Learn about depressive episodes, what they are and how long they last. Discover how Restore Mental Health can help you recover from depression and anxiety.
Depression is a mental disorder that affects people from all walks of life. A 2023 Gallup Poll found 29% of American adults have been affected by depression at some point in their lives, and 18% were experiencing depression at the time the survey was conducted. Recurring depressive episodes can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Learning what influences depression and how to manage the condition is essential.
What Is a Depressive Episode?
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a feeling of sadness and low energy. Some common symptoms of depression include:
- Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
- Loss of appetite
- A change in sleep patterns
- Low energy
- Poor concentration
- Suicidal ideation
- Reduced self-esteem
Someone is considered to be experiencing a depressive episode if they experience five or more of the above listed symptoms of depression and those symptoms last for 2 weeks or longer. For someone to be formally diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must not have been caused by substance abuse and must not be a side effect of prescription medication.
Not everyone who’s living with depression experiences all of these symptoms, and the length of time the symptoms last can vary. Some people recover quickly and may never experience depression again. Others find the symptoms last longer and come back regularly. Proper treatment in the early stages of a depressive episode can help reduce the risk of the symptoms becoming chronic and severe.
Factors Influencing Episode Duration
If someone you care for is going through a depressive episode, it’s natural to be worried. During the depths of depression, it can seem like there’s no way out. How long does depression last? Unfortunately, every case is different.
A depressive event has to last at least 2 weeks before it’s considered a depressive episode, but the timeline for recovering from a depressive episode is less clear. An untreated episode of depression can last for several months. Fortunately, it’s possible to shorten the length of a depressive episode and reduce the severity of the symptoms with proper treatment.
Some factors that can affect the duration of a depressive episode include:
- The type of depression
- The presence of other health conditions
- External pressures/challenges
- Whether the patient has a support network
- The use of therapy or medications to treat the condition
Typical Timeframes for Different Types of Depression
Depressive symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause or type of depression. The average length of depressive episodes can also vary depending on the type of depression.
- Postnatal/postpartum depression (several months). These symptoms start at some point during the first year after having a baby and typically last for several months. However, in around 5% of cases, women report high levels of postpartum depression for 3 years after childbirth.
- Seasonal affective disorder (fall to spring). Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) usually start in the fall, peak during the winter when the days are their shortest and resolve themselves by springtime. Many people who are living with SAD are able to manage the condition with self-care strategies once they have a formal diagnosis.
- Reactive depression (typically situational/short duration). If a depressive episode has been triggered by a specific life event, such as a job loss or relationship issues, a doctor might classify it as reactive depression. This kind of depression often resolves itself when the issue that triggered it is resolved. Therapy can also be effective in these situations.
- Dysthymia (2+ years). Continuous, mild depression that lasts for an extended period of time is called dysthymia, or persistent depressive disorder.
- Bipolar disorder (several months). People who experience periods of mania and periods of depression may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Depressive episodes can last for between 2 weeks and several months. The duration is unpredictable but typically longer than the duration of manic episodes.
The above are just a few examples of different types of depression. There are many others, and the causes and treatments can vary. For this reason, it’s important to seek professional medical advice if you’re experiencing unexplained depressive symptoms.
When to Seek Professional Help
Depression is a serious condition, and if it’s not treated, it can last for many years. The symptoms can also get worse over time. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of depression and those symptoms are impacting your ability to engage in your usual daily activities, it may be time to seek professional help.
At Restore Mental Health, we provide comprehensive care and support for people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Our team includes therapists, counselors, drug addiction specialists and physicians. We use a range of treatment techniques, including cutting-edge neuro rehab programs, to help people have the best chances of recovery.
Strategies for Managing and Shortening Episodes
Learning how to manage depressive episodes can help reduce their severity and shorten the duration of each episode. Some common strategies for managing depression include:
- Regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Proper sleep hygiene
- Self-care strategies such as meditation, mindfulness or aromatherapy
- Therapy or counseling
- Deep brain stimulation treatments
- Medication
It can take time to find the most effective combination of strategies. Working with a doctor or a team of counselors and therapists can help you find the most suitable options.
In some cases, self-care simply isn’t enough. If you or someone you care for is experiencing severe depression and has expressed suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for emergency support.
There Is Hope: Get Help to Treat Your Depression
With the right help, it’s possible to treat depression. The compassionate counselors, therapists and medical professionals at Restore Mental Health have experience supporting people with a wide variety of diagnoses, including those who are struggling with substance abuse, anxiety, bipolar disorder or PTSD.
If you’re looking for a way to break out from depression, contact Restore Mental Health today to book a consultation with one of our counselors.
