Does Depression ever End?

I was wondering if depression ever ends. Does this comepltely go away we are sudennly cured and can function normally? By normally I mean meanb we can wake up and look forward to each day, work, have relationships with people carry on a normal life. We do not have suicidal thoughts or any other crazy ideals of hurting ourselves in any way.

At different times in my life I thought I was truly over with depression. I thought I could function only to have it come back in with a vengence when I would end up in the hospital. Does it ever really end?

Right now life is good. I have no real issues. I am happy just being me for the first time in my life. I have a wonderful gf of three years now. Things are going great with us. But I could get a bad depressive episode like that for no apparent reason. Things could then sudenlly come crashing down and I will be back i nthe hospital.

I have been doing good No hospital fvisits for two years now. No sucidal thoughts or plans for suicidal thoughts. Like I said I havea wonderful gf who keeps me going. I love to read history books. I love the internet and I love to play chess. I have intersts and hobbies I look forward to doing these things ever day. This is what keeps me mentally sound plus meds

hi john, welcome to PC

I think everyone is probably different. Some people have only one depressive episode in their lives, and some have several. I'm not sure if there is a way to really predict that you're officially "cured".

I read a book called Sunbathing In The Rain in which the author talked about her last depressive episode (she's had several throughout her life) and her theory is that the depression comes whenever her subconscious is trying to wake her up and realize something about herself or her life is wrong, like working too hard, dealing with self-confidence issues, letting go of the past, realizing she didn't like where she was living, etc. I doubt that it's necessarily true for everyone -- after all, depression is as much about brain chemistry as it is about emotional baggage -- but I like to think that my depression has "helped" me get a handle on a lot of negative things in my life that I let get out of control by forcing me to take some time out to sort through some of my problems; hopefully it will lift completely once I've completely managed to turn things around for myself. And if it comes back, well, I'll be ready and willing to listen.

It seems to me like you're in a really good place right now. Take advantage of it. Whether the depression returns or not, I hope you can cherish every good moment you have.

Maybe not suddenly, but gradually. I think there is something to that theory that depression shows up when our subconsious has something to tell us and we aren't listening. We need to learn how to pay attention to our feelings and our needs without it progressing to that point. There are a lot of skills that we need to learn so that we know how to live a satisfying life and maintain it. That is something that medication does not give us. Until those issues are addressed, we remain at risk for depression.

For me, I don't think it will ever end. I get by, but that's about it. I wonder sometimes if it's worth it. Do we live our lives or do we sit in the bleachers and watch our lives as if in a stadium.

It sounds like you are doing well right now and I'm happy for you. Share your secrets with some of the rest of us.

No, John, it will not end....ever. Meds will make you feel better..and by normally, this is just a term used by the 'not depressed' to function in 'their' world. I've lived with this curse since I can remember...and only heard from others to: 'Just get over it', or 'Snap out of it', it was the IT that they just didn't understand...and never will..
It... is that black hole that surrounds our ambition, our need to be with others, our constant focus on reality....which is always questioned by others who know what IT is....I'm going to post this here...but I never really ever knew what the question was...sory....

No one can say for sure, John.
There are different types of depression, endogenous and exogenous.

With endogenous depression, there is no apparent precipitating cause; while exoennous depression is a state of depression that is precipitated by events in the person's life different and more severe than normal grief. Both are treatable during the depressive state.

Endogenous depression is inherent; within the being; genetic in cause. The genes do not change. But, medication can help overcome the results of the lack of serotonin, or other brain chemicals lacking. With medication, therapy and self care, people can lead happy, filled lives.

Exogenous is situational. When the situation is over, people can and do return to a previous state of happiness, or "normalcy," whatever that may mean to them. Life can, and does return.

If you are doing well on your medication, and practicing self care, be happy. Don't go looking for the clouds on a sunny afternoon. Continue to do what's working. Practice caring for yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Doing so will keep you shored up when life's storm once more hits. And we know it always does! (Not necessarily talking about an episode of depression here, just when life throws us a curve ball! LOL!)

I wish you well. And glad to hear how well you're doing!

Peace!

In my personal experience & opinion I don't think it 'ends' We as people with this issue just learn to deal with it more. We learn to stay away from the triggers & calm ourselves when it's at its worst. I hope you are feeling OK, I am glad you have a GF that is understanding. That is a big help. I have a wonderful loving husband who lets me work through my emotions without guilt or pressure and he is a godsend...my LK or AKA TheLionKingLives

I wonder the same thing.

I used to be really depressed about 3 years ago.. wow, just typing that I can't believe it has been that long.

But I feel like it's coming back.

I want so badly to avoid it and I try to ignore the fact that I feel horrible.. and I wonder if it will ever end?

Is it like a disease like cancer where you can have relapses? Like once you get it once, you have to take care of yourself in order to prevent it from happening again.. I don't know, maybe.

Statistics presented by Psychology Today are very favorable.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/artic...own-depression

Interestingly, CBT has a better effectiveness rate than medications! I guess it's because it's a skill that's learned to be used over and over again, and part of the self help/ self care so necessary for us.

Anyway, I do hope you continue to feel better. And know there *is* hope!

Peace!

Now that more long-term results are coming in, I think we will find more evidence that therapy and learning and changing our approach to life and its problems are going to show more benefit. Placebo and medication both perform pretty well in short-term studies.

Hey you jus gotta keep workin on it. It will be a constant battle but if you keep yourself centered and keep your thoughts in check you will be fine

I wish to thank everyone who respondered. Right now things are good. Things are good because I am taking my meds. One thing that always triped me up in the past is thinking that after getting better I think I do not need the meds. I will not make this mistake again.

I think that I want so much to feel right, just be normal. I want to be ab le to go ab out my business, experience life without experiencings the pain and dispair. In my screwed up way of thinking meds sort of symbolized that I was different. I felt, I don't know not like others because I have to be on psychiatric meds.

I know now that I will always need them. I have accepted that fact and their is no shame in needing meds because they do help in making me feel b etter.