Depression - can I eventually overcome it?

[deejo878]

Two back to back traumatic experiences ten years ago started my battle with depression. My Dr. took me off the medication I was on six months after starting. I was still experiencing depression and anxiety. I have since been on and off - never in all this time, completely eliminating the symptoms. Eight months ago I discovered I had a food allergy that was the underlying cause of feeling bad which triggered my (ongoing symptoms as I believe those two original traumatic experiences no longer affect me - I have been through hours and hours of counselling). I have eliminated this food and feel 90% better. My question - will I ever be able to get off anti-depressants? Or because I've been on and off of them and never really eliminated the symptoms, is it likely that I will need to remain on the medication for the rest of my life?

[deejo878]

Oh my goodness - thank you for such a kind and thoughtful post. Sometimes it can be easier to be harder on yourself than actually taking care of yourself. Thank you again - I'll try to keep what you've said in mind when I feel a little off track.

[ChristinaMi]

Anti-depressants are not a curse or a gift. They are medicines like all the rest. Many of them are more innocent than other meds (like the ones they use for cancer for example). Bubulous is right. Many take pills for their blood pressure and others for their thyroid. You must take care yourself with the best way you can. If you need to take medication, take them. Counseling does most of the work I think though. You are strong because you confronted your nightmares. Do not torture yourself with on/off on medicines. Listen to your doctor but listen to your own body and mind. Our body sends us messages but we ignore them,
Love yourself because you are one in the whole earth.
With all my support, ChristinaMi

[deejo878]

Thank you. Yes, I hear you. Ever since my original Dr. took me off the medicine earlier than maybe I should have been taken off, I have been quite the terrible patient. I never stay on them long enough to cement anything - I go on an off the "roller coaster' and it's very trying to say the least. Possibly I needed to go through all of this in order to really follow Dr.s orders this time :-) Who knows? Ok - so fair enough. I will try to not think about when and if and just focus on the now (it'll be a challenge for me).

[Bubulous]

Some of us do have to be on them for life.  It is not really a negative thing.  It adds to the quality of your life.  Some people have to be on blood pressure medicine for the rest of their life to improve their quality of living.  It is ok.  It takes the edge off but if you are in a good place it isn't because of the meds.  It is because you did the work through all your counseling.  A lot of us make the mistake of coming off our meds.  I have done it and I will never try that roller coaster again.