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turquoisesea · Feb 27, 2011, 07:40 AM

Hey there, I guess this is a bad time to post about "recovery" as I'm currently in a downward dip

but here goes.

I had a major depressive episode + other things, really starting to be its worst around 3 years ago. I had to take a medical leave of absence from college, losing thousands of dollars and everything that goes with school. I was in a really really horrible way by that point, and there were many times I never thought I would get better.

Two semesters ago I got back into school, it wasn't quite the same but I got through - which would NOT have been possible at all before. Last summer was a bummer, but I at least was okish/not super depressed all the time.

Then - last semester, was AMAZING. Not only was my mood almost constantly up up and up with a rare exception, but I did incredibly well in school, even maintaining a 4.0

This semester, though I AM currently down and overstressed it's not just the depression talking, there are a lot of things going on my life that are contributing. And it's the worst month of the year for weather. but even in this downward step I haven't gone several days without smiling, etc - I just haven't gotten any work done and have felt crappy.

I'm still in therapy, finally working with a therapist who I work well with. I'm not cured. But I'm getting better, and I do believe there's a light at the end of the tunnel. As it is I'm much better than 3 years ago

Side note: I am not on medication - my current mood increaser is going to the gym at least 3x a day, I've missed one day this week due to snow, but otherwise this semester I've been doing well. My therapist considers this my 'medication' of sorts - other meds have not worked for me. Each path to recovery is different, but it is possible to go on recovery or extremely good maintenance mode for depression.