It’s hard to be cured entirely from depression since relapses happen frequently, and because it’s a chronic condition for some.

Fortunately, it’s something that can be improved for most, which can greatly improve a person’s quality of life.

That’s why I compiled this list of signs, so people know if their depression is getting better:

1. Symptom-free or minimal symptoms
   • Feeling consistently positive or neutral (rather than persistently sad, empty, or desperate).
   • A marked decrease in physical symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, or appetite changes.
2. Improved functioning
   • Resuming daily activities such as work, hobbies, or socializing without fatigue or anxiety.
   • Improved focus, decision-making, and energy.
3. Emotional stability
   • Fewer mood swings and greater emotional resilience when faced with challenges.
   • No constant feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-doubt.
4. Absence of suicidal thoughts
   • Complete resolution of suicidal ideation or preoccupation with death.
5. Sustained improvement over time
   • Stability of mood and functioning over several months.

In addition to the ways already mentioned, here are some less obvious signs that can indicate you’re recovering or cured of depression:

1. Increased spontaneity

1. • You find yourself acting on a whim to do enjoyable things, like going for a walk, trying a new hobby, or meeting a friend, without overthinking it.
   • Regaining spontaneity can signal major improvement, since depression often robs you of this ability.

2. Rediscovery of interests

1. • Hobbies or passions you once enjoyed now feel engaging and satisfying again.
   • For example, you start painting, reading, or playing sports because you genuinely want to, instead of out of obligation.

3. Sense of humor returns

1. • You find yourself laughing more, whether it’s at jokes, TV shows, or daily mishaps.
   • Depression dulls emotional responses, so rediscovering humor is a subtle but powerful sign of healing.

4. Resilience to stress

1. • When faced with a stressful situation, you notice that you’re able to cope without feeling completely weighed down.
   • This shows an improvement in emotional regulation and problem-solving abilities.

5. No longer hyper-focused on “feeling better”

1. • Much of your mental energy goes into thinking about recovery when you’re depressed.
     If you’re no longer preoccupied with your mental state, it often means you’ve reached a point of stability.

6. Optimism about the future

1. • Instead of dreading what lies ahead, you find yourself making plans and looking forward to events, whether it’s a vacation, career goal, or personal milestone.

7. Improved self-care

1. • Simple tasks like showering, cooking, or maintaining a clean living space no longer feel like monumental efforts.
   • You may even take pride in self-care routines, like dressing up or organizing your home.

8. Balanced sleep patterns

1. • You wake up feeling rested, with no extreme difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and without oversleeping.

9. Emotional availability

1. • You find it easier to connect with others emotionally, whether it’s sharing your feelings or showing empathy and support.
   • Reconnecting is a strong indicator of recovery, since depression often isolates people emotionally.

10. Freedom from “mental fog”

1. • You notice that your thoughts feel clearer, and you’re able to focus, make decisions, and remember details more easily.

11. More energy throughout the day

1. • You experience a natural rhythm of energy and tiredness, without continual fatigue or needing to push through the day.

12. Contentment in solitude

1. • You feel comfortable being alone without the negative feelings typically associated with depression, such as loneliness or despair.

13. Natural joy in everyday moments

1. • You feel genuine happiness or contentment in simple activities, like enjoying a sunny day, savoring a meal, or hearing birds chirp.
     This spontaneous joy was likely muted during the depressive episode.

14. Improved body language

1. • Your posture, facial expressions, and gestures become more open and relaxed.
     Others may notice you smiling or laughing more naturally.

15. Curiosity returns

1. • You feel curious about the world again, whether it’s wanting to learn something new, explore a different perspective, or try an unfamiliar activity.

16. Decreased need for escapism

1. • Activities like excessive sleeping, binge-watching shows, overeating, or compulsive scrolling on social media become less appealing as you no longer feel the need to avoid reality.

17. Strong sense of identity

1. • You feel more in touch with who you are by understanding your values, preferences, and goals without being consumed by self-doubt or negative self-talk.

18. Proactive thinking

1. • You approach tasks and plans with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset, instead of dreading challenges or avoiding decisions.

19. Less sensitivity to setbacks

1. • Minor inconveniences or criticisms no longer feel like major failures or personal attacks.
     You’re able to bounce back more quickly after disappointments.

20. Balanced appetite

1. • Your eating habits normalize, whether that means no longer overeating for comfort or struggling with a loss of appetite.
     You may also take more pleasure in food.

21. More patience

1. • You notice yourself feeling less irritable or short-tempered and more tolerant of others and their behaviors.

22. A desire to help others

1. • You feel a renewed interest in being supportive of friends, family, or your community, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the idea of giving your time or energy.

23. Engagement with the present

1. • Instead of being consumed by the past or worrying excessively about the future, you find yourself able to focus on and enjoy the present moment.

24. Stable sense of energy

1. • Your energy levels feel consistent throughout the day, without the drastic highs and lows often associated with mood disorders.

25. Trust in your resilience

1. • You’re confident that you can handle life’s ups and downs without falling back into a depressive state.

26. Self-compassion

1. • You are kinder to yourself, less self-critical, and more forgiving of your mistakes or imperfections.

27. Restored sense of wonder

1. • You rediscover awe and appreciation for the beauty of life, be it through nature, art, music, or human connections.

Final thoughts

Recovery looks different for everyone.

These signs often emerge gradually and subtly, so it’s essential to celebrate even small victories along the way.

Noticing a combination of these improvements over time is a good indicator that you’re moving closer to being cured of depression, or at the very least improving.