Gretchen Lawson: I have a lot of people ask me, "How long am I going to feel depressed?" When we're in the midst of feeling depressed, it can feel really hopeless, it can feel like it's going to last forever. There is hope and there is relief of how you're feeling right now. You will not always feel this urgent, this dire, and talking to someone can really make those feelings feel less urgent. As you talk to someone, you can come up with a plan, you can start to work on how you're coping with day to day life and how you're feeling. You can make adjustments to sleep, to your eating habits, you can learn things about how to exercise. Sometimes even taking a break from social media can help lower your symptoms of depression. Medication can be a good option for some people.
For more answers to your questions on depression, watch these videos:
How do I get help if all I want to do is isolate myself?
How do I know if I’m depressed?
Need someone to talk to about depression? TheHopeLine offers free confidential live chat with a Hope Coach to help you with forgiving someone. We are here to listen and support you without judgment.
If you or a friend need support right now, please visit the suicide prevention resource page. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.
