I have a family history of depression on one side and bipolar on the other. I have been on and off nearly every SSRI and every SNRI over the years (since age 21). I have also had years of cognitive/behavioral therapy, as well as Rapid Eye Movement Desensitization therapy for several traumatic events in my life. I am now 63 and have been stable for nearly a decade. (I still have down times, but they do not last for more than a few days and are generally more in line with what non-depressed people experience in severity.)

My opinion/experience - for what it is worth.

1) While depression may have genetic components, dysfunctional families create a lot depression seen generation after generation. As long as you are able to afford it, and you are learning new ways to respond and adapt - keep going to "talk" therapy. You will know when you no longer are hearing any new suggestions on how to reframe or react to things you see and hear.

2) Medication does in fact help, but I have found that SSRI and SNRI medications "poop out" after a time. My personal experience says 2 years tops for any one of these medications, then you need to move to a different medication. Do not stop between medications if possible, just have a doctor make sure you can safely transition without interaction between the medications.

3) There are "atypical" antidepressants and perhaps you should ask about those if SSRIs (helps keep serotonin higher) and SNRIs (helps keep serotonin and norepinephrine higher) - do not work or "poop out".

I have been on an atypical antidepressant for nearly 10 years now. It is a dopamine agonist (helps keep dopamine higher), rather than addressing serotonin or norepinephrine. I am taking bupropion (also known by the trade name Wellbutrin). It is off patent now, and very affordable. I take one 12 hour tablet in the AM, rather than the 24 hour type because the medication made it hard to sleep in the 24 hour form.

I also find that daily exercise (particularly in the AM) helps me increase endorphins (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine). It can be something as simple as taking a 20 minute walk before getting ready for work. Perhaps it also helps me sort my thoughts and feelings that are processed while sleeping? At least I start my day more centered, and it is harder for those who disturb one's happiness to impact my day...

Lastly, sometimes it is hard not to give up, but there is always tomorrow. When you are really down and cannot find anything or anyone that can help - my suggestion is to take a nap (resets my brain) or go to bed early if possible (looks different in the morning)...

Hoping this is helpful to anyone suffering from the terrible disorder of depression!

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