I think its very posibble to happen, now that its only 1st month of the year and too early to become hopeless. I bet before the year 2018 overs, The price of bitcoin will smoothly reach the $20K before the year ends.
Indeed, be optimistic bitcoin will touch 20,000$ again or even more before this year 2018 end. Bitcoin was so fluctuative hence, it is not possible for it to happen. Yet, day by day cryptocommunity is become larger and this means that the demand will rise same on its value. Always remember that don't panic and be wise on our decision because it might lead to our loss plus, have a trust on it.
Many financial experts believe that Bitcoin will be over 20 thousand, and it will happen close to November-December 2018. I support their viewpoint.
I honestly don't think this will take 9-10 months as you wrote down in your post. Value increase is not that slow in bitcoin generally.
We can see $20k+ within 3 months if the market doesn't collapse.
We do have our own perception when bitcoin will rise again, though it will take some time since people around are still giving some negative news
which making some weak holders to panic and keep selling what they have in their pockets, but those who already in this business for quite some time
are positive that bitcoin will regain its value and will achieve a new height, personally I think it will take some 3-5 months and we will begin to see the
value to start moving forward, just be patient and be positive as always.