Does untreated depression progress?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

Yes, but it doesn't always arc into self-mutilation, starvation, or suicidal thoughts. These are examples of dramatic depression, and not everyone takes such takes such an approach to the disease. Some people are just depressed, not suicidal or destructive, and some just go about normally, pasting on a happy face while they ache inside. There are no guarantees that depression is an instant portal to suicide, nor are there any true guarantees that it's not.

Experts will tell you otherwise, but some people who lack sympathy for "cutters", say it's a ploy for attention more than a means to release the pain.

I mean, who's not going to notice you walking around with a big, nasty gash on your arm.

And the Gothic depressive is another topic completely. I mean, cliche, and stereotyped to say the very least.

Untreated depression is as deadly and volatile as gasoline and matches, but I don't believe it's any-body's business to make something of it unless they know all the facts. Some people fake it for attention, others just want to fit in, and some just don't feel. Whatever the case, depression will progress; with or without treatment, depending on how the recipient reacts to therapy.

But, as always, I say believe what you like, what makes the most sense to you.

Hell, what would I know, I've only had it for thirteen years.

Answer 3

Some people may have one episode of depression and never have it again. Some people have continuous episodes of the same degree. Others have increasingly worse episodes.

Most people are of the type that have consistent episodes of depression with the same degree of intensity -- however, they can be made worse by the outside effects of the disorder. It can cause social and relationship problems, making you feel more isolated and sad. Many people in this situation are driven to alcohol, drugs, other risk behaviors, as well as suicide.

My advice is to seek immediate treatment. Even if you don't see a doctor right away, try to talk to someone close to you. Once you decide to see a doctor, please seek a psychiatrist with an MD or a psychologist with a PhD -- do not go to someone without a degree from an accredited university that calls themself a psychotherapist...many people can get tricked into this, and end up, at best, just as bad as when they began.
I would also advise for you to seek psychotherapy before medical treatment, although your doctor can best assign a treatment based on the severity of your symptoms. But remember that psychotherapy can have the same if not better effects as medications without all of the side effects. But if your disorder is severe enough, medicine might be in order.

Good luck!

Answer 4

It depends. Clinical depression, the type that immobilizes you, can progress. The less problematic depression, usually caused by a specific passing problem, often does not.

If you are depressed, look at a few things; you diet--certain foods and drink can really mess up your brain chemicals. Too much sugar and alcohol are just at the top of the list. Then there is alergic reactions to foods that can cause other problems.

Next, make sure you are getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can make you depressed and not funciton properly.

Also, look at the situation that prompted you to be depressed. Is it something you have control over? If so, take intelligent, careful action. If not, then resolve yourself to know that some things you cannot control. Know that any situation will pass.

Answer 5

Yes, it does. And the worst part is that the longer it is left untreated, the harder it is to treat when you finally get around to taking care of it.

If you have been diagnosed with clinical depression, you should seek treatment. It is not worth "going it on your own," only to have the disease progress and to find out later that you could have possibly prevented the worsening of this "sticky" long-term major illness.

Answer 6

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 7

It can.

Try to boost your serotonin naturally:

* walk in park
* jog, excersize
* tennis
* hanging with friends
* prayer
* meditation
* yoga
* volunteer
* talk with elderly
* bring a recipe or salad to a neighbor

Still need a boost? Take 5 HTP First 100 mg once a day, then increase to 200 mg if you don't see results. Don't go beyond that.

I'm not a fan of SSRI's. They seek to keep the serotonin in your brain longer. This can lead to severe problems later on. But, if you find that one works for you, great. Just make sure you don't get put on heavy duty antipychotics. I don't know why they would give that to you, they probably won't, but its just a warning.

Answer 8

Situational depression will, with time. But clinical, no- by it's very definition. Therapy can help a lot, and medication can help you get through therapy. Some people continue to need the medication if the brain chemistry doesn't return to normal with therapy and short term anti-depressants.

Answer 9

i left my depression untreated for many years. Then i began hyperventilating and having horrible panic attacks because of it. I missed by baby sister's birthday because i started panicking, while backing out of the driveway. I secluded myself from everyone.
After going to the doctor, i feel like my old outgoing self again.

Answer 10

Yup for sure. Untreated depression for a long time could even get you to commit suicide.

Answer 11

Depends on the type. If it's major recurrent depression, yes... at least in my case. Even traditional drug therapy may not help much. What did the trick in my case, was cognitive behavior therapy. Read more in my Antidepressant That Works testimony:

http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/AntidepressantThatWorks.html