When im in remission, people say you look good and healthy . I no I look better but not has good had they think. At a shrink or GP , a good one should be able to see how you feel by your face, in depression you seem to age 10year and look lost. My wife and friends can see it so they should be able to. That is if they life the face from the desk top. They then ask how do you feel from 1 to 10, always have this in your head before a appointment or you may flounder an say the wrong number and change the hole interview. 7 is my normal answer in remission , you can hit a 8 or 9 for brief spells after a couple of drinks maybe , but plummet to a 6 when hangover is twice has bad has the normals and twice has hard to get rid of. Say 5 and his head will lift from the computer and he may look at you. Why 5 he may ask,well it could be a sign I don't feel well???? 5 is your just holding it together number, lower and under the blanket looms. I call it RED ALERT TIME . You are right some can get full remission but they are usually the 1 major depressive type who can go on to full recovery. but if you get a second one you heart loose,s the spark for ever