My initial response would be that my longest depression was my first depressive episode and that it lasted 3 straight years. Because that is how I remember it. But looking back that wasn't the reality as I have evidence that I did in fact have some normal and up times in between. But all my mind remembers is depression- it had always been there and always would be. Time and memory gets a bit blurred. So I don't really know. I don't have enough insight when in it to know when it started or stopped.

Do most people know about your diagnosis, or do you try to hide it from all but your closest friends and family?