Has anybody here really recovered?

[gandolfication]

This is the question I have, and I assume many have. kajklfdjkl

I've struggled and suffered with this wretched condition somewhat for 12 years and seriously for at least 5.  I'm sure many could say longer than that.
I've tried a lot of medications, therapy, CBT, and other things.  I haven't given up, but feel like it a lot.  Recently, I've started and am in the middle of a self-help class for anxiety and depression sufferers, based on the following book and approach.  (which It think is good and gives some reason for optimism)  http://www.socwel.ku.edu/mentalhealth/projects/value/pathways/workbook.shtml

But the question lingers what the chances are that I actually ever will feel or be much better, let alone like the "old" selves all of us idealize and long for?  I"m not asking about feeling perfect or never having ups and downs or even a relapse.  But what about just consistently better and balanced?  Not feeling horrible all or most of the time?

Does it happen?  I need to know.
Thanks.

[witheredrose]

With the right treatment,  and having the spirit not give up on yourself, I would say definitely! Alot of people have! I agree, it is a lot of hard of work but have and keep faith in yourself! Good luck and I hope you can recover! Just always keep trying!!  

[4Maddie44]

Hi, Are you on any medication now?  I see you say you have tried quite a few.  Did none of them make you feel better in yourself?  Finding the anti-depressant that works for you, will help you fight depression harder.  I don't
think you will manage without some type of help, be it medication or CBT.

If you have tried many things, and still feel the same, what do you think your next step is to feeling "normal?"

I do hope the classes you are attending now help.  They sound very interesting, and I shall look them up.  Do you think they are helping you?

I have had depression for over 20 years, and the right anti-depressant really helps me feel "normal."

[gandolfication]

Thanks Swabes,

Yah, I do want to improve, and have been doing a lot of work to move forward toward recovery.

There are some good days, and I've thought I've had some progress - which I'm sure is something to be thankful for.

So many days that are still so hard and I feel so bad and do not want to go on.

I guess the thing I feel like I need to know sometimes is that real improvement really is possible, and preferably hopeful.

Anyhow, thanks for the input.  Appreciate it.

[swabes]

Hi, I think there are a lot of factors to feeling better and balanced, but it has to be ther right combination for you. For some people therapy and meds work. A lot of people just have to accept that taking medication and having depression is just a part of their lives which is sad. One thing is for sure though, you have to work hard to get the results you want, to work towards the happy us we all visualise in ourselves. With each small step and new accomplishment you have made with this horrible battle ther better you might feel. Yes we wil have a down day, but don't let one down day turn in a down week or a down month. Accept it for what it is and take the next day on with a whole new vigour. Spot warning signs early and figure out your triggers.

As I said, it's an awful lot of hard work but it isn't an overnight thing. With determination you can do it. I'm still very far away from being and feeling the way I'd ideally like to, I'm still very much consumed by my depression. But from your question it seems you really want to find a way to move forward. There is no magic cures. Just hard work and maybe some day your good days will outweigh the bad.

All the best to your recovery!