depression...can you still..?

Question

have times were you feel your "ok" (not fantastic)..like you don't feel utterly depressed? I have been totally depressed before it started by coming in waves and then the waves got smaller and i felt more and more down... i am much better than i used to be but i do get times were I feel ok as well as a lot of times of feeling down....does this mean i dont have depression at the moment or is it normal with depression to have small times of ok-ness?

p.s I have experienced full on depression and been suicidal, I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or knows if having ok periods is part of depression too?

it kinda makes me feel like im lying when sometimes im ok, but im not.

forgot to add that i am seeing a counsellor (started recently), my doctor is no help at all, is very dismissive of everything.

Answer 1

I know what you mean! I am recovering from depression, and just come off my anti-depressants. Most days I can cope, and I am ok, but on others I feel weary and more like crying. Although not as bad as it was, some days the slightest things upset me i.e a late train, a small criticism etc.

Last year I was to the point of being suicidal, and was always thinking of being dead and less of a burden to my family and society. I even went to the point of deciding which was the quickest and easiest method of committing suicide.

I went through counselling and now when I hit a bad patch, which happens sometimes, I remember the words of my counsellor. My confidence drops, but I think of sayings - one of my favourites is 'courage is not freedom from fear, but being afraid and going on'. It came off a calendar, but now I try to conquer the good and not dwell on the bad.

Yes, sure that I hit low points but also have good points that I can balance them out with. It is not easy, but thank goodness it allows me to get through the bad periods that I go through.

Despite what anyone says, you are normal and it is a process of recovery. I have heard that depression is never truly conquered, and it is a serious illness, but it can be suppressed so that it allows you to live your life.

Good luck and don't let anyone convince you about what's normal and what's not. We are all individuals.

Answer 2

Of course you can feel good or o.k. If you were totally depressed before and the waves are smaller now then you are doing better.
Do you take an anti-depressant? Sure sounds like you would benefit from one. I have depression and anxiety but with the right meds and I see a counsellor and I do really well. See your medical Dr. and tell him just what you told us. And by the way bi-polar is quite different than what you are saying. Lithium is a great drug for bi-polar . But talk to your Dr. You'll be OK!!!

Answer 3

Absolutely. You could still have depression. Depression is often characterized by ups AND downs. So you COULD be totally over depression, but it also could just be a positive and temporary mood spike. The thing is that there are different types of depression, and they are caused by different kinds of factors.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend discussing this with your doctor. It is not normal to be depressed for more than a day or two, and CERTAINLY not normal if you have felt suicidal! There are a number of things, including therapy and medication, that can fix you right up. You do not have to suffer from depression.

If you've already done this, then good for you! I don't mean to sound patronizing, but a lot of people suffer from depression and never do anything about it. It is sad, but some people in our society frown on depressed people and psychological medicine, resulting in millions of people suffering from horrible and legitimate mental illnesses that they do not need to suffer from. Talking to a doctor is the first step toward healing!

Good luck!

Answer 4

When first diagnosed as clinically depressed, I wasn't aware that what I was feeling was depression. I felt no joy in my life at all. Not ever, no matter what I did. Things that used to bring me joy or happiness I was no longer interested in. Really didn't care about anything. Just barely made it doing my daily routine. Now I am on anti-depressants and there is a world of difference for me. You need to see a Dr. and they can find a med that will help you with your problem. You do sound manic depressive, but only a Dr. can diagnosis for sure. Along with meds talking to a shrink does help bring out suppressed feelings and such. People do experience ups and downs just with daily stress and if there is alot of stuff going on in your life. Hormones also play a part in this. Please seek help from someone professional. There are many different kinds of help available to you. Some of them can be free or very inexpensive. Find courage to deal with this. Best to you!

Answer 5

there are different levels of depression some people have chronic depression most of their lives characterized by almost constant mild to moderate depression w/ bouts of serious to severe depression. If you have had depression before you should try to be very aware of warning signs; insomnia, changes in appetite. Do you see a therapist? that would probably help a lot while you're dealing w/ coming out of a slump. I disagree w/ the poster that sd it is just like a cold- a cold goes away on its own, you wait long enough it goes away. depression is often something people who have expreienced depression will deal w/ for a long time to come. it doesn't mean that they will always be depressed but they will always need to be aware of their mental health and proactive in treating any symptoms that may start again.

Answer 6

I hve excpierienced full depression too.
It is possible for someone to pull themselves out of it. It's not completely unheared of, but we're bound to have relapses.I had one just last night. Like a emotional rollercoaster.

Depreswsion is very broad,
You have manic depreesive people who have generally need help, it's more of a chemcal imbalance.

You could be bi-polar, they usually experiece this the up days, and moments, and the down ones too.

Or boarder line personality.

I am not a therapist, you'd have to ask them for a more accurate answer. But that's my take.

and yes, I have experioenced this too. It comes in spirts of three's. For thre years I will be content happy,
And have a fire in my belly.
Then the next three years I will be at the bottom of an abyss, with no way out.

Answer 7

oh ive been through that. I was meh for awhile. then i fell down to full out sucidial depression. then i started to feel better. I had days taht were like wow this is starting to feel like my old self. I am now atleast i believe mostly over depression, but i still have those days wen i think back on my hole depression experince and feel horrible. Im think depression and the experince will always stay with me. and most likely u. But the good thing is with help and a good friend u will get back to ur old self. Good luck. If u ever feel ur falling back into deep depression get help immediately please.

Answer 8

Having ok parts is ok and normal!
Different types of depression behave in different ways - you might feel like you can take on the world one day, and not cope the next. It is a roller coaster ride and can be really difficult.
There is help out there, and its not a bad thing to ask - it is a strength to ask for help and it might just save your life. Talk to your G.P, or phone NHS direct to get info on help near you. It's the second time tonight I have suggested NHS direct, they are a free service to all in the u.k and they can point you in the right direction on many things - if they haven't got the answer they can find out who has.
Good Luck!!

Answer 9

Depression comes in varying degrees - sometimes its constant, and that's clinical depression. But there's other forms as well - and other illnesses.

If you're having suicidal thoughts, please talk to a counseler, a doctor, someone who can get you help. I used to have suicidal depression that would pass and I would feel okay - it was an early symptom of bipolar disorder (often develops in teen years). Its crucial for your health that you address these questions to a doctor - sometimes they can give you someone to talk to, or give you some medicine to get you just through the depressing times - help is out there, just reach out for it before its too late.

Answer 10

I've been the same way, I used to be suicidal and I self mutilated myself all the time but now I've grown out of it I guess and I'm better from that part of being that bad. But I have times where I'm happy and then totally depressed again. I don't get it but it happens