I was off work for five years until last December when I started a casual job that I have amazingly still been able to hold. In the last year I have had two major depressive episodes that have lasted at least 2 months each but with some time off and meds to get me through work I have just managed to keep my job. I am also studying super-part-time so my level of functioning has improved immensely over the last year. I attribute this to the right meds (and that took aaaages to find) and excellent therapy. I want you to know that there is hope that you will be employed again even if it is in a limited capacity. For some people employment is not an option, which is perfectly understandable, so don't pressure yourself or put yourself down if you are currently unable to work. As it has been said, your job now is to try to get stable. And that is a worthy task. I wish you all the best.