Does Depression Ever Go Away If Left Untreated?

Living with a mental health condition like depression can make everyday life seem more challenging. While clinical depression isn't something that you can just wish away, those diagnosed with depression can take relief from knowing there are lots of treatment options available to help relieve depression symptoms. Some types of depression, such as situational depression, can go away with time. Other types of depression symptoms, like those related to bipolar disorder, can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medical support.

Depression and treatment

The ultimate goal in treating depression is to alleviate its symptoms and get a lasting positive outcome. This does not mean that someone who has recovered from depression symptoms will never feel sad again; sadness is a normal part of a person's emotional life. It does, however, mean that many of the more severe symptoms caused by clinical depression do not have to be an ongoing part of your life.

While medication is a popular option for those experiencing depression, it is a form of treatment designed to manage symptoms, not cure them. Participating in talk therapy – with or without medication – is commonly used to help patients learn coping skills for handling their depression symptoms. Therapy works on a more personal level, confronting the issues head-on, which often offers a better chance of long-term improvement.

Combining multiple forms of treatment is often the preferred treatment plan to help someone recover from depression. This could include a combination of counseling, medication, and practicing self-care.

Does depression ever go away without treatment?

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If you are experiencing reactive depression – which results from a specific situation – and the situation improves, your depression may gradually vanish over time. For example, if you have high levels of anxiety and depression because you had a difficult end to a relationship, they often start to dissipate over time. Eventually, you may come out of a depressive state simply through a change in environment. Other types of depression – such as seasonal affective disorder or postpartum depression – can resolve after biological factors such as sunlight exposure or hormone levels come back into balance.

However, most instances of depression are unlikely to go away without professional treatment, even if they fall into the above categories. Depression can cause people to withdraw from the very things that are likely to make them feel better. This includes things like taking care of their physical health, maintaining relationships with friends and family, and taking their minds off themselves. When someone is depressed, they will not typically choose to do these things. 

In most situations, it is unusual for major depressive disorder to disappear without making any effort or changes at all. While the willpower of someone with depression is likely to be much lower than usual, the road to lasting relief is typically those that demand work to follow them. In this regard, the support of family, friends, and a therapist can be invaluable in taking the necessary steps.

Living without depression

The strategies below may help you overcome major depression, but they are best when combined with professional help. A professional counselor understands how to lead you through the steps you need to start to make progress. There's also something helpful about talking to someone who isn't personally connected with you.

Overcoming depression is rarely something that happens suddenly but is rather a process of gradually experiencing the symptoms less and less intensely until they are no longer a burden. Individuals who've had depression in the past tend to be at more risk for future relapses, whether through their biology, temperament, or circumstances.

The battle against depression is not something that a single victory can usually conquer. Those prone to depression need to actively pay attention to their state of mind even when they feel better, to avoid falling back into a depressed state. Developing habits like self-care, journaling, meditation, and connecting with those who support you can help you catch relapses before they become a deep depression.

Remedies that you can try on your own

If you are struggling with depression and don't want to talk to a therapist, there are some things that you can try on your own. However, if you don't find relief, it's typically in your best interest to seek professional help.

• Start journaling - Getting your thoughts and feelings out of your head and onto paper can sometimes help you process painful situations that you have experienced. This can help you work through your feelings and recover from your depression.
• Get enough sleep - Every situation in life is just harder if you are operating on a night of insufficient sleep. Your body needs rest, so try to get around eight hours of sleep each night.
• Make good food choices - When experiencing depression, it's common to have changes in your appetite. People with depression often experience a loss of appetite; However, it could also lead to overeating. Make sure you work to keep your eating in check if you are struggling and focus on having small amounts of food throughout the day. Try to include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Studies have found that those who mostly eat fast food and junk food tend to have higher risks of depression than those who eat fresh, healthy foods. 
• Try meditation - Mindfulness meditation can help you reconnect with yourself and learn to cope with your feelings. It's a way to recognize what you are experiencing without allowing it to control you or make you anxious. Meditation can also teach you how to focus on your breathing, which helps you shift your mind from what's causing your anxiety to breathing more deeply and stretching.
• Connect with others - The typical response to depression is to withdraw from family and friends. However, these are the people with whom you may want to spend time when dealing with depression. Being with people who can help you feel like yourself can often help significantly. Even a few minutes with friends or family can be beneficial.

Therapy for depression

There are times when simple changes that you make on your own, like those above, can help you manage your depression. However, if that's not working for you, then it's time to get help. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, has been shown to help improve mood, thoughts, and physical functioning for patients with depression. Therapy has also been shown to help patients better deal with stressors. 

Working with a therapist, including online therapists like those at BetterHelp, can help you find the relief you're seeking. Studies find that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, plus it offers the convenience of not having to leave your home. A therapist can help you to identify where your depression originated, triggers that you face, and effective coping strategies.