Can depression go away on its own? This is a question that many people wonder about. The medical team at Duc Tam An Clinic is here to provide insight into this issue for our readers.
People often mistakenly believe that those with depression are simply feeling sad or down and that they can easily recover by thinking positively and staying optimistic. However, this is a misconception. Depression is a complex mental disorder, and sadness is only one of its many symptoms.
A depressive episode can last anywhere from 6 to 13 months. For mild depression, lifestyle changes, daily routines, and emotional support may help stabilize the condition more quickly. However, in cases of more severe depression, it is challenging to recover without appropriate psychological therapy and prescribed medication.
Question 1: You only get depressed after a major emotional shock.
Answer: Events such as prolonged stress, environmental factors, work pressure, marriage difficulties, accidents, or the death of a loved one can indeed increase the risk of depression. However, depression is not always triggered by specific events. Depression has several main types: endogenous depression, psychogenic depression, and organic depression.
Question 2: Everyone with depression shows the same symptoms.
Answer: Not everyone with depression has the same symptoms. Depression manifests differently in each person depending on factors like age, gender, and stage of the illness. Consequently, treatment methods also vary based on these individual differences.
Question 3: Men don’t experience depression.
Answer: Depression can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Societal expectations and gender norms may lead men to hide their emotions, making it difficult for them to express sadness or seek support. Some men may even resort to alcohol or other substances to cope with the negative emotions associated with depression.
Question 4: People with depression all have suicidal thoughts.
Answer: Suicidal thoughts often occur during severe stages of depression but can vary depending on the individual, their environment, and their stage in the illness. If you or someone you know is experiencing prolonged sadness and having suicidal thoughts, seek immediate support from a doctor or mental health specialist.
Question 5: If your parents have depression, you will too.
Answer: Having a family history of depression can increase your risk, but it’s not guaranteed. Even experts haven’t fully confirmed the role of genetics in determining depression risk. Depression can also be influenced by neurotransmitter imbalances, environmental factors, and personality traits.
Source: Compiled
Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. Symptoms can be psychological, physical, or a combination of both. Intervention is needed when symptoms become severe or cause disability or reduce quality of life in the absence of any apparent external threat. There are a number of disorders within anxiety disorders, each […]
1. What is anxiety disorder? Pathological anxiety is the excessive or persistent worry that is out of proportion to the perceived threat, interferes with the person’s functioning, and may be accompanied by thoughts or actions that appear excessive or unreasonable. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental disorders in our country with an […]
There is growing evidence that depression can reduce gray matter volume in the following regions: Hippocampus: This part of the brain is important for learning and memory, The Hippocampus connects to other parts of the brain that control emotions and respond to stress hormones: 1. Amygdala (emotional processing center): detects environmental stressors and activates the […]
Depression and anxiety disorders are distinct conditions, although they share some similarities. Let's explore their differences and commonalities
