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Is it possible to completely overcome depression or is there always the chance it will return?

20 Answers
Last Updated: 12/08/2020 at 5:07pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
May 26th, 2015 9:09pm
I'm not a doctor sadly so I can't tell you 100% the answer. I can only tell you what my experience with depression has been. I've had it for 10 years approx. and some days have been worse than others. I think it'll always be there but it's up to the individual to seek help, stick to any medications there doctors may prescribe them and just...don't be hard on yourself. If you don't feel happy one day just take a time out. When you do feel help go out there and have some fun doing trying out new things or doing whatever it may be that you like. Just take care of yourself. :)
Youniq
May 4th, 2015 1:20am
Even if it returns, so what? After you overcome something, you know that it is possible to do it again.
Brok3nHeart
July 28th, 2015 8:54pm
Yes it is possible to completely overcome depression because people do change. I strongly believe that with the right attitude depression can be eliminated.
FriendForever22
December 26th, 2017 1:57pm
Through my experience, i can say that you can fight depression. The thing you have to do is to keep guarding your mind from negative things. You have to feed it with good food. From good food, i mean to say that Read good books. Keep your thoughts positive. Have healthy food. Keep yourself busy with the things which make you feel lighter and Keep faith in GOD.
DragonFlyQueen
June 13th, 2016 5:16pm
I believe that there will always be sad days, days where you feel afraid that you're slipping back into depression. But I think it's important to take your time to be sad and then move forwards. That way you will not give yourself the chance to spiral down. Look for some distraction or do something you really love on bad days, and you won't have to worry!
igruaminion
December 8th, 2020 5:07pm
Speaking from personal experience I'm quietly confident the answer is yes. I say so because once you break the patterns of thought that give you the most trouble, learning how to break such patterns becomes a skill for life, so even if new kinds of negative thoughts start to come along in the future, you have a good chance of being able to take control of them way before they take control of you. Overcoming depression is sort of unique in that it's one of the few things in life where the first steps of progress are the hardest and the most demanding and then it gets easier (at least in a relative sense). Once you are sort of 'immune' if you like you still have good days and bad days like everyone, only difference is sometimes the lines are blurred between what's good and bad because when the bad stuff isn't feeding any dark places inside your mind eventually the good stuff finds a place for it, so it's not so bad :)
Itsmisha
October 19th, 2020 10:51am
Everything's possible and depression is a really hard one to overcome but it doesnt mean that you cant. I really respect people that got through depression and already know how to manage it. People like that are really strong and i know you are too. To overcome depression completely is really challenging but there are ways to make it happen and it all starts with you but the main thing is you need to avoid the trigger cuz if you dont pull the gun, no bullet is gone come out. The trigger is something you need to be aware of all the time if you wanna overcome depression completely and i know everyone have their own potential in doing amazing things like this.
Joye74
June 24th, 2019 6:15pm
Of course, yes and return is usually more powerful as brain is condition to handle the challenges. If the challenges happen, it is possible to fall into the pit but the return is quicker and easier. However, sometimes the magnitude of fall could be more sever than previous fall and might cause deeper depression. However, we are designed so well, we can fight and recover no matter how bad is the fall if we develop inner strengths. Many times challenges help develop such inner strength, new skills and capabilities in us. So I think it can relapse with new challenges but it becomes easier to recover.
letsbehopeful
September 10th, 2018 1:46pm
I've had relapses a couple of times. I know that some people only have one episode and then they're done with that, with or without medication or other treatment. But for me, depression means relapses if I don't take my medication. I don't know if I will ever have another relapse if I'm taking my medication, but I think it's a chance for me even with medication, therefore - I'm very motivated to take my medication nowadays to minimize the chance to relapse. Of course, it's not possible to say if you could completely overcome depression, because I don't know your history and I'm no doctor. But I know that you'll be able to live with it, and I also know from my experience that it's easier to search for help when I already know all the symptoms from before.
electricMelody47
December 4th, 2017 8:17am
There is always the chance it can return, however you can learn to manage it better.You can learn new tools to deal with it better.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2017 11:12pm
I don't think depression can be completely overcome but there are ways to deal with it. Maybe try therapy and medication. That seems to help a lot.
PowerofNow247
February 21st, 2017 3:03am
There is always the possibility that some form of depression could return, there's a fine line between honoring the past and getting lost in it. And if we anticipate the future too much we miss the present moment, the most precious thing there is. You're greater than your mind, so watch the thinker in you and find your true self above it. Put more energy into what you're doing than what the outcome of the doing will be and you will find joy lies there.
Anonymous
August 2nd, 2016 10:33am
There is always a chance that depression will return, but sometimes you can build so much as a person that things aren't so overwhelming anymore and things become easier. Anybody can experience depression, and everyone can experience happiness.
RebbecaSparks
January 26th, 2015 2:54am
There is a chance it will return,it depends on what case it is.And how you react to it according to my opinion .
MoodyEve
June 7th, 2016 7:55am
I guess there is always the chance it will come back, but in my experience each time you manage to overcome it you build extra skills you can draw from the next time the little black dog gets through the fence.
admirableParadise40
March 8th, 2016 9:52pm
Yes it is possible to overcome depression completely with proper medical help and support frome close friends and family.
spoopyhooty
November 3rd, 2015 2:11am
I myself don't believe it is possible to be completely rid of depression, simply because everyone in their lifetime gets depressed or may become chronically depressed. There MAY be a chance it would return, but that is why seeking help or advice brings a more positive outlook.
BluePeach29
September 22nd, 2015 4:18pm
For me, it returns. It helps me to have different methods in order to cope, so that if I do feel depressed, I can act to treat it before it gets worse. I treat it as I would a physical illness. If it does get bad, I take prescribed medication from a psychiatrist or visit my therapist. I hope this helps!
Anonymous
June 23rd, 2015 6:50pm
There are lots of people who completely overcome serious depression. Even after having it come back many times. Be it with lifestyle changes, self-work, therapy, or medication. Don't beat yourself up for when you get depressed again, and have hope for the future! But remember, even those without depression are sad sometimes. That's part of life.
CaveOwlet
February 11th, 2015 4:31am
I think depression is something that can come and go for different reasons. Asking if it is possible to completely overcome it is same as asking if it is possible to completely overcome a cold. At the current moment sure. Yet you never know if reasons for it to happen will arise again - best you can do is do your best to overcome it when it happens, try to prevent it so it is less likely to happen, and be ready with the knowledge of how to deal with it in case it returns.