Everyone experienced depression differently depending on experience and cause and probably a lot of other factors. For many people I don't know that depression is ever cured but rather managed. That said, it can be managed rather well with coping skills and/or medication.

I can tell you my experience... After a crushing stint of depression and almost suicide about 13 years ago I was hospitalized and then unable to work or barely get out of bed for about a year.

I recovered and found a new job. I've been at that job for 11 years now.

I have not been on any antidepressants for about 9 or 10 years. My therapist moved away and I didn't feel the need to replace him... So, for about 9 or 10 years no medications and no therapy.

Those years were pretty good. Lots of laughter and joy. Occasionally a short stint of what I recognized as a light depression lasting maybe one or two days. I think my coworkers would notice because I would become "quiet" or so I've been told.

I think key was recognizing the symptoms and applying the coping skills I had learned in the hospital at the onset so that things would not sink.

Overall life was good with regard to the depression.

Last December I had a strong relapse. I recognized the symptoms immediately and immediately began seeking help by looking for a new therapist.

It took a while to get proper treatment and I suffered greatly during that period.

I am now in a DBT partial hospital program and I believe this type of therapy, new to me, is well suited to me and I think it is starting to help.

So maybe for future I will try to have therapy lined up as an "emergency" plan for another relapse hopefully not for another 10 years.

So yes I think depression is lifelong but I believe it is manageable and does not necessarily require that you accept constant frequent relapses.

If your therapy is not keeping you above water to your satisfaction ask about other avenues. Personally I've found the DBT quite effective and would recommend looking in to it. No guarantees of course but there are other things you can explore as well.

Good luck Starry Prince.