I agree! Depression can come sneaking upon us, because we little by little give space to "going without the routine". Just a relaxed day without a routine and so it starts slowly on a downward hill.

I read a really good book years ago written by a cognitive therapist. He tells us to work with our depression and keep a routine even after we feel recovered.

The clue is that when we stop to identify as having an underlying disorder, we also stop to take that disorder seriously because we want to feel cured.

He is very optimistic about having a good life with these underlying "depressive tendencies" as long as we keep a routine and use tools to identify when it seems like we are slipping into a depression again.

I can be a bit too much up as well. I will have to look out for both emotional states and try to be aware of triggers and how to use my personal tools to prevent poorer functioning.

To me the most crucial parts is when I have to deviate from my normal routines. I have found it helpful to make an extra plan for such occasions. I plan what cloths to wear and so on, when to leave home and I plan how to cope when home again as well - How to calm down after having had a good evening out with others and then how to get back into normal daily routine again.

This morning I feel optimistic about being able to walk the healthy way again! I jumped out of bed when the alarm went off and feel very eager to do the necessary work with myself.