sorry I didn't reply exactly on the topic, although topic "what happens to depression" is rather strange.

Let me rephrase. If you didn't solve your ****, "depression" will come back.

If you cold turkey, you will feel depressed or just real crappy. Does it mean "depression" came back? That depends on how you define it. What is "depression" anyways? Does it mean you need your pills? Not necesarily.

If you have enough coping skills you will say through down phases better or may not sink at all.

I don't know how you define "depression", so I have no idea what happens to it. I am a proponent of learning to expand your comfort zone when it comes to emotions. Hence, even if you feel depressed... you are somewhat okay, it's no longer scary and you know you'll make it.

It's complex. Hence... hard to stay on "topic", especially so narrowly and somewhat clumsily defined.