[KittiesRKool]

I just don't understand how I can be happy for several months and then be OK without medication and then all of a sudden something hits me and I'm back the constant sadness of things. It's strange because half the time I don't even know why I'm upset. This real fluctuation of being happy then depressed again is something I'm not sure how to deal with.

[Crazy Hitch]

I see it's your first post - just wanted to say hi and welcome.

I can relate to what you're saying, my depression is like that too. I don't think it's uncommon for people with depression to go through stages of stability and then swing back into depression again. And chemical depression (sorry I have no idea of the correct terminology) sometimes doesn't need a trigger, per say. Seemingly trivial things can all become overwhelming and send us into a downward spiral.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm no expert... but are you bipolar or something? That could explain, I guess

I'm sorry you're struggling

[icecappe]

Originally Posted by KittiesRKool

I just don't understand how I can be happy for several months and then be OK without medication and then all of a sudden something hits me and I'm back the constant sadness of things. It's strange because half the time I don't even know why I'm upset. This real fluctuation of being happy then depressed again is something I'm not sure how to deal with.

How often do your bouts of depression last after the several months? I have the same problem, usually I am okay for winter, spring and summer; but as soon as fall comes along the depression comes back for a month.

Hi, and welcome to the group..

I just want to ask if you have considered taking your medication year around regardless if you feel better. Is it possible not being on them triggers or contribute to the episodes in the first place?

In another line, if your bouts are cyclical, a therapy lamp might help. I obtained one just over a year ago. Just 15 minutes a day - and I am able to do activities like my forums while using it - and my mood has become stable. I haven't really noticed my mood improve rather it has levelled out. My natural rythym has levelled out too. The biggest thing though is that having used my lamp daily I have not dropped into lengthy episodes of Depression at those times of the year that have traditionally been the hardest.

I have bipolar so going from Happy to miserable is a way of life. I feel your pain and hope PC can help you as much as it's helped me. (((Hugs)))