[tigerlily84]

For the most part, I've been doing just fine over the last couple of months. So much so, that I'm starting to wonder about the process of termination with my T: how would I go about that, etc. I just worry because I wonder if this feeling of "normalcy" (whatever that means) will go away. The pessimist in me says that I'm bound to head back into depression sooner or later. I mean it's been two months, which is really no time at all considering that I seriously considered hospitalization back in May.

I see the "Depression Success Stories" on here, and I'm happy for them, truly. But how do you know that you're a success story? I suppose that depends on one's definition of that term. To me, success is when you don't think about dying every day, but maybe I'm thinking too narrowly.

So I was wondering: what is your idea of "success" in terms of keeping your depression and anxiety at bay?

I have a hard time believing that anyone gets cured... I HOPE it does for some.

*Sorry if I am being a pessimistic poo-head.

But, I just do not see HOW that could happen. I think people just accept it and quit therapy or they cease to exist.

[catsrhelm]

I haven't heard of anyone getting cured either. If I did, I'd shake their hand and worm the secret out of them.
I view success and being able to deal with depression when it hits. Maybe I too have too narrow of a view of it.

[ToeJam]

It's one of the things that keeps me going, that these episodes will diminish... There have been a few times (long durations) that depression has not effected my life so it isn't absurd to believe things can get better or that I can live in periods of normality. Having access to a T and needing medication are a fall back facility when things go to hell in a poopascoop (and right now I require that) but I've gone a few years in between stints where life has improved.

Do I think there is a permanent cure? I really don't know... But I'm happy with little/long breaks in between

I guess the key for maintaining some level of sanity is to acknowledge that deep down I know this can't be a constant and life has many twists and turns.

[gayleggg]

My idea of success, is to feel good enough to do what I need to do, instead of being curled up on the couch. Also, where I don't have suicidal thoughts and enjoy life again.

The thought of not being on meds is scary for me because I know that they stand between me and the thoughts of death. I do not beleive in a cure only times where we are close to normal for a while, but it almost always come back.

Also, if you decide to go off your meds be sure to check with you psychiatrist first. You will need to taper them down.

[Pierro]

I think the idea of a "cure" is one that we would all like to believe in. For me having a good day is a sucess in itself. Having two days together is a bonus. I try not to think too far into the future.Afer all not thinking about suicide is a step forward. Best wishes.

[too SHy]

I believe depression is manageable. My depression is so much better than it was years ago that I was actually dying. I am so grateful for the therapy and medications that are available now...hugs

[yellowfrog268]

Well, if your talking about a bout of depression due to a major life event such as the death of a loved one, I would say yeah. But depression due to chemical imbalance in the brain, probably not. I believe it can be managed and perhaps made better but if the brain is malfunctioning, well.....

[so_punk_rock]

I've been suffering from depression since I was 14 and I'm 21 now. It's really hard to deal with and confusing when you first realize that you are depressed because mentally you are going through hell and don't know why or how to fix it, but it gets a lot easier. As I got older it has become easier to understand and live with mental illness, however I'm not sure if anyone is ever "cured" from depression. That may just be wishful thinking. I still get depressed. I don't know if mental illness ever goes away, I think it just get's easier to live with.

[dandylin]

I certainly hope so. I wish you the best no matter what you decided

[shortandcute]

I'm no expert, but I look at it sort of the same way as I do alcoholism. I'm a recovering alchoholic, and I don't think I'll be really "cured" of it, but I can keep it in remission of sorts by not drinking one day at a time, going to AA, and keeping up my daily reprieve. I am the same way with my depression. I don't think I'll ever completly be cured of it, but I can get better by continuing therapy, meds, a better diet, etc.

[Clarehay]

I think that you should enjoy this period of 'normalcy'. In my experience there can be pong periods of this. if this is your first episode....then who knows, but if u have repeat episodes it is probably a good patch to b enjoyed. Probably u want someone on hand that u can call if u have a problem.

[IndieVisible]

I can go several months, I even forget about it, and get off all meds. The longest I've been off meds is 4 years str8! But it always comes back. It's been off and on for me for the past 30 years any way. I say enjoy it for as long as it lasts! Hope for the best, any thing is possible! Enjoy your time now!

[sewerrats]

Not cure ,remission and relapse so you get times your free and times your not.NORMAL people are boring so we may be the lucky ones.

[purple orchid]

I've suffered with depression for many years on and off.
I tried CBT and it really helped. After that I felt good for quite a while and I thought great I'm cured of depression. Then I eventually began to feel bad again and this time I felt worse than ever as I was so aware of what was going on and I was so dissapointed as I thought I had been cured. I was angry at myself for letting myself fell low again.
Anyway, with the help of my T I came to realise that my depression can't be cured. I just have to learn to take good care of myself and use the techniques that I've learnt to help myself cope when the depression does come back.
So, for myself, no I don't think my depression can be cured but it also doesn't mean I will be continually depressed. My T says some people can go for years without feeling depressed. I just think the important thing is being able to cope when it does.

