Signs of getting out of depression?

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I know this is a backward question. Instead of asking for symptoms on depression, I ask for symptoms/signs for getting better after a depression. The reason I ask is because I think that my Alexithymia hinders me from recognising the better periods of my life.

I went through a symptoms chart of severe depression, and I honestly believe I have been there for the last ~8 years, with atleast one mild period in there somewhere. Is the only way to know by checking the symptomlist every month for changes?

I don't really know, but when I'm in a better period I am more motivated to do things, particularly real life stuff (like go out more or socialise more and such)

I start to have more hope for the future. I start to be more accepting of people, and at the same time better protect myself from the misdeeds of people and when they let me down.

What would you think of trying something like Zoloft of Cymbalta? (knowing full well that the first medication may not be the one which works for you). And also, it's sometimes important to come down from an antidepressant in stages even if it doesn't seem to be working.

I have not yet tried antidepressants, but they are kind of my ace in the hole.

I think sleeping better but needing less sleep is a good sign.

I find Im my old self meaning I go back to enjoying the interests and hobbies I love and Im laughing and smiling and my happy old self again. Im now medicated Paroxetine it makes me abit sleepy but it certainly makes me alot better than I was.

When I'm not depressed, I feel hope when I think about things which could go either way. I have a sense of purpose and I'm engaged in thinking my way through how I'm going to get this or that done, or I'm just getting on with it. The question "what's the point of it all?" becomes meaningless or readily answerable. My self-confidence increases and I see myself (within reason) as capable of getting pretty much anything I want. I see myself as having a right to be here and a right to be taken seriously. It feels good just to be alive.

The return of hope is a big indicator of coming out of depression for me.

Seeing colour properly, when I'm depressed the world literally becomes greyer, when I'm less depressed I notice and appreciate colour more - this can be an early sign of mood lifting for me.

Negative thoughts lessen off a lot and become a lot less frequent, they also become less intense and less unpleasant (I still may get some but they are not as a bad and are easier to accept and not get caught up in them).

It is easier to laugh and smile.

Eating more normally (I actually want to eat slightly less when less depressed, but appreciate the food more, for some people though if depression led to loss of appetite then coming out of depression would probably mean they would eat more).

An increasing in desire to do things I enjoy doing (and a sudden realisation how many of these I had stopped doing). In general increased motivation.

I can also start to feel more anxious, I think this is linked to an increase in motivation levels, my adrenalin levels start to operate closer to my norm (which for me is a bit anxious).

Reduced desire to sleep and also sleeping more deeply when sleeping.

Also, really appreciating small things in life, fresh air, birdsong, the smell of good coffee, the taste of good food and so on. Making an effort to do this, to be mindful can help lift me out of depression to some degree when I have setbacks.