Is depression curable?

I remember when I was first diagnosed with depression. I didn’t feel sad… I felt exhausted. It was an endless cycle of exhaustion and hopelessness that I thought I would never get out of. But eventually with support, I did break free and learn to cope with my depressive episodes.

Finding out that you have depression can feel like you’ve been sentenced to a lifetime of feeling low, unworthy, or sad. You start to wonder: Does depression ever go away? Will I feel this way forever? Will I ever be happy again? 

The truth is that depression is different for everyone. For some people, experiencing symptoms of depression is temporary or for others it comes and goes. But this doesn’t mean that your life won’t have moments of joy, hope, and happiness. There is no magic cure for depression, but it’s treatable, manageable, and doesn’t have to stop you from living a full and happy life.

Depression is treatable

Like diabetes, depression can be a lifelong illness for some people. People who live with diabetes who take their medications and make lifestyle changes can live long and healthy lives. It’s the same with depression.

Common treatments for depression include lifestyle changes, support groups, medications, and therapy.

Some people find lifestyle changes like eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and incorporating physical activity and mindfulness into their lives helpful in managing their depression. Others find that medication helps them cope with depression in their daily life. Therapy is also life-changing for many people. People who have depression often use some combination of these treatments. But it’s about figuring out what treatments work best for you.

Learning more about depression is a great place to start thinking about how you can treat it—and this website is a great place to do just that!

Remember that while there may not be a cure for depression that makes it go away forever, it doesn’t mean that your life has to stop being fulfilling. Finding the right treatment can help you deal with what you are experiencing and live a good life.