Depression is a common and serious mood disorder that affects how you think, feel, and function. It’s marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. Those with depression often struggle to get out of bed, concentrate on tasks, or take care of their physical health and hygiene. But depression is not a fault of theirs; depression is not a choice. It’s a debilitating mental health condition rooted in a person’s brain chemistry. Because of its intricacies, depression can last for a long time. However, it’s also highly treatable.
Depression affects more than 18 percent of American adults, making it one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the United States today. If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression, you are not alone. And chances are, you want to relief from the symptoms fast. Depression can disrupt nearly every aspect of daily life. It’s natural to want to know when you’ll start feeling better.
So, how long does depression last – and how long do you need in therapy for depression?
The truth is: it varies. Here’s a look at the common timelines associated with depression.
How Long Can Depression Last?
Everyone is sad from time to time, but depression lasts much longer. It’s more than having a bad day or even a bad week. It’s a persistent state that affects your mood, energy, motivation, and quality of life.
As a mental health condition, depression can last for weeks or months. For some, it can last for more than a year. And in many cases, depression can be chronic, meaning there are long-term or recurring symptoms. The length of depression will vary case to case.
The criterion for major depression is noted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition), or DSM-5 for short. According to the DSM-5, depression means that a person is battling a multitude of symptoms (at least five) and that the symptoms persist for most of the day and daily, over the course of two weeks in a row or longer.
While major depression is the most common, other types of depression exist and often follow very different timelines. These include:
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD, also called dysthymia), which lasts for two years or more. Dysthymia is characterized by more mild symptoms than major depression.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically worsening in the cold or darker months.
- Postpartum depression (PPD), which occurs after pregnancy or giving birth. Symptoms of PPD can last for a few weeks, and up to a year after a child’s birth.
- Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that’s characterized by extreme highs and lows. Studies suggest episodes of bipolar disorder can last between 8 and 12 months.
As you can see, the length of depression largely depends on each individual case and the type of depression they’re experiencing. No two people are the same, and neither are their experiences.
How Long Do Depressive Episodes Last?
People diagnosed with depression will often refer to their low periods as depressive episodes—specific stretches of time in which they’re experiencing symptoms like sadness, lack of motivation, and loss of interest in daily activities. Simply put, a depressive episode is a distinct period in which the symptoms of depression are present.
How long do depressive episodes last? While this too can vary, depressive episodes can last anywhere between two weeks and 12 months. The specific length of the episode largely depends on whether or not a person receives treatment. As explained by the Cleveland Clinic, “Untreated episodes of clinical depression (major depressive disorder) can last six to 12 months.”
Harvard research supports this sentiment, stating, “If depression is not treated, it can become chronic (long-lasting). Treatment can shorten the length and severity of a depressive episode.”
When depression is or becomes a chronic condition, it requires ongoing management even after the episodes or symptoms pass.
How Long Does Therapy Take for Depression?
While depression is a devastating and often chronic condition, there is good news: It’s also one of the most treatable mental health disorders. Research suggests that up to 90 percent of people diagnosed with depression eventually respond well to treatment.
The question is, how long does this take?
As much as you want to overcome the symptoms of depression, mental health treatment is something that can’t be rushed or wrapped up overnight. Conditions like depression affect the brain’s chemistry and can become very complex, especially if they co-occur with other conditions, like substance abuse. That said, those struggling with depression should expect to commit several months or more to the treatment process.
Of course, the time needed in therapy will depend on each individual and the severity of their depression. It will also depend on the type of treatment received.
For example, residential mental health treatment programs tend to be longer-term and recommended for more severe cases of depression, such as those who showcase suicidal ideation or suggestions of self-harm. These generally last between 3 and 12 months. Ongoing therapy, or continuing management, is almost always recommended to prevent relapse, manage daily challenges, and maintain a trusted support system.
Antidepressant medications are a common treatment for those struggling with difficult or recurrent symptoms. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests these medications take between 4 to 8 weeks to start working, and it can take a few tries to find the medication that works best. Even after initial improvements, clinicians may recommend you continue taking your prescription for several months to prevent relapse.
No matter where you turn, you will not find a single, recommended timeline (or process) for treating depression. Experts emphasize the importance of working with a treatment professional to come up with a plan and therapy schedule that meets your individual needs.
At the end of the day, we know that treatment for depression is important. As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) puts it, “Treatment for depression can help reduce symptoms and shorten how long the depression lasts.” In other words, those who complete treatment or receive therapy overcome symptoms faster than those who go without. This is because these individuals are given the tools, strategies, and support system needed to:
- Identify their triggers and the root of their symptoms
- Cope with daily challenges or difficult emotions
- Feel heard, understood, and validated in times of need
- Make changes to promote a healthy, positive life
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, we encourage you to speak with a licensed treatment professional. There’s no set timeline for treating depression. However, the longer you wait to get treatment, the worse your symptoms can become. It’s never too early to reach out for help. Contact Turnbridge today if you’re interested in our young adult or teen depression treatment programs. Or, give us a call if you’re simply looking for guidance on what to do next: 877-581-1793.