How Long Does Depression Last?
Depression affects people of all ages and all walks of life. Knowing how long depression will last can help you figure out the best treatment options.
Days
Short-term depression, commonly known as "the blues," can last a few days. It usually is related to an event that makes a person unusually sad or upset.
Weeks
Hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle can cause depression in women for days or weeks at a time. Situational depression related to a traumatic event also can lead to depression that might last weeks or longer.
Months
Seasonal affective disorder, also called SAD, can last for months and is related to the decrease of exposure to sunlight during the winter season. Chronic depression also can last for months, go away, then return again months later.
Years
Chronic depression can last for years and even a lifetime. Chronic depression usually requires treatment for relief.
Treatment
Talking with friends and loved ones or a professional therapist can help alleviate depression. There also are medications, called anti-depressants, available for those who have medically diagnosed depression.
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