It doesn't need to be that long, but you have to find effective treatment for you (right therapist, right meds), and you have to be motivated enough to change your life. In my case, I hit rock bottom, noticed I wasn't getting anywhere, and started doing something about being who I wanted to be rather than who I thought everyone else thought I ought to be. I don't know if that's what it is for you - it's something only you can figure out.

((((hugs))))
Rap