With my husband, each MDE lasts longer & is stronger.  I think this is the case with many people.  Each episode, his behavior, thoughts, words & actions are SO similar...all just more (more angry, more hopeless, more risky, more thoughtless, etc.)  I can pretty much predict what he will do.  It seems that d individuals have a pattern & repeat it while d.  It makes sense if you think about it I guess. 

Something to keep in mind...most likely your ex WILL have another MDE & act the same way...& in your case, probably meaner, more thoughtless, & leave longer:(  Can you do that again?