Depression is not like any other sickness, there is no cure, it's with you for the rest of your life, but, with help from friends, an appropriate psychiatrist, medications and counselling it can be controlled most of the time.
I have to be aware of my moods and feelings 24/7, sometimes I can feel ok, then within a hour I can feel myself falling into the black pit for no apparent reason,then I have to think about what caused the problem, think it out, then put the bad thoughts behind me, it's a day to day fight.
(Nil Illegitimi Carborundum) Don't let the bastards grind you down is a very good phrase for me to try and follow.
3 years ago I was in a bad place and didn't know it, I was drinking up to 3 bottles of spirits a week, my marriage and home was breaking down, I took an overdose of medications and ended up in 1 West, Frankston.
This where I got a lot of help, both with my mind and medications, where I learnt that booze is a depressant. I had ongoing help/supervision for more than a year, didn't have any booze of any sort for more than 6 months.
I am now in a much better place in my mind and family, alcohol intake is almost nil,nightmares and flashbacks are gone ,yes there are god and bad days
Best thing I have is to talk about it, discuss how you're feeling, around a campfire works well , if ever anybody feels they would like a chat either over the phone 0419357763, over a camp fire or just a pm , Im here 24/7
Cheers Keith