Recovering from depression is not easy. For most Americans struggling with depression, around 19 million, it takes time, effort and often professional support to feel better.
Most patients find that if they stick to their treatment plans, they will see a reduction in their symptoms. Following an aftercare plan that supports treatment goals is essential for long-term recovery.
How Does Depression Affect Daily Life?
Depression can feel like an internal battle that keeps people from functioning. It can make it hard to focus, make decisions, form connections and relationships. Depression may not be physically visible, but it affects a number of areas of daily life including:
- Decline in work or academic performance
- Changes in appetite that could lead to nutritional deficiencies
- Disturbance in sleep that affects overall health
- Can lead to substance abuse
- Physical aches and pains
Recognize The Signs
It’s important to recognize the signs of depression in yourself or a loved one to provide intervention and get them the help they need. Some signs of clinical depression include:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Irritability, aggression or angry outbursts
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Slowed thinking, speaking or movement
- Problems focusing or making decisions
- Unexplained physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or joint & muscle pain
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
What Causes Depression?
Depression is complex and does not have one direct cause. Some people may be more prone to developing depression than others. It can also be caused by situational factors. There are a variety of influences that cause depression, sometimes influencing each other.
Understanding why someone is depressed is a core part of therapy in order to provide the proper support and treatment.
- Biological: Genetics can make people more susceptible to depression. If both parents struggle with depression, there is a higher chance their child may also develop it. Hormonal problems, metabolic diseases and other physical health problems can also affect chemicals in the brain that can cause symptoms of depression.
- Psychological factors such as tolerance for stress, trauma, temperament, and personality can influence whether someone is more likely to develop depression. For people who have experienced traumatic events, especially in childhood, there is a higher risk of developing depression in adulthood.
- Situational factors can influence whether someone feels depressed or not. Examples could include being part of a certain demographic with challenges in society such as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. People in relationships with domestic violence, or situations of poverty may be more likely to struggle with symptoms of depression.
What Does It Take To Recover From Depression?
Recovering from depression is a journey that will look different for everyone. For some, simple lifestyle changes and extra support from loved ones may help them feel better. For others, they may require medication and ongoing therapy to manage symptoms.
During treatment for depression, most therapists will help patients set goals and develop a treatment plan with positive coping skills to utilize even after their official treatment ends.
Follow-up care and building a routine to manage depression is an important part of treatment to keep a depressive episode and symptoms from returning. These could include:
- Stay active with daily exercise.
- Get outside. Nature can increase mood-boosting chemicals in the brain.
- Take your prescribed medicine everyday.
- Connect with family and friends. Having a support system to reach out to during depressive episodes is an important part of a healthy follow-up routine.
Do You Ever Really Recover From Depression?
There is no specific timeline for recovering from depression. It is not the same as breaking a bone where a doctor can prescribe a linear plan for healing. Recovery from depression will look different for everyone and is based on severity of symptoms, the cause of depression, type of depression and the kind of ongoing support they have.
Some people may recover from depression in as little as weeks or months. For others, depression may be a life-long illness. In some cases of situational depression, a change in environment may even help.
When To Seek Help
It’s important to seek help from a mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of depression. Maple Mountain Mental Health & Wellness Center has a compassionate team of trauma-informed therapists that are here to provide comprehensive support.
We understand the complex nature of depression and offer therapies such as CBT, DBT, TMS and Therapy Assisted Ketamine Treatment. Reach out to our Admissions team today.
Sources
Major Depression. National Institute of Mental Health.
