There seems to be agreement that a hypomanic or manic phase won't last forever. What do people think about depressive phases ending eventually?

I've been in a depressive phase for about 3 months - - just wondering if it's probable I'll get back to baseline someday. I guess, logically, it would seem the answer is yes. I'm not even sure what my "baseline" is anymore though; I just know I'm not there right now but not despondent either. Somewhere in between.

My depressive episodes generally, historically, last about 3 months also. Generally not too much longer. I'm starting to see them last not quite as long (more like a month to 6 weeks now which is a huge improvement) as I've learned much better and healthier coping mechanisms, I communicate my need for help to my therapist and pdoc much earlier on, and we finally have a pretty good handle on what meds work for whatever symptoms I'm having.

[gayleggg]

My latest depressive episode had been for the past nine months. No matter what they have tried it is not bringing back to normal or even manic. I am in dispair and don't know how much longer I can take it. If only, I could get a little relief it would be good and add hope to the equation.

Originally Posted by 1914sierra

My depressive episodes generally, historically, last about 3 months also. Generally not too much longer. I'm starting to see them last not quite as long (more like a month to 6 weeks now which is a huge improvement) as I've learned much better and healthier coping mechanisms, I communicate my need for help to my therapist and pdoc much earlier on, and we finally have a pretty good handle on what meds work for whatever symptoms I'm having.

I haven't been in a depressive phase for so long that it's hard to remember how long they've lasted before. I think the severity of my depressed mood and negative thinking has not only been the worst this time but has lasted the longest this time around. It's definitely been the hardest depressive phase to muddle through.

Originally Posted by gayleggg

My latest depressive episode had been for the past nine months. No matter what they have tried it is not bringing back to normal or even manic. I am in dispair and don't know how much longer I can take it. If only, I could get a little relief it would be good and add hope to the equation.

I guess the quality of everyone's depressive phase is hard to define. I know you work now, so although you're in a depressed mood, it sounds like you're high functioning. Just a guess/observation. I'm self-employed and have a low caseload as an attorney right now. There's no way I could be employed full time by a law firm right now. Maybe part time doing something else if our financial situation required it.

I really hope you'll find a med soon that helps you get out of the phase. The suffering and angst of being in a depression is hard in a way that someone who's never been in a clinical depression would never understand.

[gayleggg]

Yes, you could call me high functioning. I do hold down a full time job that forunately doesn't take a lot of effort. However, i am suicidal most days. I just can't come up with a sure way at this point and I don't want to try and fail. I put on a happy face when neccessary and fall apart when I get home. The doctor has made another med change so I have hope again that this one may work. Meanwhile I have quiet a stockpile of meds to choose from. You are right about the fact that the one's who have never had it can possibly understand how bad it gets.

I hope you feel better soon, too.