feeling pretty good... then feeling depressed

Can anyone relate?
I have actually been feeling rather good for the past week: upbeat, strong, capable and not as nearly as tired as I have been for the past year. (But not manic - I do have depression but not bipolar). I have been trying to force myself to push through my tiredness and I also had a few very helpful sessions in therapy. Tonight I crashed. Two sort of big (anxiety provoking) things happened today but by tonight I was so much less able to deal with them. Now I feel like the cloud is back over my head. I feel sad and dejected and hopeless. Have you ever felt better (cured) for a week to a month only to have the depression return?
ps. I am not on meds. This past week I was thinking maybe I didn't even need them... Now I'm not sure again...

(((((((((((Elana))))))))))))

So many times I can't count.

Yep! Been there, done that. What I can tell you is, I think feeling better WAS REAL. You were. Then you hit a bump, which triggered the unresolved things. Kind of like a sore on your knee. Yeah, it's healing and was looking great. Then you bumped into something and knocked off the scab. Oh, yeah, it's bleeding again. But, the sore is not as big and deep as it once was. It will bleed for a little while, then form a new scab--but hey, IT'S SMALLER THAN THE OLD ONE! So, think of yourself like that--you have reopened a wound from a new or repeated trigger or two. But you are more healed than you were before. You'll form a new scab and go on, much like you have been. Better, more sound, and more like you want to be. In time, that scab will fall off for good. No new bleeding, as you are now healed. A scar? Probably. A mark of honor from an old injury conquered. You WILL be better, with or without meds. Don't be too discouraged. This too, will pass. My best to you, as always, Elana!

Elana,
I've also had that experience quite a few times, of feeling good for a week or two, and then abruptly crashing again. It is frustrating. Thinking of you!
peace,
garden gal

This is how my depression symptoms act as well. I'm starting to get the impression that this is a normal occurrence. You're not alone.

You can add me as well, though I can usually only manage a day or two of "uptime" before it slides down again. Thankfully my really "downtimes" usually don't last too long either before I return to "normal" (for me).

Maybe Heisenberg's on to something...

I CAN RELATE. You know there is no shame being on meds, anti depressants, anti psychotics ect... sometimes they just help take the edge off. Also going 'backwards' is totally normal for any illness, you will find theses bad days will get less and less. GOOD LUCK...

you know there is always gonna be downtime. Even on meds. you need to decide if the risks and side effects are worth it for you.

I Can Also Relate, Feel Good For Maybe A Week, Then Feel Completely Hopeless For A While, I Understand. peace