How will I know when I have recovered from depression?

Question

I have just started treatment for depression. Looking, back I think I have had clinical depression for over 5 years. I don't remember a time of not being depressed. What are some signs of recovery?

Answer 1

Hello, bluesbrother74 (blues as in the music -not the mood- right?!!)

Recovering from depression isn't easy. One of the hardest things is that you just don't know what to expect.

It's not like healing from an injury. If you broke your arm, your doctor could give you specifics about your recovery. He or she could tell you -- at least roughly -- how many weeks you would need a cast and when you will be healed.

Unfortunately, depression isn't like that. Each person's recovery is different. Some recover in a few weeks or months. But for others, depression is a long-term illness. In about 20% to 30% of people who have an episode of depression, the symptoms don't entirely go away.

You may also have trouble figuring out how you feel. If you were depressed for a long time before you got treatment, you may not remember what feeling normal is like.

You need to know that you're not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 19 million Americans are living with depression right now. And treatment works. The National Mental Health Association says that more than 80% of people who get treatment say it helps. If you stick with it, the odds are very good that you will feel better.

If you went through a severe depression, you may be relieved to just feel OK again. You might not be happy, but you're grateful that you can get out of bed and go to work.

But that isn't enough. It isn't enough to just feel less miserable. You deserve to feel well again, to feel as good as you once did. If your current treatment isn't allowing that, then you need to improve it. There are many different ways of treating depression -- therapy, medicines, and lifestyle changes -- that can help.

So don't settle for feeling just OK. You and your health care provider need to work together. With some effort and good treatment, you can feel truly well again.

Answer 2

The simple answer is, you'll suddenly realize that, hey, you feel pretty good! It can take a little time for certain antidepressants to work, and it could be counterproductive to analyze your own feelings too much while you're waiting. I'm sure your doctor has you coming back soon to check on your progress, so maybe don't try to think about it too much until then. Generally though, you might find yourself more interested in things, you might feel more energetic, and more like doing things you've put off for the last five years. Everyone is different, so your response will probably be somewhat unique. Depression can seep into the tiniest corners of your life, so when you start to feel better, you might be surprised at how your life has been impacted, once you can leave the problem behind. Just be patient. If this medication doesn't do it for you, there are many others your doctor is sure to have you try.

Answer 3

I have been suffering from post partum depression for the past one year when I gave birth to a baby boy. I couldn't stop thinking about how my husband loves him more than me and how things might be better if he wasn't born at all. Thus, I stayed away from him because I knew that I might do something I will regret for the rest of my life.

Almost instantly I went to a therapist and convince them that I need help. Among other things, I've tried herbal supplements and other book to treat depression but nothing works like the Depression Free Method. So now I'm proud to say I'm one of the happiest mother in the world. My husband loves us both very much and I thank the Lord for the blessing he gave us.

Depression Free Method?

Answer 4

Not being preoccupied with suicidal thoughts, self-image, or depression symptoms. You will notice you will become more energetic and social...not necessarily a social-butterfly, but you will notice you are spending time around people instead of avoiding them. The main thing is to know that you don't need to watch for symptoms of recovery. You need to notice if signs of depression reappear or worsen. And the most common mistakes everyone on depression medication make: 1) They stop taking their medication because they feel better, not realizing the medication is what is making them feel better. 2) They stop taking their medication without consulting their doctor because it doesn't agree with their lifestyle. There are so many medications out there. No need to have to stay with one that doesn't fit. Don't be afraid to tell your doctor what you like and don't like about the medications. He/she will adjust and find a medication that works. For instance: Many make the patient gain weight. I told my doctor up front that I would not continue to take a medication that made me gain weight. So, he knew that he needed to find something "non-fattening" or his treatment suggestion would be in vain. It worked! Of course we had to try about 5 different medications at different strengths before something worked for me that I was comfortable with taking. But I've been non-depressed for years now...not to say I don't get sad or even pissed! But it took me about 10 years to get smart enough to realize the medication was the only thing that was keeping me from suicide. And suicidal thoughts/reasoning become a habit. So, you consciously have to make an effort NOT to think about pulling your own plug every time you get overwhelmed. Once I realized the thoughts were just a nasty habit like smoking, I was able to control the thoughts.

The best sign of recovery is that you are able to recognize that you are now different than you were in the past. Change is good!..but all change can be stressful. Medication may not be enough. Having someone objective to talk with is necessary. And we just don't have the time to be good listeners anymore. Sad that we have to pay for someone to listen. Someone once told me that most people don't want to hear about your problems. The others are actually glad you have them. So, stick with your professional help! We all need someone to be objective in their advice. By the way: Congratulations on recognizing and starting treatment!

Answer 5

I know what you are going through. I only recently started getting help for depression.

I don't know what you should notice or not notice...but since I started a new med (effexor) I've started to feel more happy and outgoing. I don't think negative thoughts as much as I used to.

I think that if you are on the right meds you'll notice you are happier. I don't think it comes suddenly but you should notice some changes in the first month....

I have no clue what it's like to be not depressed...I've been depresses since as far back as I can remember.

Good luck

Answer 6

Taking medication alone will not fix your depression problem. You have to get therapy, too. If you just take the medication, the reason for the depression is still there. You need therapy/counseling to find out why you are depressed and to be able to fix it. Then you will know and you'll be able to deal with things much better.

Answer 7

When you feel that you are on track ,maybe? I am bi-polar so I have highs and lows. I feel my best when I am evened out in the middle somewhere. The highs make me feel racy or flighty. The lows are like trudging through mud with weights on your soul. So somewhere in the middle is a balance of the two. Maybe when you can tell the vast difference between the two? Depression feels awful, so you will feel the change. Keep trudging till you do.

Answer 8

i dont think there is an over night cure...but if you are having treatment - in time, you will feel a little more positive and slightly happier in your day to day life...the dark cloud will shift gradually.

i had it once..the doctor gave me pills for one year and then took me off of them. i panicked a bit...but i found some herbal tablets in Superdrug store..called Be Calm..and they were great...in fact they were just as good as prescribed tablets in my case. (obviously..talk to the doctor first before you make any changes)

in time..i stopped taking them altogether and have been fine ever since.(10 years ago!) be patient..it will happen for you too - i really wish you luck and believe me - you will get there in the end...depression is a horrible thing...good luck buddy - i wish you well!

Answer 9

If you yourself have to ask " am I depressed?" then you are not depressed. You have something bottled up that you need to figure out before you can feel better. Trust me on this one, I know from experience. Once you find out what is bothering you, you can change your moods.
Try it.

Answer 10

Good signs would be that your meds and therapy are working together to make you feel better. In some cases, people never "recover," are just stabilized by meds and/or therapy.