Being diagnosed with depression is so deeply painful that some may wonder if this condition will ever go away. Unfortunately, this is something you will have to manage forever. However, with the right psychotherapist and medication, you can still succeed in every area of life and be quite content.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
There are many symptoms of depression, including:
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
- Appetite changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Excessive guilt
- Feeling a sense of emptiness
- Feeling hopeless and/or helpless
- Feeling worthless
- Insomnia
- Lack of sleep (voluntary or involuntary)
- Difficulty remembering, making decisions, and concentrating
- Lack of appetite
- Overeating and weight gain
- Aches, pains, and other physical symptoms, such as headaches
- Difficulty turning off your racing thoughts
Many people who suffer from depression explain that they have trouble getting out of bed for weeks at a time, sometimes even longer. It is tough to overcome these episodes, especially if someone is not taking their medication.
Looking for depression treatment in Orange County? Moment of Clarity offers outpatient treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Timeline of a Depressive Episode
To be honest, the duration of a depressive episode will likely be different for everyone, but it has to last at least two weeks to be considered a clinical issue. Some research indicates that an average depressive episode lasts about ten months. That is, if no additional health conditions are present.
How Long Does Depression Usually Last?
Someone who is clinically diagnosed with depression will have this condition for the rest of their life. However, psychotherapy can drastically reduce these symptoms along with the proper medication. In short, you can be in remission if you are experiencing minimal symptoms—if any– and managing quite well, which is the best-case scenario.
How long a depressive episode lasts will vary, however: There are many different types of depression, including Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. Sometimes, people can fall into depression after losing a loved one. This mourning often lasts a few days but could span a much longer period.
Major Depressive Disorder episodes generally last for eight to sixteen months.
Major Depressive Disorder vs. Clinical Depression
Major Depressive Disorder is also referred to as clinical depression and is the most well-known condition. Some people only experience clinical depression once in their lives, while others endure multiple episodes.
Even if you only suffer from an episode once, you will still be considered clinically depressed for the rest of your life so that you can manage your symptoms as effectively as possible. This can feel like a burden to carry, but it doesn’t have to be: You might want to try viewing treatment as a self-care exercise, like going to the gym every week, for instance.
Above all, you must remember that none of this is your fault, and you are still an incredible person: Your condition is a reality, but it does not define who you are. You can prevent future episodes by getting treatment right away.
Other Different Types of Depression
If your depressive symptoms last for two years or longer, you will likely receive a diagnosis of Persistent Depressive disorder. Postpartum Depression often occurs during birth or right after giving birth. It affects women on a major level and can be a lot to go through, along with the many additional life changes that come with having a baby.
Generally, it lasts for a few weeks. Still, it could turn into Major Depressive Disorder if you’re not careful, which is why it’s essential to seek treatment immediately if you are suffering from this condition.
Postpartum Depression symptoms may naturally dissipate after about 3-6 months. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects people who are sensitive to cold, cloudy, rainy climates: The lack of sunshine can be hard on someone’s mental health. This usually lasts anywhere from four to five months.
Bipolar Disorder is incredibly difficult because episodes can vary from depressive to manic to somewhere in between. These can last anywhere from eight to twelve months.
Types of Depression Treatment
Fortunately, there are many incredibly effective treatments for depression. It is important to discuss treatment options with a mental health professional to determine which treatment is right for you. Treating depression should be done under the supervision of a trusted professional.
Treatments for depression typically include:
- Talk Therapy
- Pharmaceuticals
In addition, there are many lifestyle changes that can contribute to decreased stress and increased contentment. Treatments for improved mental health include:
- Physical Exercise
- Meditation
- Socializing with friends and/or family members
- Avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs
- Minimizing or eliminating sugar
- Implementing various stress management techniques, such as yoga, journaling, etcetera.
- Doing one thing at a time
- Eating healthfully
- Sleeping at least 7-9 hours per night
- Maintaining a set routine in your life
If you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide, you should immediately call 988: The emergency hotline number. Someone can then assist you in healing and reframing the situation so that you are not feeling so intense. It’s important to note that, more often than not, life does eventually get better if you can navigate through the tough times, no matter how devastating those might be.
Finding Wellness with Moment of Clarity
Moment of Clarity prides itself in tailoring every treatment plan to each client and their mental health disorder. After all, we all have different goals in our lives, so working with a healthcare professional who’s on the same page is essential.
This state-of-the-art facility also provides a wide range of treatments, including:
- A Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment Plans
- Medication Management
- Aftercare
- Evidence-Based Treatments
In short, Moment of Clarity, based in Orange County, California, is an organization you can count on with every fiber of your being. We have all the tools they need to improve patients’ mental well-being in every way possible.
Moment of Clarity also treats patients with anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, and much more, so, if you are struggling with anxiety in addition to depression – we can help.
Depression is not an easy condition to cope with, but while it can be challenging to receive such a diagnosis, it’s essential to take every measure you can to treat it so that you can put your best foot forward in every area of life.
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help.
