There’s a fine line between curing a disease and healing. If you look up an answer to ‘Is depression curable’ on Google, you’ll be disappointed.
Sure enough, because an episode or two may occur every few months or years. However, healing depression means healing the trauma. It means you had that wound, and you may still have depressive thoughts at moments, but now you’ve learned to cope. That’s healing.
But before we understand if depression is healable or not, let’s acknowledge the two types of depression and their common treatment.
Situational Depression VS Clinical Depression
Situational depression, also referred to as reactive depression, is an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood following a traumatic event. As the name suggests, situational depression is caused by events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, etc.
On the other hand, clinical depression is a major depressive disorder (MDD) and is mostly chronic. It could be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social distress.
While situational depression may go away on its own within a few months, clinical depression needs medical help. However, in both cases, one common solution is talk therapy.
But how does therapy work? Let’s tap into the topic.
The Way Therapy Works: How?
Considering the root of the trauma, therapy is also divided into 3 types: Cognitive behavioral therapy, Family therapy, and Psychotherapy.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The talk therapy focuses on changing the way a person thinks and behaves, taking the needle from negative to positive thoughts.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy focuses on resolving conflicts and improving the individual’s relationship with family members.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy helps the individual understand and change their troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
But again, how do these types of therapy help people heal their trauma?
In talk therapy, the therapist shows the person a wider picture of their trauma and slowly, helps them put their emotional baggage down. Didn’t understand? Let’s break it down.
First, the therapist will learn about all the thoughts and emotions of the person and comfort them. Then, slowly change the person’s thought process to a better lifestyle. In addition, the therapist may also ask the patient to change their daily routine by adding a slot for exercise, fruits, and a walk.
Note that it takes time for the therapist to help the patient deal with the trauma. Considering the severity of depression, it may take 10-15 sessions to notice the change.
How Can One Live a Normal Life After Healing?
Now, there’s a fine line between healing and being cured. Depression is not curable, according to a 2018 research:
- Among non-clinical depression samples, about ⅓rd of people will have more than one episode throughout their lives.
- Among clinical depression samples, more than 75% of people will have multiple episodes throughout their lives.
Since clinical depression is chronic, its symptoms can only be reduced but not cured. However, therapy can help patients heal and manage their lives with several practices including:
Thoughtfulness:
The more logically and positively you reflect on your thoughts and life events, the easier it’ll become to handle. So, give yourself some time alone in the open air. Reflect on life and your thoughts.
Journaling:
Another way to reflect well on your thoughts and affirm yourself is journaling. Feeling anxious and sad? Write it down. Do the same whenever you feel your sad thoughts or even when you’re happy.
Tell yourself how you’re feeling. Celebrate yourself.
Healthy diet:
A balanced diet doesn’t always mean you have to go to a dietitian to get proper nutrients. But it does mean avoiding junk and including fruits, fish, veggies, and juices in your diet.
In fact, research shows that a healthy diet significantly lowers the risk of developing depressive thoughts.
Socializing and engaging in hobbies:
Socialize with people, however, not with the ones who problem-talk all the time. Instead, socialize with your loved ones and the people who care about you.
Moreover, engage in the things that you like. For example, if you like music, get a guitar, and play it — not to become perfect but for the fun of it.
Lastly, make sure to live in an environment that surrounds you with positivity and life.
Conclusion
Many people don’t go to therapy because they’re scared of judgment, or they think it’s an expense. However, one needs to understand that they have to take a step for healing, even if they’ve gotten used to the regular depressive schedule.
