It’s hard to predict how long depressive symptoms will last. The length of a depressive episode can vary and is influenced by its severity, as well as treatment and individual factors, such as causes of depression.
Usually, the duration ranges from six months to eight months, depending on the person. About 20% of depressive episodes can last two years or more, and about half of depressive episodes end spontaneously. But no matter how long your symptoms last, depression can cause problems in your daily activities and your relationships.
Living with depression for more than a decade can significantly affect the physical structure of the brain. Physical changes may range from inflammation to actual shrinking.
Research has shown that when people experience depression, the size of specific regions of the brain (amygdala, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus) can decrease, which reduces your ability to perform functions associated with those sections. But studies have also shown that shrinkage is reversible and the brain can heal.
Researchers also found a link between inflammation and depression. Brain inflammation can cause brain cells to die and cause such complications as reduced neuroplasticity and reduced functioning of neurotransmitters.
Depression is a serious mental illness that often happens in episodes. An episode is when a person experiences depression symptoms for at least two weeks. People may only have one depressive episode, but at least half of the people who experience one episode have one or more additional episodes in their lifetimes. And about 80% of people who had two depressive episodes will have a third. That’s why it’s important to get treatment and practice self-care. This way, you can lower your chances of recurrence.
Unfortunately, for some people, the condition can persist for years. The risk factors for recurrent depressive episodes include a family history of depression, personality traits, lack of social support, past trauma, and stressful life events. If you’re at risk for experiencing recurrent depression, treatment can help you effectively manage your symptoms.
Treatment for depression usually includes a combination of self-help, psychotherapy, and medications. The recommended treatment will be based on the type of depression you have. Therapy for depression can take many forms, but three of the more common approaches used in depression treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. A blended approach can be also used.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often described as the gold standard treatment for depression. CBT teaches you to identify and reframe negative thought patterns and unhelpful behavior patterns.
Interpersonal therapy is a very structured, time-limited form of therapy that focuses on identifying and improving problematic personal relationships that are directly related to your current depressive mood.
Dialectical behavior therapy encourages those with depression to acknowledge and accept their negative thoughts and behaviors and come to terms with their negative emotions. This type of therapy also uses some mindfulness practices.
Each person and their symptoms are different, so the treatment for their depression will vary based on their needs. That means that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. But the American Psychological Association states that on average 15 to 20 sessions are required for 50% of patients to recover as indicated by self-reported symptom measures.
The length of time someone requires psychotherapy to help treat their depression will depend on different factors, including
- Severity of depression and symptoms.
- Co-occurring mental disorders, such as anxiety, substance use disorders, or eating disorders.
- A person’s adherence to therapy.
- Frequency of therapy sessions.
There is no cure for depression, but it’s quite possible that a particular episode of depression will go away on its own if given enough time. Still, this mental illness has a high risk of recurrence although it doesn’t return for everyone. And while not curable, this mental disorder is highly treatable. Evidence shows that 80% to 90% of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment, and almost all patients gain some relief from depressive symptoms.
There are many effective treatment options, one of which is bound to help you feel better if you’re struggling through a depressive episode. With effective treatment, you can recover from depression and live a fulfilling and happy life.
The first step in treating depression is recognizing that you are experiencing depressive symptoms, and the second step is seeking help from a qualified health care provider. You should reach out to your primary care doctor, a psychiatrist, or a psychotherapist who can help you find a combination of treatments that works best for you. You need to talk about your concerns and request a thorough evaluation.
These two steps may be the hardest, but you need to take them if depression interferes with your quality of life. Depression is highly treatable, so seeking proper treatment can help you feel better more quickly. And if you don’t take care of depression, it will not only lead to needless suffering but may also have devastating consequences.
Each person is unique so it’s crucial to tailor treatment to each patient. If there is no underlying medical cause for your symptoms of depression, psychotherapy can be an extremely effective treatment. It will teach you skills and insight to feel better during a depressive episode and help prevent depression from coming back.
There’s also abundant evidence that people with severe or chronic depression who seek treatment can find significant relief with a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Still, it’s important to understand that recovery from any mental health disorder takes time.
Different people are affected by depression in different ways, so there’s no “one size fits all” treatment for depression. What works for one person may not work for another. The most effective way to treat depression is to become informed about the available treatment options, and then tailor them to meet your needs. In most cases, it is helpful to work with a mental health professional to determine the best fit.
For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured psychological treatment that can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. It equips you with tools to better respond to challenging and stressful situations. Many research studies show that CBT is one of the most effective treatments for depression. Individuals treated with CBT show a marked improvement in depression symptoms, and those who complete the full course of CBT sessions are typically less likely to experience a relapse of their depression symptoms after treatment than patients who receive only medication.
Calmerry is a subscription-based service. Currently, we offer weekly and monthly subscription plans, and the prices start as low as $50 a week. As long as you use our platform, all our subscription fees are automatically charged every month (except our weekly package).
Text Therapy. You have access to your virtual therapy room 24/7 and can leave a message to your counselor at any time. Text therapy involves asynchronous communication, so we don’t guarantee that you will get instant responses from your counselor. However, you can expect that your counselor will respond to your messages 1-2 times a day during their working days.
Video Therapy. You can schedule a session with a therapist using secure therapy space with a video chat room. Live video therapy sessions are held in real time and feel more personal than text-based online therapy. Multiple studies have found that live video therapy has the same effect as face-to-face sessions.