Getting better

When you feel better, your symptoms will also get better:

 • Your sleep will improve
 • Your appetite will return
 • You will begin to enjoy food again
 • You will become interested in your surroundings
 • Colours may seem more vivid
 • You will want to resume your old hobbies and interests

When the worst symptoms of depression have passed, you may expect to return to normal and not have bad days again. You may get frustrated if your moods continue to fluctuate. Remember that you may still have times when

 • sadness overwhelms you
 • you cry easily
 • tiredness overwhelms you etc

It is important for you to know that these ‘ups and downs’ should be expected as you recover.

These episodes usually do not last long and they will become less and less problematic. As you recover you may also be a little emotionally fragile and less able to manage stressful life events and problems. Don’t be hard on yourself. Recovery is a process that usually takes many months.

This is not necessarily a sign that your condition is deteriorating or that your treatment is not working.

Worries?
It is very important that you discuss any worries you may have with your doctor or psychologist.

People with depression tend to find it hard to see the big picture. This is also ttrue during this recovery phase when things are getting better.

You may focus on the periods when things are bad. When discussing this with your doctor, you will quickly realise that these periods are, fortunately, very brief. Most of the time you feel better.

The ‘old you’
When you have recovered from depression, you will be the "old you" again with the same old character traits and behaviours. You should return to being the same loving spouse and parent and the same pleasant neighbour and valued colleague as before.

You can expect to function as well as you did before in most areas of your life. Try not to push yourself too hard initially and keep close contact with your doctor.