How long is it normal to feel depressed?

Feeling low or down can be a normal part of life. After major life-changes, the loss of a job or loved one for example, many people go through a period of experiencing depression symptoms. Often times people can self medicate their symptoms through diet, sleep, exercise etc. However, if you are experiencing many symptoms, your depression lasts for more than 2 weeks, and is debilitating (keeping you from your normal daily activities) you might want see a practitioner who can help you create a treatment plan for your depression. The is no 'normal' amount of time to feel depressed, but if your symptoms are not getting better, it might be time to talk to a practitioner.

I have suffered from depression for years and am trying to 'self-medicate.' People keep telling me it can be done, and I have found that over the years what I need to do and what helps me changes. Dietary changes really helped years ago and I've stuck with that (eating very few refined carbs/sugar these days) as well as exercise, but I am still learning about treatments and am still suffering from depression...but my swings aren't nearly as up and down as they were before!

I agree with the answers above... there is no common amount of time to suffer from depression, but it is not 'normal' to have to go through life if that's what you mean. If you're feeling really down for a while (a few weeks or more) it is time to go to a doctor because that's longer than most people suffer a bout of depression. Hope you find the information you need here Lynn!