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Larry_Hoover said:
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

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Larry, I just have a few questions.......

What medications does your Dr. perscribe that have the ability to smash or sledgehammer the impending depressive phase into smithereens.

How far into an impending depressive phase do you get before getting to the Dr (ie 2 weeks, a month, etc.)?
Or is it the "quality" of the depression you are feeling that sends up your own red flags?

Are you able to use the same medication each time?

I have tried your approach in the past........not due to the side effects of the meds (I am blessed with being very medication tolerant), but due to feeling better and my own fear of the stigma attached to taking psych meds.

I have found that starting and stopping meds for the past 20 yrs has contributed to my treatment resistant depression w/pschotic features........and the fact that my suicidal thoughts can go from 0 to 60 in nothing flat....

After doing that for twenty years, I have been medication compliant for the past 6 years!!! Yes, I will be on meds for life...........but damn, I wish I would have done it sooner.........for me and for those around me that suffered as much as I did...

But, as you stated Larry, each person is different and needs to follow the plan that works for them.............just DON'T call them "HAPPY PILLS"!

Take care everyone!!!