Being “cured” of depression typically means achieving remission, where symptoms greatly improve or disappear, and you can function well in daily life.
However, it’s often described as recovery and remission rather than a definitive “cure” because depression is, sadly enough, a complex and multifactorial condition.
This is how to know when you’re considered “cured” or in remission:
When are you considered cured of depression?
- Clinical remission:
- Definition: Remission happens when depressive symptoms are minimal or gone for an extended period, typically at least 2 months, according to clinical guidelines.
- Measurement: Tools like the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) or the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) are used to assess symptom levels, although many more exist.
Scores in the “normal” range often indicate remission.
- Sustained recovery:
- Recovery is a broader term that implies remission lasting for 6 months or longer without relapsing.
- Sustained recovery includes returning to everyday activities, maintaining relationships, and coping with stresses in life effectively.
Factors that could confirm recovery
- Positive self-reflection: You notice you’re enjoying life and feel hopeful about the future.
- Feedback from others: Friends or family may observe changes in your mood or energy level.
- Therapist’s or doctor’s assessment: Mental health professionals can confirm remission based on standardized criteria and their observations.
- It should be noted that only a professional can truly confirm recovery or remission based on a standardized test.
Still, feedback from others and self-reflection can often provide surprisingly accurate estimations, especially when it comes from people who love and know us well.
Cautions about declaring “cured”
- Depression can recur even after long periods of remission. Staying cautious and maintaining healthy habits is essential to stave off relapses.
- Doctors may recommend ongoing therapy, medications, or check-ins to monitor your well-being if you have had a severe or recurrent depressive episode.
How to maintain recovery
- Therapy: Continue cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other supportive therapies to build long-term coping skills.
- Lifestyle habits: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, and mindfulness can prevent relapses.
- Monitor stress: Be aware of potential triggers and practice stress-management techniques.
- Stay connected: Social support is crucial for long-term mental health.
Conclusion
Being “cured” of depression means reaching a point where symptoms no longer affect your daily life, and you feel emotionally and physically well.
It’s a process that takes time, self-awareness, and sometimes ongoing management to give yourself the best chance of preventing relapses.
