I'm sorry he became afraid of the Effexor... it is a good med, imo. Maybe by finding the scientific data to depression, showing that it isn't all in his head, but when the brain quits making enough, or quits using the serotonin with adequate response... so there's no way to snap out of it or work out of it without either good therapy or medications, or both. If he were only "blue" yeah, but not with depression, sorry.

Remember that depression tells him lies... and his thinking will be distorted when trying to figure things out about himself...if he begins to get too frustrated and loses all hope, convince him he must choose... therapy or meds.. as it is a biologically based problem. TC!