Recovering from depression is not an easy journey. Two-thirds of cases will recover completely, while one-third will have residual symptoms or relapse. Recovery is dependent on the type of depression, age of onset, family history, mental health history and treatment plan. Cognitive symptoms of depression affect psychosocial functioning, physical health, work and quality of life. As you recover and your mood improves with time, you will cope better and regain control over your life.
Mending The Mind
Depression can cause psychological symptoms such as low self esteem, a negative outlook on life and a lack of desire to cope with life. As your mood improves, you will regain your life with increased control, motivation, and an improved attitude that is more adaptive. As you recover, your mood will fluctuate as you progressively become more positive and negative emotions decrease.
Body Changes
Physical changes are expected with prolonged depression. You may struggle with symptoms of obesity or lack of appetite, increased sleep and lack of energy. Realizing your goals may seem impossible at first, however exercise improves your mood by boosting your serotonin levels, assisting in mood stability. As a result, you will experience increased energy and motivation, enabling you to get back into shape, eat right and take care of your body again.
Treatment Options and Stages of Recovery
Treatment options for depression include medication, therapy, support groups, alternative treatments and self help. Treatment progress fluctuates because finding the right medication, therapist and additional modalities to help you succeed may take several attempts. Signs of improvement can take up to eight weeks and you may experience stages of relapse, regression or symptom stability. Once your on the right treatment plan, your life will begin to transform and you will benefit from your effort, patience and commitment.
Reclaiming Your Relationships
Isolation, lack of socialization, and decreased interest in activity may have impacted your intimate relationships, ability to parent, and quality of friends. As your desire to socialize returns, rebuilding your connections will take time and skills. Some relationships may not survive, sincere relationships will grow stronger and you may even expand your social network throughout your healing process, as you meet others coping with depression.
Environmental Restructuring
Depression impacts your environments, both at home and at work. Responsibilities avoided, projects forgotten, and deadlines missed are common complaints. Areas of your life may be in complete chaos. But as you journey out of depression, you will begin to create order out of the chaos. Picking up the pieces may be an option, but moving on and starting over may be another. Keep an open mind, give yourself options to work with and surround yourself with positive environments, supporting your recovery.
References
- DSM-IV-TR American Psychiatric Association 2000
- Handbook of Clinical Health Psychology Thomas J. Boll,
- Defining and measuring functional recovery from depression.CNS Drugs. 2010 Apr;24(4):267-84.
