I have been (what I think is) a maniac-depressive since I was probably 13 or 14 years old. Most of the time, I have down days but I do have up ones as well. I have tried the whole pill popping and seeing a therapist thing. None of it worked. I am an atheist so religion is not a legit way of solving this as a lot of people turn to it as the mental crutch they need.

I am also an alcoholic. At this point, I can control drinking for the most part, I am concerned about long term health and my family (I am married with kids).

Has anyone managed to pull out of being badly depressed and if so, how?