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Shouldn't I be able to get over depression on my own?

133 Answers
Last Updated: 07/23/2018 at 6:51pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
Ej
November 5th, 2014 1:56am
Depression can be a very nasty thing, and the best quote I've seen accuratelt describing this mind state is the following: "It's like drowning. Except you can see everyone around you breathing ." I do believe with the proper determination and mindset one can overcome any object and that is the beautiful part of the human mind; sometimes it dips, and sometimes is rises. However, as with all issues, there is a point where the problem becomes too severe and wild and before we know it we are in a bigger hole than we initially started in. That is also okay, because we're not superhuman. I say do what you can to combat depression, but if it comes to a point where you believe the feeling is increasing and you feel helpless, then by all means latch on to someone. As soldiers lean on one another, as family lean on one another, it isn't out of the ordinary for humans to rely on others to carry us at times. We are only human, and it's a beautiful thing.
kittykat
October 30th, 2014 8:16pm
Not necessarily! Major depressive disorder is caused by a lack of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is what keeps us productive and awake. This is why depression saps not only mood, but also motivation, appetite, energy, and senses. Depending on the severity of your depression, lifestyle changes like exercise and diet can help. But ultimately it's best to reach out to a mental health professional, or -- if this kind of care isn't available to you -- to find community support. Trying to get over depression on your own can be a very isolating experience, so it's better to connect with people who are going through the same thing.
Arwa
November 1st, 2014 8:54am
No, you deserve to be helped. I'm sure you have the strength to do it, but no one should go through tough times alone.
AllieHope
October 9th, 2014 6:40pm
You could get over it by your own , because there aren't always good people around. But that's why i am here , i am here to help you go through it, listen to you.
LightInTheDarkness
October 16th, 2014 3:47pm
Depression is not something that you can recover from alone. It is so important to have people who care and support you to help you each step of the way. x
mjanewatson
October 29th, 2014 1:48pm
It is possible to get over depression on one's own but it is very difficult. The lack of motivation and enthusiasm can make things harder for the depressed. That is why they might need someone to rely on. They need to eb supported as the state of the person can go worse if they feel forsaken.
esceflora
October 31st, 2014 4:47pm
There's nothing wrong with not being able to get over depression by yourself. Let's compare it to flu (because depression is a illness, of course). You might be able to fight the flu yourself, but if it gets worse you have to visit the doctor and take your meds so you can get better. There's nothing wrong with that.
Anonymous
October 25th, 2014 5:29pm
Not necessarily. Why would you want to solve it on your own if you know there is help available? What do you need to prove by solving it on your own?
Anonymous
November 7th, 2014 9:54pm
Some people can, and others cant. Doesn't say anything about them as a person, but you need people at some stage in life, with or without a mental illness.
Anonymous
September 24th, 2014 11:02pm
Depression is a debilitating condition. It affects not just our mood and behavior, but our judgement as well. If we do not receive the help and the comfort of others, especially those who have tackled the condition, we are forced to fight this alone. Combine the feeling of being alone with a lack of judgement, and the consequences can be disastrous. We sometimes require the aid of others, that's why they are there.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2014 5:36pm
It's almost impossible to get over a depression yourself. The human can't live on his own. We need others to survive. We need to socialize or we will lose our mind. When you are suffering from a depression, a loneliness feeling can get the boss of you. You feel like no one cares, no one understands. We isolate ourselves from the world and the people on it. This is an extremely normal reaction, but it's extremely unhealthy. You can't do everything yourself. Psychiatrists and therapists are qualified to help you get through this. Your thoughts are too focused on the bad things to be able to help yourself. These professionals can help you to see the good things in life.
Wilwarin
October 20th, 2014 5:00pm
Can you get over the flu on your own? Or any other disease? Depression is not a phase: it is an illness and it requires help from doctors and experts.
Magoon
September 15th, 2014 10:22pm
It is very very difficult to get over something like depression on your own, finding support in friends and family is very important.
Anonymous
November 16th, 2014 2:07am
No. In my experience with depression, it is such an off and on disease. Without the support of my family, friends, and my therapist, I would not be here. Everyone needs support, especially when you are going through a tough time.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2014 9:23am
It depends. Some people can handle their depression on their own but I feel one needs to have structure, practice self care and positive life style choices, improve their self awareness on a regular basis, show kindness and self compassion to themselves, be social and have a good support system.
danikim3
November 15th, 2014 3:29am
It varies depending on your physical and emotional capablilites, but time heals all wounds. So, it really just depends on if you're the type that likes to enjoy yourself or just take time to yourself, or if you like to talk to people about your depression and like seek help for what is needed. It all depens on what stage of depression, and how willing you are to seek and accept help. Your can always talk to one of the listeners on 7 cups as well... Keep going strong (:
Jaxzoom
November 15th, 2014 1:24am
Some people can truly handle and overcome Depresion on there won, but most people with the disorder do need ATLEAST a friend for moral support
positiveIcicle23
November 13th, 2014 6:49am
You can always ask for help if you are depressed. It is a sign of strength to come out and ask for help when you are feeling depressed. :)
PeaceTrain
November 10th, 2014 10:35am
You can get over it, but it would be much easier to deal with, if you took some expert help. Depression is like a giant wave and you are like the rocks. The rock needs to be very strong to get over it.
Anonymous
November 9th, 2014 10:36pm
It's always better you have someone to vent/talk to, someone you trust. That way you don't keep things to yourself and don't feel lonely or different.
hiddensoulx
November 8th, 2014 2:42pm
Depression is a complex, delicate emotion which is controlled by either yourself or words/actions of others. Depending on how strong your depression is, you can help yourself if it is a minor depression but there are many people and helplines that specify in helping people with depression.
LevisCorde
November 6th, 2014 3:05am
Some people can, through various methods such as exercise, eating and sleeping better, dedicating a part of their day to self-improvement; but I've found that the majority of people with depression that I've talked to have not. Please let someone know of your condition and try to seek professional advice.
Faith16
November 6th, 2014 2:09am
you should never go through something like that alone. help is a very important tool in your time of need.
Anonymous
October 31st, 2014 10:10pm
There is no 'should' in depression. No way to 'properly' be depressed, or break free from it. If you find you need help, then I encourage you to do so. There is no need to struggle on your own, and you need to give yourself permission to seek help and be treated when necessary. You deserve to live a happy life.
ZamokuhleMasondo
September 25th, 2014 4:09am
No, it really helps to have the support of family and friends when you are depressed, because people with support tend to make a better recovery.
RaleighC
September 11th, 2014 3:26am
Depression is a disease which is treatable both through therapy and medication. Just as you wouldn't expect someone to recover from strep throat without an antibiotic, you can't expect someone (even yourself) to recover from the illness of depression on his or her own.
Anonymous
December 4th, 2015 1:18am
There was a time when I went through depression. The worst thing about it was that I felt so lonely.......I felt like I was alone and didn't matter at all. That made me feel worthless. I was able to overcome it with the help of my family. I don't know where I would be without them. In my experience depression can't be cured alone. You need someone to tell you they care. That you matter. Because you do. You deserve it.
Ven
October 25th, 2014 2:45pm
As I said on my previous statements, Depression is an enemy which cannot be faced alone. Asking help from other people will make the burden of your depression much lighter.
elllouise
October 25th, 2014 10:10pm
Not always sometimes you just need to know someone cares.
Pandette
October 27th, 2014 2:30am
There are times when people can overcome depression on their own, but it never hurts to ask someone for help. I honestly feel like we all have a need to do things on our own or to be able to solve our own problems, but there are so many people out there who are willing and want to help us get through our struggles.