I resisted taking meds for a long time too. I'm glad I finally did, though. My medications have helped me a lot. I tried to fight agoraphobia by myself, but I wasn't successful. