The good news is that although depressed people often feel so bad that it seems hopeless, most people recover from their depressions in a few months to a year or more without professional help. Depressions come, and, usually within months, they go. The bad news is that when people become depressed, the condition may interfere with their work and relationships. Some become so hopeless that they may try to take their own lives before they start to improve. Other bad news is that about half the people who have depression once have it again.
Many people begin by trying to treat it themselves.
People who are seriously depressed and considering suicide should not attempt self-treatment, but seek professional help immediately . If self-help does not work, the kind of treatment you receive depends on who you see for help. Missionaries, like other Christians, often think their feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness have a spiritual basis. If this spiritual treatment works, fine. But if it does not, then it is good to see a mental health professional.