Resilience

[Joeybird]

I've had depression off and on since high school. The last one, when I was diagnosed with PTSD, has lasted a long time. I used to be a resilient person, and after down periods, I used to eventually get my life back. Haven't been able to do this, and it's been three years.
Anyone else notice this?

[Sandstone]

Iv had depression on and off for over 20 yrs but 4 yrs ago i moved house (long story short it ended badly) i had a mini breakdown and i havnt managed to get back to how i used to be since. I was more funtional, had more friends around me and had more happier times. Not sure why its taken so long to recover this time.

[Three Roses]

Hello and welcome, joeybird! We're glad you've joined us.

[sanmagic7]

joeybird, thanks for sharing.  i can relate to being resilient, then losing that ability.  for me, i think that things became so piled up after awhile that i got buried under them and could no longer access that resilient part of me.  the depression and anxiety took over, and i felt like i lost myself.

i was on anti-depressants for about 12 yrs., and then the side effects began getting worse and worse.  eventually, after doing a lot of psychological 'work' on all the emotions tangled up inside that big, dark ball that is depression (especially anger, but others as well), i was able to wean off the anti-depressants and have been depression-free for about 3 yrs. now.  i have been in the throes of a huge ef since jan., and my anxiety came back big time at the beginning of it, but no depression. as i keep working my way through everything. i'm finally feeling stronger again.

i know this can be different for everyone, but i just wanted to let you know that this has happened to others, and there can possibly be a way out. 

are you working with a therapist?  that might help you to focus on what needs to be done to clear some of the gunk away in order to regain your resiliency.