Is it really possible to get OUT of depression?
This is something I've mulled over for years. I've discussed it with a few friends who have been through depression, and we've always seemed to have been of the same opinion: When having gone through depression, it doesn't actually go away or seem to be something you get over, but instead something you learn how to live with in a similar way as someone with a physical handicap will continue to do most/all things anyone else does. The other thing my friends have pointed out, and I've noticed myself, is while everyone has their odd bad days, those who have been through depression may find that their odd days are almost like getting put right back into the thick of it - maybe not quite as far, but it can still be deep, and it can last longer than just that one day (maybe a few days; maybe a few weeks).
I wanted to share this thought and hear what others think because this is purely a way of viewing depression that is my own through my own experiences and from talking to people I know who have gone through the same - this is not something I've known to be recognised by a professional or anything like that. I always see the aims to be for someone to come out of or no longer have depression, which I don't think is really the case. The term "to no longer SUFFER with depression" feels more relevant to me. I got formally diagnosed with depression in 2003 and after a year in counselling I was deemed to no longer need professional help/care, but I've never concidered myself to have gotten out of depression (nor was it ever explicitly stated).
I could be completely wrong with this thought, and I'll openly accept it if I am. I just wanted to know what others think.
Hi :) It is definitely possible to get out of depression, I did and I know quite a few others who did too. I feel depression is definitely something that takes time and it also affects people differently. Some may get over it quick and others may have a lengthier, harder time. I hope you can get out of depression too someday.
@Nymia Thank you for your response, and it's great to hear you managed to get out of depression. I really can't remember a time where I haven't lived with these thoughts and feelings, and now being in my 30's I really thought it was just the way I am and would continue to be forever. Maybe not. I really hope not.
As a professional, I partly agree with you on this but I also agree with @Nymia.
Treatment for depression is still quite rare, so most of the people you meet who have been depressed recently are untreated. They might have had medication or counselling to help them cope, but that's not the same as actual treatment. Because of this, depression can appear to be a life-long handicap when it's not.
Most people recover quickly if they have treatment, and more slowly even without any treatment. If you've been depressed since at least 2003, then unfortunately it doesn't look like you're one of the people who's going to recover without treatment, but with treatment it's almost certain that you would recover. The length of time you've been depressed is not an important factor. The usual treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT, although it's not the only one.
By the way, when I use the word "recover" I mean what you meant when you wrote, "get OUT".
@cookie84
@RodWhiteley Thank you for your message. I say I got officially diagnosed with depression in 2003, but for as long as I remember I've lived with the feelings of worthlessness, being alone, sadness, etc, and I've really thought it was just something I had to deal with for the rest of my life. The idea that I could actually get away from this feeling and these thoughts fills me with hope, for the first time in a VERY long time.
Well that's just a personnal viewpoint but I've never seen depression as sadness or lonelyness or worthlessness - in fact, I'm glad when I feel these because it makes me sure I'm not depressed. To me, depression is the absence of feelings. When you're so tired you don't even have the strength to be sad. When it doesn't really matter if you're worth or not. When you're always with yourself, but alone even when in compagny - and you don't even care what that last one could me.
Depression is hollow.
Depression is empty.
Depression is void.
Depression is nothing.
So, technically, it's impossible to get out of nothing. However, I believe as strongly as I can that it's possible to fill that emptyness with colorful feelings.
But that's just my viewpoint.
I did actually manage to beat depression but it was not easy.
