Thank you for your story. It means a lot to others who have experienced similar life changing events to know we are suffering from an illness, not a life sentence. With medication I have lived a happy, fulfilling, normal life. I can cope as well as anyone else with lifes trials and setbacks. I know that the anti depressants and the prozac I am currently on has equipped me to live a full life. I have been on medications for depression now for 27 years, even though I should have been on them for much longer. I have no desire to stop taking the prozac I am currently on, because it keeps me stable. Don't worry if you need to stay on it....we are the lucky ones. Those who are suffering more than they need to be are probably trying to cope without adequate treatment, and I know where I would rather be.
Your neice gave you the inspiration you needed to fight. I remember hearing the song "Don't forget your second wind" by billy Joel. I believe he wrote it after recovering from a suicide attempt. It was a hit at the time I was at my lowest and it really inspired me to fight to get well. It is worth reading the lyrics.
All the very best.