Does depression and anxiety ever get better?

I have suffered with severe depression and anxiety since a teenager, which got worse in my 20s. Now I’m 44. I’ve been to numerous psychiatrists, counselors, etc. It’s been a long road but I feel like things have finally started leveling off the last few years. It started when I went to a residential treatment facility in Chicago for 2 months for severe depression after a suicide attempt. I have group and individual therapy where I learned a lot a bout myself and go to the root of my sadness. When I returned home I was plugged in with the best CBT therapist, that I still see weekly, to this day. I’ve worked hard on the things I’ve learned with her the last 7 years. I still fight depression and anxiety and I’m on many meds, as well. The biggest change came when I accepted God as my Lord and Savior 6 months ago. I found peace about so many situations that I’ve been unable to find anywhere else, even through the hard work. My anxiety was always between an 8-10 but the last 5 months, it’s honestly 3-4, 90% of the time. I NEVER thought that was possible. I joined a Bible study and started home schooling a 16 ur old autistic young man one morning a week. I feel like my life has purpose for the first time, ever, and that my family is better off with me in this world. Do I have bad days still? Absolutely and I still have to work hard but there is hope for the most hopeless, I know, for I was her.

Linda I see you were a caregiver. I'm in my 70's. Mom pass last February at 93 yo. My father is 96 going on 97. He is still mobile which is great. My depression comes from wanting to move. I've been wanting to move for years. I feel so trapped. The guilt smothers me daily. I took Wellbutrin but experience high BP. So np cut meds in half. Still moderately high. So I stopped. I only took about a week but psychologically I felt relieved I called for me. Then got meds. Going back to np next month not really sure what to tell her. Negative thoughts are loud but my brother's wife recently diagnosed with cervical cancer so he can't help with doctor appointments. So I do all the trips. I have a sister but she refuses to drive in traffic. I want to move and live near my son. Depression is lonely. Your suggestions are really good. Thanks and take care.

I hear you. Can you get any help to give you a day off so you can take care of you? I had someone come read to my mother once a week (my mom had macular degeneration so could no longer read). If you are on nextdoor app people are always saying they can help in various ways. Also people in a local church. I was bad in that I did not reach out when I should have and slowly that took a real toll. I gained a lot of weight and my health suffered. I have been working hard to get my health back but some issues I never will.

Linda one of my issues is my son has stage three kidney disease. He is ok and on meds but I want to move up north to be with him. My father doesn't understand that. My mom didn't either. I do have a sister and we take turns taking care of our father. However. My father has a lot of doctor appointments. He definitely needs to go. Next week, I will either work or take him to doctor Tuesday thru Saturday... most appointments on my day off. My sister has health issues. She can cook and do light cleaning. That helps. I think for my mental health, I will move. However, my son is in my house up north. They did buy a house but renovations will take many years. They will have to live with renovations....life is complicated.