It's one of the things that keeps me going, that these episodes will diminish... There have been a few times (long durations) that depression has not effected my life so it isn't absurd to believe things can get better or that I can live in periods of normality. Having access to a T and needing medication are a fall back facility when things go to hell in a poopascoop (and right now I require that) but I've gone a few years in between stints where life has improved.

Do I think there is a permanent cure? I really don't know... But I'm happy with little/long breaks in between

I guess the key for maintaining some level of sanity is to acknowledge that deep down I know this can't be a constant and life has many twists and turns.