Anyone in Depression "recovery"?

The fog has finally begun to lift. I am experiiencing a burst of energy, wanting to reach out to everyone, apologize and explain to everyone, etc. It's all good thoughts, but as I sit in the silence of night and calm myself, I can't help but wonder what lies ahead - specifically if something will good feelings will crash. This is the first time I've ever had clarity over my depression and it's affects on my husband and myself. The first time I have tried with this knowledge.

I want someone to tell me it's going to work. I am committed to moving forward and continute to seek help, exercise, communicate, reach out and cultivate friendships... But it is hard to read a lot of posts about how many times people have tried and failed. I know there are success stories too and that is encouraging. It's just that there's that little nagging deep inside me that wonders if this really is all going to work out.

thoughts? experience? advice?

thank you

Hi ~ I understand how you might be a little 'skeptic' or unsure. I've been depressed ALL my life -- even as a child. Finally, as an adult, I sought help because I thought I came this way -- I didn't really know I was depressed until someone said something and I read something about it. It just seemed normal to me.

After I got on an antidepressant and it took effect, I couldn't BELIEVE this was how other people felt ALL THE TIME!! I was amazed that I had wasted so many years feeling like I wanted to die.

I can tell you now that I am 61 years old and I've been on an antidepressant for probably close to 35 years - and I haven't been really depressed since. Sure, I get "sad" ~ horrible things happen to everyone. But it's not the same as depression, thank God. At least I know that "sadness" will go away and it's normal.

So as long as I continue to take my medication -- I'm going to be okay. Perhaps that's not what you wanted to hear - perhaps you wanted to know about recovering from depression WITHOUT medications. I can't answer that my friend. I wish I could. God bless. Hugs, Lee

You are a sucess story! Yay! And for you to help me and others is invaluable. Thank you.

I have no problem taking meds. I know they work and would not be well without them. Though I am on a very low dose so I am not numb, and I have to exercise. And I've realized I have to work every day to move forward. Baby steps, right?

Did you ever change your medication. I've heard you after a while the same anti depressant can loose it's affect.?

thanks

I was on Prozac for 20 years. I think most of that time I was fine--and I thought I was too, just a little tired all the time, when my family practice doctor suggested I might be depressed, knowing I had a family member with schizophrenia.

That stopped working for me a year or two ago and I slipped into a deep depression, but I was functioning, so I just carried on. Didn't realize that my irritability and mood swings were symptoms of something deeper that could be treated. Then my husband left me, as he has conflict phobia and couldn't figure out how to deal with me, and had an old friend he formed a romantic relationship with. He came back after six weeks and we've been going to counseling to try to repair our relationship. I am also seeing a psychiatrist now and taking different meds--Cymbalta and Remeron. I feel so much better now, and I think it's largely the medications. I am really a pretty level-headed person most of the time and cope quite well. I held a responsible position in management before my early retirement (age 50--I was blessed!)

Had I been more knowledgeable and alert I could have sought new treatment sooner. I suspect your life will probably be largely positive. You may have some slips--it was serious adverse events that sent me pulmenting to the depths of despair. But you will probably more quickly right yourself again too. It's good that you have a husband and friends around you--those of us with support systems do best.

Do check out the symptoms of mania--some with bipolar disorder are originally diagnosed as only depressed. If you go high and low, you generally need different meds I think. If it's just the euphoria of feeling better, go ahead and celebrate!

Hey there, I guess this is a bad time to post about "recovery" as I'm currently in a downward dip but here goes.

I had a major depressive episode + other things, really starting to be its worst around 3 years ago. I had to take a medical leave of absence from college, losing thousands of dollars and everything that goes with school. I was in a really really horrible way by that point, and there were many times I never thought I would get better.

Two semesters ago I got back into school, it wasn't quite the same but I got through - which would NOT have been possible at all before. Last summer was a bummer, but I at least was okish/not super depressed all the time.

Then - last semester, was AMAZING. Not only was my mood almost constantly up up and up with a rare exception, but I did incredibly well in school, even maintaining a 4.0

This semester, though I AM currently down and overstressed it's not just the depression talking, there are a lot of things going on my life that are contributing. And it's the worst month of the year for weather. but even in this downward step I haven't gone several days without smiling, etc - I just haven't gotten any work done and have felt crappy.


I'm still in therapy, finally working with a therapist who I work well with. I'm not cured. But I'm getting better, and I do believe there's a light at the end of the tunnel. As it is I'm much better than 3 years ago
Side note: I am not on medication - my current mood increaser is going to the gym at least 3x a day, I've missed one day this week due to snow, but otherwise this semester I've been doing well. My therapist considers this my 'medication' of sorts - other meds have not worked for me. Each path to recovery is different, but it is possible to go on recovery or extremely good maintenance mode for depression.

yes it is going to work. I have been in recovery from a severe depression since early 2001. I take my medications, exercise regularly and have an active spiritual life. I believe God has a plan and he will give me the resources to deal with what comes along. I have had short bouts of anxiety and depression several times, but have always bounced back by increasing my exercise or re-dedicating myself to my spiritual practices.