Is it ever possible to cure depression or do people have to spend their whole life with it?

Question

Is it caused by biological or psychological factors ?

Answer 1

...i don't think depression has a cure, i think that ppl just learn to live with it and adapt to their environment in a positive way

depression is usually caused by a mixture of both factors

Answer 2

It depends on the kind of depression. Well, a depression is really kind of linear; you feel down and melancholic - but the causes can be different (Imagine a cold can have different causes as well; from viral to simply environmental).

Some people would argue that depression is not even an illness, but rather something of a hypochondriac nature. If you don't know about depression, they argue, you can never contract it. Strangely enough, as with most cases, I am the living proof of the opposite. I've come down with what you could call melancholy ever since I was 3 or 4 years old; I used to be very extravert and open, but my personality made a 180° turn at the age of 4. I've been withdrawn and introvert ever since then, up until the age of 16, when I tried to get back to my extravert and open nature - I have most of it back, but I'm still a bit withdrawn. Only at the age of 21, they had figured out I was chronically - only mildly - depressed, and had been for quite some time.

Now, those who say depression is a faked illness which you can only contract when you know about it, could *try* to argue with this; but you can't tell me that anyone at the age of 4 is well aware of what depression is!

So, that aside; depression can be both genetical or environmental. Mental illnesses are known to be passed through from parent to child, if there are any in the family.

But that doesn't mean you will become depressed if you have depression in your genes (but that's more a question for biology). But theoretically, if you think about it; if a depression is genetic, it cannot be cured. Unless they find some post-modern gene-mutating cure for it, that eliminates the part of the DNA that is responsible for it.
All they can do for now is subject you to happy pills for the rest of your life to prevent you from doing something to yourself that you might regret.

If it is environmental, it can be cured, naturally.

Answer 3

Depression can be caused by various things, biological , situation, drugs etc.
Most depression is treatable one way or another but if like me you have had a serious clinical depression then yes the medication and counselling got me through the depression but I know that I am more likely to get depression again. I am constantly watching out for the signs. Luckily in the last 14 years I have only once thought I was going back into that tunnel of darkness. I sought help straight away and nipped in the bud.
I do think some people have a propensity towards depression and it can be a genetic thing (My mother and 2 of my siblings suffer from it as does my children) it is important to be open about it and not be ashamed to get help at the earliest point.

Answer 4

How long is a piece of string? I studied Psychology simply for the reason of really wanting to help someone who was close to me and every ones perception on depression is different.
'Depression' is a very general term and becoming the most common ailment of our time, with many different levels.
It could be mild and due to frustration in your living environment or it could be severe like a bi-polar disorder.
It can be caused by both psychological and biological factors, stress,diet and physical health are all contributing.
Psychologists will always argue whether if it is curable or not but in my own personal opinion it is up to the individual, if they truly wanted to be cured of their depression regardless how severe then the answer is yes and I do not believe that medication is the answer. The idea is to nip it in the bud, the earlier you deal with it the less you have to deal with, trust me it really can snowball.
Find the source of the problem by process of elimination. Change in all areas and a nutrition and health check is a good place to start. Take some time out to look after yourself, help loved ones understand and look forward to what's ahead. Life is like Christmas, it can't do anything for you, it is up to you to make the most of it.

Answer 5

It's too complex to answer here but, there are two types of depression, one caused by chemical imbalance, the other by events, endogenous and reactive. If you are prone to the former then yes you may have bouts of depression throughout your life. I'm 43 and have suffered since I was 29. If i can help you leave a message here and I'll give you an e-mail address where you can reach me ? I have studied psychology for 5 years (on and off ) and have an HND in Psychology though I never got to degree level because of my depression. Regards, Estella.

Answer 6

It depends on what kind of depression it is. certain depressions are are a one time deal or some others can come back and there's two that won't go away. Biological and psychological factors in. Also your enviroment is a key thing for depression triggers.

Answer 7

I have suffered from depression for 30 years. For the past year I have been taking anti-depression (laugh) tablets. They offer me a positive outlook on life. However, I have noticed that any slight negativity in life still has an effect. With the help of the pills I take it is easier to overcome these mishaps.

I think this is something you have to learn to live with. It is also very important that the people who are close to you understand this condition and also know where you are coming from, else you're fighting a losing battle.

Go for treatment, it will do you the world of good.

Answer 8

It is caused by a biological pre-disposition to a sensitive temperment, but environmental factors bring it out. the cure is finding happiness within yourself. Psychology, psychiatry, friends and lovers are null until that occurs. Self-hatred is the number one cause of depression.

Answer 9

Depression is ordinarily caused by psychological factors. It has psychological and physical effects, however. With the help of a licensed therapist, you can either cure your depression completely, or repress it to the point where it has no noticable effect on you.

The most important thing to do is to see a therapist, who may refer you to a psychiatrist who can diagnose anti-depressant medication for you. But it's vital that you do go.

Answer 10

It is my strong belief that the best cure for it is to lead an active life.
Im a fan of the new notion that modern day living is more stressfull than in the past.
1 traffic etc, fast moving life styles.pressure in work.
2 Some people use religion but i think people need something posative to focus on.
A hobby, or sport etc.
You have to have challenges in life ot push yourself.
It keeps the mind strong.
Boredom is linked with stress.
weak minded people and the overly clever suffer the most.
if this helps

Answer 11

There are a few ways of dealing with depression depending on which approach you take (cognitive, social, psycodynamic and so on) ECT (electro-convulsion therapy) is an option but can be quite dangerous, there are many side effects. Client-centred therapy can also help, but is time consuming and can be expensive. Need to look at underlying causes of the depression...regressed childhood expieriences maybe?