How to Track Progress with Depression?

Just a month ago I felt so hopeless, like I was going nowhere. It took some people to point out to me how much I’ve changed, obviously, progression looks different for everyone, but mine specifically looked like putting myself out there and trying to make friends even though it gave me intense anxiety, forcing myself to go into stores now and again, getting a part time job, bringing my grades up (even just passing was an improvement). My best tip would be to analyze all the things you know you struggle with and see if it’s changed from a few months ago to now. It doesn’t have to be huge, and you’re not stuck forever if you haven’t at all.

I didn't realize I was making any progress for years and then I suddenly realized just how far I've come. I think it can be very gradual change so it's hard to notice. What really made me realize how much I've improved was when I actually started to feel really bad again for a bit, but instead of falling back into my old habits I immediately went to the healthy coping mechanisms I've learned and reached out for support. And just allowing myself to feel. And realizing there's just so much more that I enjoy in my life now. I spend a lot of time savoring the good things, can't think of a better way to word that atm. I still struggle a lot. But I've definitely come a long way. And I feel really hopeful that things will continue to get better for me. Which early on I never really felt hopeful. I don't know if this is helpful at all but just my experience.

I think it depends on the person. Sometimes I feel slightly more motivated, and it could be the fact that I WANT to do my laundry, or I WANT to do a little more than I have been.

I guess it depends on what you mean by progressing. It's also dependent on the person i think and your own experience with your depression. Sometimes it's a really gradual thing for me and one day I just notice "wow, the leaves outside look really pretty" and i realize that I'm feeling better enough to feel or notice a positive emotion in passing. Sometimes, it's small like just noticing that I'm able to do one extra thing a day occasionally, like shower and empty the dishwasher. Or shower and bring my dishes to the sink. It can be just noticing bad internal dialog or thoughts and catching when that happens, even if you aren't able to change them at the time. Recognition can be some of the struggle to face