Welcome to the forums. This is a good place to get some support and find people who understand. We never have to face this alone again!

Do see a doctor about your symptoms. There are physical problems that mimic depression too, and most of them are very treatable. If you have just had one depressive episode, you probably can try meds for a while and after you have felt better and your doctor says you are okay you can stop. My sister used antidepressants for about a year and a half and stopped and has not needed them again. I was told that if I started them I probably would have to stay on them forever, since I have had three major depressive episodes and dysthymic disorder in between, for like 25 years (most of my life). But I started using St. John's Wort a year ago, and that is working for me most of the time. I probably will have to stay on it forever though.

Can you give us an example of the disturbing thoughts? One thing that happens along with depression is ruminating or obsessing over things. There are strategies you can use to learn to control your thoughts.


<font color=orange>"Everyone has a need for significance; and if we can't make that possible, or even probable, in our society, then it will be obtained in destructive ways." -Rollo May</font color=orange>