[bera]

I have just been diagnosed with depression and was wondering how long before it seems that life is worth it again. I can go from an extreme happy state to the complete opposite in a day. There are some days where I feel that nobody really understands what it is like.

[leacon]

Welcome to the depression forum. As to your question how long does it take to begin to feel better? No easy answer can be given. Some people get over depression quickly and some it seems to take forever. The main thing to be learned is to cope with or without the depression. With the depression you will need to learn to keep on going and keep yourself safe. Without the depression you need to do what you can to make things better for yourself. Hope you have a therapist and or psychiatrist to help you.

[Midnight Sky]

I don't think it is really possible to answer how long it will take be until things feel worth it again but please know that you are not alone. I assure you I understand. Sorry I can't be more help.

[justfloating]

hi bera, welcome to PC

I don't think there's a good answer to your question because everyone is different, but getting a diagnosis and then looking into treatment is what is most likely to get you feeling better. Until then I suppose it might be best to consider things not in terms of being "cured" but in terms of managing and living with your depression, for the time it takes to get well. It's just my experience but things got easier for me when I stopped asking "when will I get better" and instead started asking "what can I do to manage my depression while I'm getting better?"

Again, welcome. Keep us posted on how you're doing.

[yutzman]

Are you on meds yet?....If not, you may want to try them as they may even out those daily mood swings. In any case, welcome. If it's any consolation, I've been dealing with depression most of my adult life (about a quarter century). It never gets any easier, but in a place like this, it's been at least bearable...good luck...
yutzman..

[Berries]

Originally Posted by bera

I have just been diagnosed with depression and was wondering how long before it seems that life is worth it again. I can go from an extreme happy state to the complete opposite in a day. There are some days where I feel that nobody really understands what it is like.

i understand what it's like to go from extreme happy to utter depression in one day, every day. (Granted, i am bipolar.) i am not like that currently, i am in a depressed episode that is lasting several weeks so far; but before that i was rapid cycling—going from one extreme mood to another, daily.

It isn't easy and it isn't a quick fix, but i think you should listen to the above people who replied.

Meds, therapy and posting here on PC HELP A LOT!!!!

i hope you keep posting and letting us know how you are doing. There are a lot of nice, compassionate, empathic wise people here.

[u2nance]

I know how you feel about bad to good to bad in one day. The littlest thing can trigger a gigantic change in emotion. Most of the time, it's the illness talking. Do you see a therapist? That can help you learn to sort out the emotions better. I've been living with depression for 5 years now---never dreamed it could happen to me! Take it one day at a time. Be gentle with yourself. You are loved and cared for by many more than you'll ever know!

U2nance

[bera]

Thank you all for your input. I am currently taking meds. I do have t and psyc doc.