Chronic depression is a serious matter in the U.S. and affects millions of people every day. If you are doing a Google search for ‘when does depression become chronic,’ you are not alone. Many people wonder about chronic depression, its symptoms, and how to manage them. Chronic depression is a treatable mental condition that requires medication, behavioral and holistic therapy, and life skills training to combat its symptoms.
Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health supports Massachusetts residents who are struggling with chronic depression and want help in treating their symptoms. Our team has experience treating all types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorders, and other mental health issues. Finding the right IOP (intensive outpatient program) is essential if you or a loved one is struggling with coping with chronic depression symptoms.
What is chronic depression?
Depression is a common mental health concern that everyone will feel from time to time. They can experience feeling sadness and hopelessness at least once or twice in their lifetime. General symptoms include persistent sadness, a loss of interest in favorite activities, changes in weight and appearance, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms will last for a few days to several weeks. Chronic depression is when these symptoms and others last for a long period of time. Studies suggest that chronic depression can last for at least two years or longer.1
When does depression become chronic?
If you experience depressive symptoms for longer than a few weeks, it can become chronic, otherwise known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD). Chronic depression symptoms include:
- Low energy or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Changes in sleep and appetite
The criteria for chronic depression is that you experience any two or more symptoms most days for a minimum of two years.
Is my depression chronic?
If you are asking yourself this question, you or a loved one has already been struggling with the symptoms of depression for a long period. You may feel sad or empty most of the time and have trouble completing everyday tasks. Other signs your depression is chronic include:
- You experience depressive symptoms for more than a few days or weeks
- You continuously feel sad and hopeless most days
- You experience low-grade symptoms that are continuous
- Completing daily tasks is very difficult
- You’ve lost interest in the things you used to enjoy
- You persistently engage in negative self-talk
- You experience sleep issues such as insomnia or hypersomnia
Another way to tell if you have chronic depression is if you took steps to feel better, such as enrolling in a depression treatment program, and you still feel depressed. If this is the case, an IOP program can help ease the symptoms of chronic depression.
Signs your depression may be persistent
It can be difficult to spot the signs of depression in a friend or loved one. They will go out of their way to hide the fact that they are struggling rather than talk about it. The signs of PDD can last for a long time and by learning to recognize them, you can help support them through it.
Here are some signs your depression may be persistent:
Emotional signs
The emotional signs of persistent depression disorder include most days where you feel persistent sadness, emptiness, and low mood. You will lose interest in your favorite activities, such as hanging out with friends, going to the movies, or working on a puzzle. Other emotional signs include feeling hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt. It can also make you feel irritable and restless and you will generally have difficulty controlling your emotions.
Cognitive signs
Chronic depression can interrupt your cognitive abilities and make it difficult to concentrate, remember specific details, and make everyday decisions more difficult. You will experience low self-esteem and continuously deal with negative self-talk and a lack of self-confidence.
Other cognitive signs include slowed thinking, feeling mentally inflexible, trouble paying attention, and memory problems.
Physical signs
Chronic depression also comes with some physical symptoms, such as being tired all the time and having a lack of energy and motivation. You will experience changes in weight as your eating habits change, and you will experience sleep disturbances, which include difficulty sleeping, waking, or sleeping too much.
Behavioral signs
If you struggle with chronic depression, you will experience a withdrawal from social activities and avoid all social engagements. You will begin having trouble keeping up with work, school, and personal responsibilities and may lose your job or fail in school. There is also a risk of developing a substance use disorder. Many people turn to drugs and alcohol or abuse their prescription medication to heighten the effects and develop a serious problem.
If you are wondering if your depression has become chronic, talk to your doctor or professional therapist about your symptoms. They can diagnose you with PDD and create a treatment plan that can alleviate symptoms and teach you how to manage them more effectively.
Treatment options for chronic depression
While there is no cure for depression, there are several treatment options available that can ease the symptoms of chronic depression. Here are some of the treatment options for chronic depression:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy or talk therapy is considered the best option for treating all types of depression. It includes behavioral therapies, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Eye movement desensitization and repossessing (EMDR)
It also includes mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which helps individuals learn development skills to cope with difficult emotions and thoughts.
Medication-assisted treatment
Treating chronic depression through medication can help ease depressive symptoms, along with any substance abuse withdrawals and cravings. Medical staff will administer medications based on your individual plan and monitor you throughout the program. It will include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and other types of anti-depressant medications.
If you are experiencing any withdrawals and cravings for more drugs or alcohol, part of your medication plan will include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
Once these symptoms change or dissipate, medical staff will taper you off the medication until it is no longer necessary.
Life skills training
Treating depression involves making several lifestyle changes that can help ease depressive symptoms. Eating a healthy diet is important for anyone struggling with depression, as is holding down a job, keeping a clean and orderly home, and balancing your checkbook. Other life skills you will learn include:
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Improving communication and interpersonal skills
- Emotional regulation
- Self-care techniques
Life skills training can improve daily functioning, increase self-esteem, reduce isolation, and enhance coping mechanisms.
Chronic depression, though challenging, is a condition that can be effectively managed with the right care, support, and resources. Treatments like therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, combined with a strong support system, can help individuals regain a sense of stability and hope. With compassionate guidance and patience, recovery is truly possible.
Find the right treatment option for you at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health
Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health welcomes people from all walks of life who are struggling with chronic depression and want help to control their symptoms. Our programs use the top therapeutic modalities to teach you healthy ways of managing symptoms and triggers. Your outpatient program will include group and private therapy sessions where you will work with a professional therapist and peers to address your chronic depression symptoms.
If you or someone you love is struggling with chronic depression, send us a message online or call 855.520.0531 today to schedule a consultation and enroll in our IOP program.
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