Has anyone had a major depressive episode for years (without symptoms dissappearing)?

Not that I know about. I've never experienced deppresive episodes in my community, or at least I haven't seen any. If I did, I would definitely try to help the person as I hope I will do here. A couple of times I've had times that I'm sad, nervous or just angry at everyone, but I wouldn't diagnose myself because I think depression is really serious and I don't consider myself depressed. To be honest, I've experienced symptoms, but they were temporary and nothing serious. They for sure do disappear and I think it's just random sadness that catches me sometimes.