It's hard to say cuz everyone will have a different expectation from a medication..

For me though I know that no med will ever 'cure' my depression or completely get rid of the suicidal thoughts and self harm urges as I know these things will always be there and that my depression is treatment resistant. But with that being said my goals for being on an AD is that it will make the days a bit more barable and easier to get through, that I may have a few more happy days in my week.

It is hard to know if a med is working or not but I think if your mood has improved a bit and if you can think a bit more clearly, feel more motivated to do things.. then you are definately on the right track!

Good luck