Depression in the family Support Group

I just wanted to post because lately I feel as though I understand depression less and less as more time goes on. After being medicated for only about 8 months, my boyfriend stopped taking everything. And honestly, he is the happiest I have seen him in a long time. It is just like it was when we first started dating. He is genuinely happy, always smiling and laughing with me. I'm not spending any time trying to pick him up; he is doing it all on his own. He used to have to sleep to cope with his depression, but now he can stay up late at night with me, and still happily get up for work the next morning. It's amazing to have him be like this, and I love every moment of it. At the same time, I'm dreading the day he dips back down. I really hope he can stay like this, but 8 months doesn't feel like enough time for his medication to have retrained his brain with the serotonin. Does anyone else experience times like this? I mean, it's been almost a month and he hasn't felt depressed once, which is so amazing for him. I'm crossing my fingers, but still, it seems like it is only a matter of time before he deflates again.

Post edited by: marblelily, at: 03/06/2012 09:20 AM

Personally, for my youngest daughter its day by day. I do know that spring, summer are better (due to increase in sunlight). I have no explanation for your b/f...maybe you're one of the fortunate ones. I would suggest talking to him about what to do if he does bottom out again.

Come to think of it, my oldest was put on a new med last fall and she's doing so well that the psychiatrist is talking about taking her off meds around June - so maybe around 8 months is all it takes on the right meds. Time will tell...

I think that might be what it is, now that you say that. He is always better once summer comes around. It's certainly a pleasant surprise, but I wasn't sure whether or not it is common. But either way I do feel lucky, and I'll take what I can get, haha!

If you find it is the spring/summer sunshine and he starts going down next fall, there is a light therapy lamp that can be purchased to help out. They just have to sit in front of it for a certain period each day. I had one which I purchased from Target and my oldest used it for a while, she said it helped. I should have gotten one for my youngest, but totally spaced it out until recently. Yes, enjoy the good times while you have them and I hope they do last!!!

The lamp is an excellent idea, I do think that would help. The winter really does take it's toll. He has been feeling poorly again, but it seems like as time goes on he is understanding himself and how he feels so much more. It's really amazing and encouraging, and gives me hope that he CAN deal with his on his own. Thank you for your responses, it's nice to hear other people's thoughts and experiences