People can and do recover from depression.
1,9 There is hope – even when things seem their darkest.
The very first step in the recovery process is to confirm that what you are experiencing is depression. See a doctor and get a diagnosis. This can be harder than it sounds, as you may well know. The stigma associated with mental illness can prevent you from seeking help in the first place.
Any length of time to recover is too long when you are suffering, but it is important to remember that recovery times vary from person to person. A major factor in recovery is getting treatment early – before your symptoms are so overwhelming that you have trouble acting. Depression is an illness that will not go away all by itself. Don’t put off getting help.
Treatment for depression includes medication, talk therapy and, in many cases, lifestyle changes.
16 Your doctor may prescribe a medication for you and explain what you can expect from it, how long it can take to work and what side effects you may experience.
16 Finding the right medication to meet your needs can take time. It may require trying more than one medication until you and your doctor find a treatment that works for you.
16 Your job in the journey to recovery is to be open and honest. Let your doctor know when a medication isn’t working so that you can try another.
