Can you ever really "get over" depression?

[flamebat]

Was put on antidepressants at 20 after having been low for years (from at least 15, but I remember my mum taking me to the doctors from about 13 with lethargy etc).

I was on them for a few months, enough to pick myself back up, and I have never gotten that low again.

BUT, every few months I will drop, I want to hide from the world, or my house (it varies, sometimes I just want to be alone, other times I want to be with people, but am shoddy company, or don't enjoy theirs), I get very tearful, lethargic, my house gets even worse than normal as I just can't see the point of doing it. It lasts for about a week, then I get just enough enthusiasm back to start to pull myself together and exercise etc (the various things that I know help lift me).

Since the ADs I have always managed to pick myself back up, but every time I drop, I worry that it is the start of something bigger.

Does it ever improve? I'm 24 now, and the thought of doing this little spiral for the rest of my life is disheartening to say the least!!!

I had a really bad time about 4 years ago- started off being bullied at work. Went onto ADs and asked for counselling. They referred me to a Group session. I wasn't happy about it but went along and after 2 years (once a week for 2 hours) I can honestly say I felt like a new person and realised that I had probably been depressed my entire life. I thought the way I felt was normal but people used to tell me I was spikey. At the end of the course my spikes had gone. That was 2.5 years ago and I've been Ok until really recently (we've had a lot happen in the last couple of months that has set it off again). I would recommend counselling to get to the bottom of what is making you depressed.

I think that once you have suffered with depression it is always waiting in the wings, so to speak, but that doesn't have to mean it casts a shadow over the rest of your life (sorry for awful mixed metaphors!). Everybody has mood swings to some extent and you will not always feel panicky every time you hit a bad spell. I think in a way it can be a positive thing as it can make you more sensitive when things are not going right for you, so that you can take action quickly.

I suffered severely in my early 20s and it took many years before I stopped looking over my shoulder for the black dog, but it's no longer something that haunts me. Long term therapy or counselling could help you to find out the causes of your depression, and cognitive therapy can help to change the negative thinking spiral. Take care of yourself during your low periods and try to see if there are any triggers for them. Good luck with it, there are some positives about having had depression in the long run if you work at it!

flamebat - YES. you can beat depression because I have done it.

Like you, I was depressed from childhood, reaching a peak when I was around 21. However, I never went on anti-depressants. (there were other contributory factors like food allergies/reactions, so I concentrated on fixing those). I was depressed until my late twenties.
Having suffered from depression, I think that I now have greater mental control. I can recognise when I am slipping back, and concentrate on small things, and day by day steps, eg resolution not to cry today.
A huge part of being depressed is the habit of being depressed. Ive kicked the habit. that's not to say its your fault if you havent yet. I have gained a huge amount of mental strength since my early twenties, that has enabled me to get out of depression.

flamebat, i too am also 24 years of age and have suffered from depression since the age of 18.I am currently taking 2 prozac a day and some other prescription pills. It started after i abused drugs, then i got clean and got pregnant with my first of whom was seriously ill when born and had life saving surgery. After that ordeal i developed psoriosis really bad on my hands, arms and scalp. i still have it severely on scalp!!
Over the past 5.5 years i have lost my best friend, 2 aunties both under 40, my dad under 40 my grandma and then last xmas my grandad!!!
My second was born on new years day 2003 and he is wonderful. he has severe special needs and daughter has suspected ADHD.
I suppose i am trying to say that although life can be a drag and throw bad shit at me, i have to get on with it and although i still take quite a few meds i am happier and content now than i have been in a long time and yes i have my bad days, but my kids and partner are my greatest strengh.
Look at the good things in your life and focus on them everytime you feel down, it can work wonders and also allow your self some me time, i go to the pub 1 or 2 nights aweek with my friends to get away from home!!!!
Take care.
Butty.xxx

Wanted to say, I felt the simple fact of getting older has helped me to banish it too. I think your teens and early twenties are an emotional and challenging time, being in my 30s I don't find I have the same intensity of feeling now (which is sad in it's own way). Also maturity to cope with life's problems does help to some extent.

I am 27 and have just started counselling/therapy. i ahve only had 2 sessions (3rd one tommorrow) and I alreadyfeel as though i am moving 'forward'. It is bloody exhausting though and I dont feel well after i have had it but I know it helps more than the ADs (which i had to stop taking) and weirdly i feel less anxious,

depression is one of those things though, it does haunt you. i think regular long term therapy though helps you deal with the past so anything else that happens is 'smaller' iykwim and yoiu onlyhave that to deal with

Yes, you can. My Mum had severe depression when I was a child and hasn't had it for 15 years now, a friend had it so bad that she was sectioned, she is now running a business as a life coach and doing a degree (which is where we met. So there is, most definitely hope.

My DH suffers bad bouts of depression, there are triggers and a diary helped (with him it's lack of sleep). I hope each time it's the last bout, and one day I am sure it will be!

I know too that the Agony Aunt Denise from this MOrning had severe depression and it went for good.

fingers crossed for you