Hi "Lemonada" and welcome. I'm so sorry you're suffering so much. Believe me, I understand. I've also been depressed since i was a child, but didn't get any help until I was in my 20's because my parents were too busy getting drunk.

Like I said, I was very very sick by the time I saw someone - and i "self referred" myself thru social services." My husband and I hadn't been married long and we didn't have alot of money. Plus if I remember correctly, our insurance didn't cover mental issues. So i went thru social services, and the so-called "therapist" I saw promptly molested me! I ran from there, and it was a long time before I got any help again. That made me much sicker!

My husband changed jobs, and we did have insurance for mental health. I had a doctor and he referred me to a psychiatrist, who promptly put me in a mental hospital (I signed myself in) and that was the best thing I ever did for myself. I was put on medication, got daily visits with my psychiatrist, plus we had group therapy. I was finally "stabilized" and was able to go home after 2 weeks, but kept seeing the psychiatrist for another year.

I've been in and out of therapy ever since, and I've been on medication for about 40 yrs. I have clinical depression (major depressive disorder) and will have to keep taking meds until I die. The chemicals/hormones/etc. in my brain are lacking and have to be replaced by the meds.

A lot of therapists want referrals, so it's best if you have your doctor refer you. Besides, your doctor knows the BEST therapists around. So have your doctor refer you to a therapist. They will try to get you in soon -- and if it's a long wait, ask to be put on the cancellation list so they'll call you in case someone cancels so you can go in sooner. The therapist will diagnose you, and it might take a couple of visits before he can do this.

The meds can take anywhere from a few days to 6 wks to start working. Just ask your doctor how long they take. But do NOT stop taking them abruptly. that can be dangerous. If you ever want to stop taking them for whatever reason, you MUST talk to your doctor and get a weaning schedule!!!

Some meds have side effects, and they usually go away after a short time. They all differ, and the pharmacist can tell you about them. They are NOT serious usually, but some can be so be sure to ask. I've NEVER had trouble with any of the meds I've been on. So chances are you'll do fine.

If you have any more questions, let me know. Hugs, Lee