I've been wondering lately,will this ever end?

Some days are better than others, but then it comes back like a cloud I can’t shake off. I know everyone’s journey is different, but I’d really like to hear from others:

• If you’ve struggled with depression, does it ever truly go away?

• Can you recover and feel like yourself again?

• What helped you cope or start to feel better, even a little?

I’m not looking for quick fixes, just some honest thoughts from people who get it.

Please share your story or advice. Maybe we can help each other feel less alone in this.

When I went to therapy, the therapist told me to have realistic expectations. She told me that my depression will never completely go away or be ‘cured’ but that’s something that I can come to terms with and accept, which I did. It really helped my outlook to be kinder to myself and to appreciate my progress. I also stopped being so harsh toward myself for when I felt like I wasn’t progressing or things were going backwards.

While you are in the deep end of it, it can feel like it’s never ending or all you’ve ever known. But just like how good times will come then go, bad times will do the same too. I used to get caught up a lot in it and sure I still have bad days, but I have ways to cope better. In terms of coping skills, you have to find what works for you. There are some that are proven to be a bit more effective in people though like mindfulness.

Look at the ABC model. See what behaviours and alternative thoughts you can think of to help break the cycle.

14 hours ago, sabrina said:

When I went to therapy, the therapist told me to have realistic expectations. She told me that my depression will never completely go away or be ‘cured’ but that’s something that I can come to terms with and accept, which I did. It really helped my outlook to be kinder to myself and to appreciate my progress. I also stopped being so harsh toward myself for when I felt like I wasn’t progressing or things were going backwards.

While you are in the deep end of it, it can feel like it’s never ending or all you’ve ever known. But just like how good times will come then go, bad times will do the same too. I used to get caught up a lot in it and sure I still have bad days, but I have ways to cope better. In terms of coping skills, you have to find what works for you. There are some that are proven to be a bit more effective in people though like mindfulness.

Look at the ABC model. See what behaviours and alternative thoughts you can think of to help break the cycle.

Thank you for your eloquent perspective, @sabrina..

One .of my dxs is refractory OCD, and my pyschiatrist/ therapist told.me, 100 % of people with OCD also suffer from depression.

I had my first episode at age 17, and now at nearly 50 years old I am having a hard time with living with deep regrets, and bittersweet memories when life was a lot better.

In my darkest hours, Dr.S has always told me, " Tomorrow can be a good day "

And with his chronic " glass half full" attitude, that often makes me feel angry...but you know?

He is absolutely right...

Now, in my most despised and hard time of year, my birthday looming, I find mysef outside, smiling ( !!!) at people's beautiful gardens, at the birds, people's friendly sweet dogs...

So...indeed even MDD can lift.

If, only for moments ...

Anyway , @sabrina thank you for your great insight.❤️