Churchmouse,

Recovery and wellness are within your reach. I wish I had gone to a good therapist a few years ago instead of solely depending on medication to "make me better". Relying on meds without the benefit of an excellent therapist did not teach me any of the necessary coping skills so that I could apply them in my daily life. Pdoc's generally speaking, diagnose and prescribe - but that's about it. My pdoc has not once talked to me about whether or not I have a recovery plan.

I am now working actively (and it is a lot of work - but well worth it) on my recovery and wellness program with my new therapist. For the first time in years, I finally see and feel that recovery and wellness is possible!

May I recommend two workbooks? The Depression and Manic Depression Workbook and WRAPS or WRAPS-PLUS
(Wellness and Recovery Action Plan) by Mary Ellen Copeland. http://www.mentalhealthrecovery.com/

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) have a ton of information and hold community support groups as well as online forums. I find DBSA to be very, very helpful. http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/Page...?pagename=home

Also it is recommended that you get a full physical (get your Vitamin D levels checked-many people are Vitamin D deficient - including myself), if you are a woman, remember hormones play a big role in our moods, make sure you are up to date on your mammogram (woman), colonoscopy (starting age 50), bone density (woman - post-menopausal), and see your dentist. So many general health issues are neglected when we are in the throes of anxiety and/or depression.

Big hugs,