Does Depression Ever Go Away?

Nature & Course of Depression

Depression is a multifaceted condition that affects an estimated 5% of the adult population around the world. Symptoms can range from persistent, uncontrollable sadness and lack of motivation to a loss of interest in people, activities, and things once enjoyed.

The course of depression varies from person to person — there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to depression. Some people experience one episode due to situational events, while others have recurring bouts throughout life.

Episodic vs. chronic depression

Depression can be classified into two categories — episodic and chronic. Episodic depression involves clear, distinct periods of depressive symptoms with intermittent periods of remission in between. People with chronic depression can have persistent symptoms that can last for years, generally with fewer pronounced periods of remission. A major distinction between episodic and chronic depression lies in the duration and persistence of episodes. 

In research, people with chronic depression had more severe symptoms than those with episodic. They also generally experience an earlier onset of symptoms and often have comorbid conditions (having depression with other conditions concurrently). 

Studies found that people with chronic depression had higher rates of: 

• Disturbed memories 
• Feelings of inferiority
• Hopelessness
• Fear of being alone 
• Fear having to do normal, everyday tasks
• Thoughts of dying 

Factors Affecting the Persistence of Depression

Understanding the various factors that can influence the severity and frequency of depressive symptoms is crucial for managing the condition. 

Biological, psychological, and social factors all play significant roles in how severe depressive symptoms can be from depressed person to person. By examining each in detail, we can begin to understand why and how depression persists more steadily in some people than others, often despite solid treatment efforts.

Genetics

Discussing whether depression can go away naturally, it’s crucial to consider genetics. Genetics play a significant role in predisposition to depression — in fact, research suggests that the risk is 2 to 3 times higher if a parent or sibling also has depression. 

Experts agree that genetic variations can enhance susceptibility to certain depressive disorders. To further complicate things, genetics can also interact with environmental factors, adding to the complexity of the development and course of depression in someone’s life.

Neurochemical factors

Neuroscience research shows a clear link between neurochemical factors and depression. Neurotransmitter imbalance of brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can impact the onset and progression of depression. 

These brain chemicals play an important role in mood regulation and emotional processing, so when levels are off, it can increase the risk for depressive episodes. Thus, effectively targeting neurochemical imbalances is a crucial aspect of pharmacological depression treatment, which involves using medication to manage and correct these imbalances.

Physical health

Chronic illness and lifestyle habits that impact physical health can play a role in many mental health conditions, including depression. Conditions like cardiovascular disease or chronic pain can exacerbate depressive symptoms in some people. 

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits — like regularly exercising and eating well — can have a positive effect on mood regulation, possibly alleviating some depression symptoms.

Cognitive factors

Cognitive factors like negative thought patterns or distorted, untrue perceptions likely contribute to the nature and course of depression in most people. Unhealthy thought patterns can reinforce depressive symptoms, influencing how people respond to life events.

Personality traits

Some personality traits have been linked to a predisposition to depression. For example, one study found that people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) have significantly higher rates of depressive symptoms present. Other personality traits can also influence how someone manages stress, which can impact the course of depression over time.

Support systems

Having a strong support system that includes family, friends, and a solid mental health care team can be pivotal in managing symptoms of depression. Social support can offer emotional validation for people living with depression. In contrast, strained relationships and a lack of support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can increase feelings of isolation caused by depression and thwart recovery.

Life events

Major life events, like loss, trauma, or any other significant change — including positive ones, like marriage or the birth of a child — can trigger or worsen depressive episodes. How much of an impact certain life events will have on the severity of depression will largely depend on factors like individual resilience and effective coping skills for depression.

Access to care

Access to care can be a barrier for many people seeking treatment and mental health support. Timely access to mental health services, like medication and therapy for depression, is critical for early intervention and often dictates overall outcomes for managing depression.

Barriers to care can include:

• Financial stress
• Lack of resources
• Lack of healthcare coverage
• Being unwilling, unmotivated, or unable to seek help

Treatment compliance

Treatment compliance — with both therapy and depression medication — is a critical component of being able to manage depression effectively. Antidepressant medication adherence can drive symptom relief while preventing relapse of future episodes. Non-compliance often leads to prolonged or recurrent depressive episodes.

Therapeutic relationship

The relationship someone has with their therapist or other mental health provider plays a significant role in the nature and course of their depression treatment. Establishing a strong bond and having trust fosters open communication, which is vital for being able to address underlying issues that are contributing to depressive symptoms effectively.

Maintaining a supportive therapeutic relationship greatly enhances and improves treatment outcomes in symptom management and successful long-term recovery.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices can have a profound impact on the nature and course of a depression diagnosis. Living a healthy lifestyle supports brain health and mood regulation. Poor lifestyle habits, like not sleeping well, misuse of drugs and alcohol, unhealthy eating, and sedentary behavior, can all contribute to and worsen depressive symptoms over time.

The Importance of Treatment for Depression

If you’ve been wondering will my depression ever go away, it’s essential to understand that seeking treatment is paramount for overcoming untreated depression. Therapy can offer you the tools and support to manage symptoms effectively. A combined approach of therapy and medication can help you identify and address underlying issues. 

Talkspace is an online platform that makes getting help for depression easy and affordable. 

Embracing is empowering — it allows you to regain control of a life that’s not dictated by depression. Start online treatment for depression with Talkspace today.