How long does depression last?

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, or think you might have depression, it’s natural to wonder how long you can expect your condition to last.

The reality is that depression can last anywhere from a number of weeks to several years. The longevity of depression depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, your overall health, environmental factors and the support you have around you.

The symptoms of depression tend to come and go, known as 'episodes'. An episode is when your symptoms last for at least two weeks.  

How long can depression last?

Depression is a complex mental health disorder that affects individuals differently. Some people may experience symptoms for a relatively short time, such as a few weeks, while others may face its challenges for several months or even years.

For a diagnosis, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), characterises depression by a low mood or reduced interest in activities, occurring most of the day, nearly every day, for a minimum of two weeks. 

A combination of factors influences the length of your depression. These include:

• The severity and type of depression
• Genetic predisposition – some people may have a genetic tendency towards depression
• Environmental factors – stressful life events can prolong depressive symptoms
• Timing of seeking help – the sooner help is sought, the shorter the duration of symptoms may be
• Physical and mental health – having additional health conditions may extend the duration of depression
• Support network – having friends, family, or peer support can aid in faster recovery

There is no ‘typical’ timeframe for depression. Everyone’s recovery journey is unique. It’s important not to feel pressured to recover quickly, as guilt or shame about the recovery process may complicate it further.

How long do depressive episodes last?

Depression often occurs in ‘episodes,’ similar to flare-ups in physical conditions, where symptoms are more intense.

The length of these episodes can vary, but for those diagnosed with depression, episodes typically last more than two weeks. The frequency of these episodes also varies from person to person. Some may experience just one episode in their lifetime, while others may have recurring episodes that span months or even years.

Episodes are more likely to recur if depression is left untreated or if you have certain risk factors, as identified in research by Clinical Psychology Review. These include:

• Family history of depression
• Co-existing mental health conditions
• Specific personality traits or ways of thinking
• Stressful life events during or after recovery – these can heighten the risk of future episodes
• Lack of social support

Depression is a highly individualised condition, and understanding these factors can help tailor the support needed for each person’s recovery.

What factors can cause depression to last longer?

The length and severity of depression can be influenced by many different things, such as:

• Genetics: if depression runs in your family, there might be a genetic component to your condition. This could potentially extend the length of your depression.
• Your personality: certainly personality traits, such as having low self-esteem or being naturally anxious, could make your depression more long lasting.
• Environmental factors: exposure to traumatic events, isolation or stress during your depression will make you more vulnerable to longer-term illness.
• Your physical health: chronic health conditions can contribute to declining mental health. If they persist, your depression may also continue in the long-term.
• Lifestyle: drug use or heavy alcohol consumption can make depression symptoms worse. Over time, they may contribute to depression lasting longer.

How long do different types of depression last?

The duration of episodes varies across types of depression, and though these timeframes are general, they offer some guidance.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Often referred to as clinical depression, a single MDD episode can last from several months to over a year. Early treatment is key to reducing future episodes, as highlighted by research in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

Perinatal Depression

This includes both pre-natal depression, which occurs during pregnancy, and postnatal depression, which can develop up to a year after childbirth. While this type can improve over time, untreated cases can become long-term issues. According to the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, postnatal depression symptoms can often subside within 3 to 6 months, especially with treatment and support.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Also known as dysthymia, PDD involves symptoms that last at least two years. While generally less intense, it can still significantly impact daily life.

Bipolar Depression

In bipolar depression, mood shifts between manic highs and depressive lows. Episodes of depression can range from a couple of weeks to much longer, with symptoms lasting most of the day throughout the episode.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder symptoms typically appear in winter and tend to improve as daylight increases in spring.

How long do different severities of depression last?

Severity often affects the length of a depressive episode, although each case is unique.

Mild Depression

Mild depression involves occasional low moods with less severe symptoms, which may resolve on their own, especially if they relate to a temporary life event. However, some may experience symptoms over many months or even years, often known as high-functioning depression.

Moderate Depression

Moderate depression more significantly impacts daily life, affecting work performance and exacerbating feelings of hopelessness and worry. Without treatment, episodes can last up to 6 months or more.

Severe Depression

In severe depression, daily functioning becomes very limited, with a constant feeling of unhappiness and potentially severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts. Treatment is essential, and even with support, recovery may take 6 months or longer, potentially persisting for years in some cases.

How long does depression treatment take?

The duration of depression treatment varies based on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s response. Treatment can range from a few weeks to much longer.

For severe depression, a residential stay in a mental health facility might be recommended. This allows you to focus entirely on recovery, away from daily stressors. Such inpatient treatment typically lasts between 14 and 28 days.

Following this, outpatient therapy may continue the treatment. A standard course usually involves 10 to 15 hour-long sessions, with significant improvement often seen over a period of 12 to 19 weeks if held weekly. Those with milder depression might benefit from therapy alone without needing a residential stay.

Ultimately, treatment duration depends on personal response, and there is no fixed timeline for recovery. It's important not to pressure yourself to recover quickly, as progress varies for each person. A GP or consultant psychiatrist will outline a personalised treatment plan suited to your needs.

Using self-help to decrease depression

Alongside treatment, using self-help tips to cope with depression symptoms can be key to reducing the time you have the illness.

Consider things like:

• Exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Socialising with friends and family
• Getting into a regular sleep pattern
• Trying  relaxation techniques like meditation and breathing exercises

Experiment with different coping strategies. Not everything will work for you but finding the right technique can help you to function better with depression.