My experience is that being in remission/recovery from Major Depressive Disorder is possible.

In my case there was a combination of things: my psychiatrist and I worked together (with some trial and error) to find an AD which works for me, my clinical psychologist taught me Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as mindfulness methods and (last but not least) my hard work.

I am now on a "care and maintenance" basis with both my psychiatrist and clinical psychologist - I see them both once every six months or so for a brief "How is it going?" chat though I know that I can see them more often than that ever be necessary.