Sharing about Depression

I was diagnosed with depression in 1997 and without medication, I doulbt if I would still be here. Medication is an *absolute* necessity if you are depressed and wish to recover. I am constantly amazed by depressed people who complain about their symptoms, yet refuse to take any medication. Depression will NOT resolve on its own, so how else can one expect to recover? People who are so reluctant to take medication also seem so willing to take "alternative" therapies, not realizing this is also a type of medication. Perhaps it is simply their illness that makes them think medications are somehow harmful when they're not. -the key is finding the *right* medication for you. I had to try several types before I got relief and even now, I still have to change medications every 5 to 7 years because they can stop being effective. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't try them. Also, all horror stories about depression medications are the result of a patient stopping treatment *cold turkey*. You must be slowly "weaned off" these types of medication or you will suffer complications. Depression is a TERRIBLE illness, but you CAN feel better if you follow your doctor's recommendations and faithfully TAKE YOUR MEDICATION. Try it, what do you have to loose? Except perhaps your depression...

I couldn't agree with you more!!! There's no good reason to suffer and be miserable, so miserable it's an effort to even speak and breathe. I can relate to all these posts. I tried to be the hero and taper myself down and that feeling of depression and hopelessness is so not worth it!!! I'm on 2 antidepressants and would absolutely fight to the death if someone tried to take them from me bc being inside my head isnt a good place to be!!! Best wishes and God bless to us all!

I am also very reluctant to use drugs and have avoided them as much as possible. It seems like a slippery slope to me. However, I wonder if I am just suffering needlessly. Have you investigated any more "natural" remedies?
I am a very disciplined person, so I keep working, doing errands, etc etc but I feel like a robot... I am surrounded by natural beauty, opportunity.. and I feel disconnected. Sound familiar?

I have been struggling with depression for the past three years so I can empathize with your issues. My doctor (ob) put me on cymbalta - one for the depression and also because i have cervical degenerative disc disease. I cannot tell that the cymbalta helps with either issue, however, when i try to stop taking it i suffer from withdrawals. Mainly, and this may sound crazy, there is a shocking sensation in my head....my doctor doesnt seem to believe me but i have read where others suffer the same symptoms. This is the only anti-depressant i have tried but would be very reluctant to try another and would love to stop taking the cymbalta!!! I really wonder if the medicines are help or hinder to our depression issues???

About 3 years ago my wife, now 81, was suffering from depression & anxiety to a degree I was fearful she would end life. A neighbor suggested CBD tincture and our doctor said that while he could not prescribe them, they would not hurt her. I read https://qualitylivingusa.com to become educated first so I began low (the dose recommended on the bottle) and increased slow as recommended. It is called "titrating up." That site endorses products it has tested. When you get to the dosage where the symptoms go away, stay on that daily. It took only 3 days for my wife to regain her positive outlook. I was dumbfounded! It has taken me a while longer to get to the dosage to significantly reduce the arthritic pain in my shoulder but it is working. I use a pain cream topical to reduce the pain in my thumb joints.