I haven't been depressed for over 2 years now but its always a risk and of course I have bad/down days.  As I said I have tried most forms of treatment but know I think, for me, understanding is the most important thing in protecting my mental health.  I understand my triggers and understand and have learnt to recognise the changes in my feelings and behaviours the are the start of a depression.  I have a list of things that help me and make myself do these things as soon as I feel this happen (for me they are simple things - playing with my child all day, walking my dog, just getting out the house and having a coffee) and this seems to work well. 

However I also believe communicating whats happening to you with those around is very important - as long as those people are supportive.  I had a terrible time when younger as my parents weren't the best people to be helping me and I think actually made it worse for me.  Now I have a wonderful, supportive husband and he knows what to look for and how to respond to me.  He has been great at dragging me out of bed, making me get washed and dressed and getting me out of the house on the occassions that I missed those inital signs and was sinking fast.

I still hate the stigma of being labelled and confess very few people know how ill I have been in the past but I think the only way to overcome this is to talk about it more and give hope to others.  Yes I have been depressed, yes I could still get depressed again but right now I'm happy, I manage and protect my mental health and I have a wonderful husband and a beautiful baby ... if you told me a few years ago I could have this life I would never of believed it possible.