Is it normal to wonder if you can ever really get over depression?

87% Normal
10 Comments

Okay, so I was diagnosed with depression at the beginning of last year (although it started two years prior to that) and I got treatment for it. I was on anti-depressants for a while and I saw a therapist and things got better and I'm doing fine (more or less) now. My question is though, do you ever REALLY get over it? I still have moments of feeling down and I am always worried it's going to come back.

They say depression is akin to diabetes meaning that it is manageable, but even if a diabetic is managing their illness, they are still diabetic. So is it the same with depression? I feel like it will forever be a part of me, like it is imbedded in my personality or something.

Is It Normal?
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 10 ) Sort: best | oldest
  • SwimBikeRun
    13 years ago | pl

    The above comment is totally rediculous. People who are depressed can't just say "shit happens" and "get over it." People who are truly depressed don't do it for attention.

    Some people are temporarily depressed due to a speciic traumatic event like a death or divorce and may overcome it with time, but others may have it permanently for no real reason or event other than brain chemistry. I would encourage you to keep talking to someone and make lifestyle changes to benefit your mental health and if that includes medication so be it. People take medications to help other organs and the brain is no different. You deserve to be happy so continue to make those choices that you feel most comfortable with whether it's for one month or for a lifetime.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    2
    2
      -
    • bronte_91
      13 years ago | pl

      Yes, I agree that people with depression can't just say "Shit happens" and get over but I think babaG's intentions were good :)

      Anyway, I haven't been on medication for almost 12 months now and I am no longer seeing a psychologist either. Things are pretty decent at the moment but I just feel like I am forever going to be a negative person. Now, I know most people reading this will probably be thinking "Of course you will be unhappy with that attitude!". But it is not like that. I mean if a situation arrises that is not terribly good but not horrible either, I will automatically start focusing on the negative. It is like an instant reflex or something. Once that happens it is very hard to get those thoughts out of my head. It is rather frustrating at times because I am not like this by choice.

      Is there a difference between being depressed and just having a negative personality? I think it is kind of a grey area... As you can probably see, I over analyze things. A LOT.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      Report
      0
      0
  • kellstar79
    11 years ago | pl

    It depends on the individual's situation but I believe it can go away, not everyone is 100% happy all the time and there is a difference between being truly depressed and just being sad. I've suffered depression and was diagnosed when I was a teenager, I'm in my 30's now and still have it although I'm not on medication anymore. People with true depression can't not just say, snap out of it, shit happens', it doesn't work like that and anyone who says different has never suffered it in my opinion. We have a chemical imbalance in our brain

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    0
    0
  • Dream_of_Mind
    13 years ago | pl

    Everyone's depression is different. Usually, if it was triggered by a particular event, it can be permanently dealt with, but sometimes that is just a person's nature. These people will always have to think outside of themselves, and see when the cloud is looming. Recognizing it makes it infinitely easier to banish it.

    You are not alone.
    http://www.depressiontribe.com/

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    0
    0
  • follow_me_down
    13 years ago | pl

    Its part of your body's system..a chemical imbalance. You can manage it by taking medications and developing healthy ways to manage stressful events. But don't feel sad or frustrated if you feel like you will never get over it..think of it this way:

    You are recovering. You are managing. You didnt let it defeat you because you got help. You are strong.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    0
    0
      -
    • bronte_91
      13 years ago | pl

      Thank you :) I know that depression can be managed, I just want to know if you ever stop having to manage it. I don't know if this is making any sense but what I mean is do you ever really get cured? How do I know the difference between being depressed and just normal feelings of sadness? I feel like I can never tell if the feelings or thoughts I am having are normal. It's just so confusing!

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      Report
      0
      0
        -
      • follow_me_down
        13 years ago | pl

        I think maybe if there is a cure, it's realizing the difference between healthy sadness and unhealthy depression..like knowing your triggers and how to get out of the dark place.

        Healthy sadness (from my experience) is usually triggered by some either small or big but you go through the stages of grief in a fairly typical manner and can recover,leave the sadness in memory and feel happy without feeling like you are forcing it.

        But how I tell if I am depressed is if the sad feelings slow take control and I feel like theres almost a blanket of sadness constantly weighing me down...and nothing can make me truly happy weeks or months after something happened that triggered it.

        I don't know if that helps, probably someone who specializes in depression can tell you the difference better :]

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        Report
        0
        0
          -
        • bronte_91
          13 years ago | pl

          I can generally tell the difference between normal feelings of sadness and actually being depressed if there is an obvious trigger. Sometimes though, there appears to be no trigger at all and I just feel miserable for no reason. That is the most frustrating feeling because you can't address the problem if there doesn't seem to be one in the first place.

          Anyway, I'm sure I'll find a way to deal with things :)
          Thank you! :D

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          Report
          0
          0
  • patrickbatemenlover
    13 years ago | pl

    I believe depression can be healed. I dont suffer from depression but Ive suffered from panic attacks since I was 15, and its been said that panic attacks will most likely be with me my entire life... I refuse to believe this. I think you can alter so many things in your life over time that will give great results and lots of happiness! You may be more prone to feeling down as opposed to some other people, but thats not to say it will rule your life forever! Thats ridiculous. Look into diet and exercise changes. Yoga, meditation etc. Im no expert but I think CHANGE is the key. Trying new things. Anti-depressants are bulls*** and a big no no in my oppinion. Lifestyle changes are the first step. Theres no rush to suddenly just be on top of the world all of a sudden! Patiently, and at your own pace start changing your life, get healthier, get your energy back and get better :)

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    0
    0
  • babaG
    13 years ago | pl

    I would have to say that it depends on who you are. Most people get depressed and get over it. Some people get depressed and stay that way. And some people can be a range of anything between that. Some people don't know how to get over things so they stay depressed. Some people stay depressed because they like attention, subconsciously even. When I get depressed I just kinda tell myself to cheer up... Like what's the point in being sad, shit happens! Life is only so long, live it happily :) hope you feel better soon.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    -1
    -1