I was diagnosed clinically depressed when I was 8. At 63 (!), that was changed to bipolar.

Looking back, I can see that it was largely a 2-steps forward, 1-step back process most of my life. The meds got much better, & when I got on Cymbalta things improved greatly..

For me, though, part of the problem was my dx. Depression was only part of it. I was bipolar II, which meant I had episodes of hypomania that left me irratible, sometimes anxious, usually on the verge of anger. Until this was also attended to (meds + therapy), I didn't make a whole lot of short term progress that I was aware of at the time.

Looking back over the past 57 yrs? Oh, yes, I have gotten WAY better! & kudos to Severijn--exercise has been a huge part. That & sleep & a healthy diet--all important.

I tried to kill myself when I was 8. Have pursued alcoholism & some other slow suicide paths since, when I thought as you seem to be--that I'd never be better. I went off meds & quit therapy. Joke on me ... hee hee ... I'm still alive!

Now I stick with the therapy & endure med adjustments. I'm still on Cymbalta, which continues to anchor me.

I encourage all of you to work on patience & to journal, esp your moods. They are making so much progress with meds so much faster these days I think you guys have reason to hope. Make having the best T & the best pdoc for you a priority always!

If you wish, PM me--any of you, whenever. To some extent at least, I've been where you are. Yeah, it sux. Majorly.

Roadrunner