartum depression.
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine possible causes and best treatments for your depression.
Severity
Mild depression sometimes resolves without formal treatment.
Moderate orsevere depression, however, usually requires medical attention.
Treatment usually includes medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.
Their effect is only temporary.
They do not address the underlying causes of depression.
No matter the cause, untreated depression can be extremely debilitating and interfere with every part of life.
Severe depression can lead tosuicidewithout immediate attention.
Appropriate treatment can shorten depression’s length and severity, and many options are available.
This not only helps you feel better but can also keep depression from getting worse.
Research indicates that the more severe your depression, the more antidepressants can help.Antidepressants can also help prevent relapses.
Some people fear taking antidepressants because they are concerned with how they will affect day-to-day life.
Therapy
Several types of therapy can help relieve feelings of depression.
Another therapy option isinterpersonal therapy, which focuses on social roles and interpersonal interactions.
Complementary Treatments
Several complementary treatment options consistently show benefits for depression.
They include:
Including these alternative remedies in your treatment plan may help you begin to feel better.
Consult your healthcare provider before taking herbal remedies.
They can interact with other drugs or produce undesirable results.
Another form of self-care to consider is exercise.
Many people with depression, however, understandably struggle with self-care.
The Combination Approach
Combining two or more treatment options can maximize relief from your depression.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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