Depression which comes and goes

Persistent depressive disorder. Formerly called "dysthymia," this type of depression refers to low mood that has lasted for at least two years but may not reach the intensity of major depression. Many people with this type of depression type are able to function day to day, but feel low or joyless much of the time. Other depressive symptoms may include appetite and sleep changes, low energy, low self-esteem, or hopelessness. Bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder—once known as manic-depressive disease—have episodes of depression.

But they also go through periods of unusually high energy or activity. Manic symptoms look like the opposite of depression symptoms: grandiose ideas, unrealistically high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, thoughts and activity at higher speed, and ramped-up pursuit of pleasure including sex sprees, overspending, and risk taking.

Being manic can feel great, but it doesn't last long, can lead to self-destructive behavior, and is usually followed by a period of depression. Medications for bipolar disorder are different from those given for other depression types, but can be very effective at stabilizing a person's mood.

Seasonal affective disorder SAD. This type of depression emerges as days get shorter in the fall and winter. The mood change may result from alterations in the body's natural daily rhythms, in the eyes' sensitivity to light, or in how chemical messengers like serotonin and melatonin function.

The leading treatment is light therapy, which involves daily sessions sitting close to an especially intense light source. The usual treatments for depression, such as psychotherapy and medication, may also be effective. Although women are at higher risk for general depression, they are also at risk for two different depression types that are influenced by reproductive hormones—perinatal depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD.

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Their effect is only temporary. This is because antidepressants work by changing the brain's chemistry , but only for as long as the person is taking them. They do not address the underlying causes of depression. The National Institute of Mental Health shares that depression has a number of potential, and oftentimes complex, causes.

No matter the cause, untreated depression can be extremely debilitating to an individual, interfering with every part of life.

In addition, severe depression can potentially lead to suicide if it does not receive immediate attention. Depression has also been linked to a variety of physical health issues, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and other chronic disorders. Having depression can even make it more difficult to treat other medical illnesses because the lack of motivation and energy associated with depression makes it more difficult for patients to comply with their treatment regimens.

While it is possible that an individual episode of depression may go away on its own without treatment , there is no guarantee that things won't get worse before they get better. That is why it is important to seek immediate treatment at the first signs of depression.

While not "curable," depression is quite treatable. So, there is no need to "buck up" and struggle through a depressive episode. While it might seem heroic to tough it out, it is not necessary, and in fact, it is dangerous to your health. Getting the appropriate treatment can shorten the length and severity of the episode.

Several options exist for providing this type of relief. Antidepressants can start to relieve the symptoms of depression in as little as two to four weeks. This not only helps you begin to feel better, but can also potentially keep the depression from getting worse. Research indicates that the more severe your depression, the more antidepressants can potentially help. Some people fear taking antidepressants because they are concerned with how they will affect their day-to-day life.

However, many of antidepressants' side effects subside as your body gets used to the medication. There are a couple types of therapy can help relieve feelings of depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one. A study found that this type of therapy may even provide good results when delivered via computer.

Another therapy option is interpersonal therapy , which focuses on social roles and interpersonal interactions. This is considered a "time-limited" treatment, which generally means 12 to 16 weeks, and it is commonly used in mood disorders like MDD. The Cleveland Clinic indicates that several complementary treatment options show some benefit for depression.

They include:. Including these alternative remedies in your treatment plan may help you begin to feel better.

That said, self-care , such as sleeping well, eating a nutritious diet, and not misusing alcohol or drugs to cope can also help you feel better faster. Another form of self-care to consider is exercise. Research shows that 20 to 40 minutes of exercise three times a week can help reduce depression symptoms, not only now but also long term. Many people with depression, however, understandably struggle with self-care during episodes.

When this occurs, other treatment options may be required until your depression is at a level where self-care feels more manageable. Click below to listen now. You may even benefit from taking a combination approach, using two or more of these treatment options together to offer even more relief from your depression. One example of this would be taking a medication while also establishing a self-care routine.

Another example could include medication with exercise and massage. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. While it's not impossible that a particular episode of depression will go away on its own if given enough time, reaching out for help can get you feeling better faster.

It can also potentially keep the depression from getting worse or affecting your physical health. Since depression is highly treatable, your doctor can help you find the best treatment option for you.

Plus, some forms of depression are simply harder to resolve. In cases such as these, you can't just "make it go away. Besides, you deserve proper and individualized depression treatment.

These include:. Read more about diagnosing depression. See a GP if you experience symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks.

Read more about low mood and depression. Page last reviewed: 10 December Next review due: 10 December Symptoms - Clinical depression. Doctors describe depression by how serious it is: mild depression — has some impact on your daily life moderate depression — has a significant impact on your daily life severe depression — makes it almost impossible to get through daily life; a few people with severe depression may have psychotic symptoms Grief and depression It can be difficult to distinguish between grief and depression.

Grief is an entirely natural response to a loss, while depression is an illness.