How will I know if i have completely come out of depression or not ....
Lately I have made some progress as far as my depression is concerned. I am able to stay active daily. Although there are some phases in between where I do feel down but I make sure that they dont last longer. I did give some online quiz on depression and it showed a low score. So , when will I know if I have completely come out of depression. As in , what are the parameters that one should look for, in determining whether the depression has gone.
@Mrcheeku well it's kind of up to you and your therapist if you have one. Basically it's when your low feelings are not more frequent or more intense than for non-depressed people, and when those feelings don't interfere with your life. I tend to look at the second one as more important. In some ways, it's less important whether you're "still depressed" and more of "does it keep me from doing what I want to do."
Also realize that for many people, depression can go into remission and then come back later. Just like everyone struggles with feeling sad or worse during different times in their lives, the same thing applies for depression specifically.
I'm super glad that you're able to stay active and do what you need to during the day, that's really awesome! I hope you keep growing in your recovery! Take care.
@AndrewACT thanks a lot Andrew...:)
@Mrcheeku, recovering from depression is quite a subtle process. It takes time, but you will notice that the symptoms which were restraining you before are not valid anymore, that you can experience all of the variety of emotions.
It can vary from person to person, but in my case it was a really physical experience. I suddenly realized that the colours of the world are kind of brighter to me - not in a metaphorical sense - like I can really "see" the details of the world around me. That I sleep better, have an appetite, and can genuinely laugh and also cry, but not from the sense of hopelessness, but from the healthy sadness. That I can take a shower without having suicidal thoughts. That I don't have to force myself to be around people, that I don't get irritated by every little thing, that I can finally feel joy again from my favourite activities.
From what you wrote it seems like you are on the right track to fully recover which I'm so happy and proud of you to achieve! Still, don't stop your treatment plan. Relapses are really common in this phase, so continue to educate yourself on the topic and take best care of yourself. If you do relapse, don't worry, it happens. It does not cross all of your previous progress. You've already overcame so much in these past months.
Wishing you all of the hope and determination ^^ Hugs!
@Celaeno thanks a lot Celaeno!!!! . hugs.