Why Do I Experience Recurring Depression Every One To Two Years, And How Long Should I Take Antidepressants To Manage It?

Hello, Your symptoms are indicative of recurrent major depressive disorder with occasional manic or hypomanic episodes. Your symptoms are very similar to bipolar 2 disorder. The cyclical pattern of depression every 1–2 years (lasting weeks or months), manic or hypomanic episodes, started around age 18 is suggestive that depression is dominant but there are occasional periods of mania. This type of symptoms needs a specialized care, from a psychiatrist. Get clinically examined by a psychiatrist. You will be given mood stabilizers for manic episodes. Antidepressants alone may not be enough or could even worsen mania. Your psychiatrist will adjust medications based on how often episodes happen. Take a healthy diet, avoid alcohol, drugs, and overstimulation. Take quality sleep of not less than 8 hours at night. Regular sleep and wake times will help manage negative thoughts, feeling of hopeless and trauma. Meditation and prayers are helpful. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will effectively help to cope with trauma, abuse, and PTSD. Low self-esteem, unresolved grief or guilt may cause such symptoms. Stay away from physical and emotional stress. Avoid being alone. Isolation is not good, stay connected with friends, family members or in groups in the net. Conservative treatment and therapy will depend on the severity, pattern, and cause of depression. If the depression has recurred multiple times, staying on medication long-term may be recommended by your treating doctor to prevent relapses. Treatment is not about curing but managing and reducing the frequency and severity of episodes. Some people do eventually taper off medications under medical supervision, but not all. Start treatment under a psychiatrist at the earliest. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician