JustFloating,

FWIW, I recently got off my meds. I'm doing very well. It was a long road, but, I am honestly doing very very well. But, my depression and anxiety was exogeneous - situational - and caused by my son's heroin addiction and my (now) ex's gambling, (he was gambling away the mortgage without my knowledge. He left me in terrible debt and caused us to go into bankruptcy.) Shortly afterwards, just when I *thought* life was getting better, after my divorce, I was in the worst work situation I've ever been in! I thought my life would *never* get better! OY!

But, it did. With therapy, meds to hold me through until I learned the coping skills I needed, and time to resolve some issues that resulted from the above mentioned things, I was able to get past the abyss.
The sun also rises.

I am a strong beliver in taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. These are the aspects of the self that make up our total self. Leave any of them out and there is a hole; an emptiness. That emptiness is called depression in my case. It sometimes manifests itself in anxiety. So, it's very important to do something in each of these areas each day for ourselves to feel good; to feel whole.

That's what works for me. That's what keeps me going. And I can tell when I begin to backslide. It's up to me to keep myself healthy now. Yes, I know I *could* run back to the doctor. But, I also know that I do not *have* to do so. And why would I want to when it's not necessary? Taking care of our body, mind, and spirit is exactly what nature intended. And that's how I choose to live.

Take it one day at a time. If it works, GREAT!
If it doesn't, that's ok, too. You sound like you have a very supportive therapist. That's wonderful! work together and take it as slowly as you feel comfortable going.
And in the meantime, we'll be here for you too.

Peace!