The average depressive episode lasts around five to seven months.Depression and its contributing factors are different for each person.
You may experience depression after quitting nicotine or drinking, after a breakup, or alongside a new diagnosis.
Depression symptoms include the following:
From there, depression could last weeks, months, or even years.
Fiordaliso / Getty Images
Is Depression Lifelong?
For many people, depression is a lifelong mental health condition that comes and goes in episodes.
Others may only experience one episode of depression in their lifetime.
Depression can also happen with no clear reason.
When Do Symptoms Go Away?
Steps to Take to Shorten a Depression Episode
Getting through a depressive episode isn’t easy.
Some types of depression can last longer than others.
Depression that lasts a long time is known astreatment-resistant, chronic, orpersistent depression.
There is no formal definition for chronic depression or treatment-resistant depression.
Causes of Depression
Depression is a complex mental health disorder for which there is no singular cause.
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
However, depression is different for everyone.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help shorten depressive episodes.
1997;54(11):1001-1006. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1997.01830230033005
National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.
World Health Organization.Depressive disorder (depression).
2016;46(9):1865-1874. doi:10.1017/S0033291716000349
American Psychiatric Association.What is depression?
2018;225:302-305. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.08.047
American Psychiatric Association.
In:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Ed., Text Revision.
Washington D.C.: 2022.
Voineskos D, Daskalakis ZJ, Blumberger DM.Management of treatment-resistant depression: challenges and strategies.NDT.
A systematic literature review.Journal of Affective Disorders.
2014;152-154:65-75. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.10.017
National Institute of Mental Health.Suicide warning signs.
2022;19(6):3380. doi: 10.3390%2Fijerph19063380
