During my graduate school I had near breakdown several times. I think for me it was crying what rescued me from having a complete breakdown. I cry easily.

As for your question if depression breaks up after getting much worse: for me, I think I gain strength from the deepness of my depression, because when depressed I do nothing, lie in bed all day long, eating/ drinking nothing until I have severe headache, and begin to think all these negative thoughts. Then, at some point and somehow, I force myself to do something to break this downward spiral pattern, like washing the dishes, go for a walk, shaving, having a shower, ... etc. Strangely enough, almost always these simple actions can help lift my mood, not completely eliminating the depression, but it becomes more manageable.

How are you doing today?