[coleychi]

Originally Posted by so_punk_rock

I've been suffering from depression since I was 14 and I'm 21 now. It's really hard to deal with and confusing when you first realize that you are depressed because mentally you are going through hell and don't know why or how to fix it, but it gets a lot easier. As I got older it has become easier to understand and live with mental illness, however I'm not sure if anyone is ever "cured" from depression. That may just be wishful thinking. I still get depressed. I don't know if mental illness ever goes away, I think it just get's easier to live with.

i can relate to this-- i've been dealing w/ depression also from 16 to 21.

i definitely have good periods where i feel and function like a normal person... but then the depression creeps back into my life. i hope one day it becomes more manageable/tolerable and feels like it's "cured" but for right now, i know i can only treat my symptoms and try to stay positive. the curelessness of depression has really frustrated me at times and made me want to give up on therapy and whatnot because i felt "well, what's the point if i'm just going to be depressed anyway?" these days, i'm able to accept that my baseline normal is lower than an average person's and i try to bask in my (little) accomplishments and try to stay as positive as i can.

[Little Lulu]

I have always had episodic mood problems but I had a bout with major depression and anxiety about 13 years ago and was hospitalized then. I had suicidal thoughts but no plan. Pretty non-functional.

It was kind of a turning point for me, though. Over the next couple of years I put all the effort I had into getting better (counseling, support group, exercise, friends , went back to work which was hard but very helpful... minimal meds) and today I can say that my mood is on par with the general population.

I am wary, though, to take care of myself and work through issues that are bothering me ... I sure don't want to go back there because I will never forget the hole I was in, as most of you know ...

Depends on the definition cure but I would say that my story is a success and I have to believe there is hope for everyone. Anything else seems unacceptable to me.

[themonster7]

It's a trap. Nothing ever gets better. We're doomed.

[missminnie]

I see it as we have good days and bad days, for me, i've been on a good streak for about a month now, but sometimes i'll have a bad day or two, i don't think we're ever fully cured, but we are always getting better (:

I hope that makes sense (:

[tigerlily84]

Thank you all for sharing your stories and well wishes. I think what I'm scared about is thinking about termination with my therapist. The thought of not having her as a safety net scares me. Like if she's not there I'm liable to fall apart again. I've been depressed for 10 years so in a way it's all I've known that I barely remember who I used to be. I'm just afraid to make a wrong move, if that makes any sense.

[Poppy Princess]

I have bad days and worse days.

[deenie1979maine]

Originally Posted by tigerlily84

For the most part, I've been doing just fine over the last couple of months. So much so, that I'm starting to wonder about the process of termination with my T: how would I go about that, etc. I just worry because I wonder if this feeling of "normalcy" (whatever that means) will go away. The pessimist in me says that I'm bound to head back into depression sooner or later. I mean it's been two months, which is really no time at all considering that I seriously considered hospitalization back in May.

I see the "Depression Success Stories" on here, and I'm happy for them, truly. But how do you know that you're a success story? I suppose that depends on one's definition of that term. To me, success is when you don't think about dying every day, but maybe I'm thinking too narrowly.

So I was wondering: what is your idea of "success" in terms of keeping your depression and anxiety at bay?

I believe depression never truly leaves. It lingers. You have "good days" where it doesn't interfere and bad days when it does. I think your support system is whats important. You may need it daily or every other day, weekly o monthly. I think it is important to have it handy and utilize it as needed.

[sewerrats]

The trouble is when you have had it that long it hard to know if its a depression day or an off day like the normal,s get, they take to there beds on odd days to charge there batteries everything is not straight down the line for a normal. I don't look for support after 40 years that has long gone , you have to ride with it, there is not 1 day I stay in the house I have to get out for walk or 1 drink in a bar, ride my bike, I just have to get out or the day descends into a pit of despair. MY wife says nothing she just let me go, I sit on a river bank and fish take photos ect ect. THE only help comes from yourself, finding the strength is another thing, you will find hospitals , therapists, friends ,ect all let you down at some time usually when you need them the most.

[with or without you]

no. My therapist said if a cure for depression was found, it would be a breakthrough on a Jonas Salk level.

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by tigerlily84

I see the "Depression Success Stories" on here, and I'm happy for them, truly. But how do you know that you're a success story? I suppose that depends on one's definition of that term. To me, success is when you don't think about dying every day, but maybe I'm thinking too narrowly.

So I was wondering: what is your idea of "success" in terms of keeping your depression and anxiety at bay?

I don't believe in a 'cure'. I do believe, that there are success stories in managing it, learning to recognize it, knowing what brings it about, and knowing where to turn, and who to turn to.

It is, slightly narrow, to believe it's not about thinking about dying, daily. Once, you are decades apart from those thoughts, it becomes more than just that. Strange to say, but my subconscious/body, has a way of telling me, that I have to deal with certain feelings in the moment, lest I fall back to those old thought patterns. I, literally, will get pain, when I am dealing with overwhelming emotion, and I learned how to effectively get to the route of those feelings, so that they don't consume me. Feelings, that can be brought forth by environmental factors, maybe something in the here and now, that reminds me on a deeper level of feelings that I couldn't possibly had been able to process, effectively, as a teenager.

As far as, anxiety success? I am just going to accept, that, it will show up here and there, for the rest of my life.