I do precisely as you inquire about. I go on antidepressants on an "as needed" basis. That's how I manage my illness.

The thing is, you are unique. There is no rule to apply to your individual situation. You can learn about what has worked for other people. You can listen to advice from medical doctors. But nothing anyone can say will ever precisely predict what will or will not work for you.

My experience is my experience. My methods are my methods. I do not advocate them for others.

I, personally, cannot tolerate medication over the long term. I am simply too sensitive to medication. I get side effects that aren't even listed in the medical literature, and I get most of the ones that are listed.

Most of the time, I can maintain a stable mood through nutrition and supplements and intensive self-care. When my mood shifts to a point which I consider to be threatening, where I am at risk of becoming severely depressed, I go straight to my doctor, tell him my truth, and obtain drugs to sledgehammer the impending depressive phase into smithereens. In hindsight, it seldom takes me more than eight weeks to accomplish that. Then, I have to go through the discontinuation symptoms and all of that, and recover from the drug itself.

That is my story. If you are looking for validation, and seeing my words gives you comfort, then that is good. However, what I describe is not consistent with most general medical advice. Medical advice is structured to apply to most people. I have found that I am not typical, and I have had to adapt the general advice to my specific circumstances. I am the expert on me, but only because I have spent a great deal of time, effort, and thought, to become expert.

Lar