Hi, Janet,

I'm sorry that you've been suffering from depression for that long a period of time. You're not alone - Barbara Seaman and Laura Eldridge in "The No-Nonsence Guide to Menopause" report that between 10-23 percent of women will experience a major depressive episode during their lifetimes. And I'm happy for you that it seems to be lifting.

I'm assuming that since you asked your question on this site, that you are nearing or at menopause. Seaman and Eldridge note that women who have experienced major depressions when younger may be more likely to have another episode during the perimenopausal and menopausal years. "This seems to be particularly true at the beginning of perimenopause, when estrogen levels are unusually high, and right after menopause, when levels are consistently much lower for the first time," they wrote.

I'd still consult with your doctor about these changes to see if he/she has any input.

Take care and keep us posted!

Dorian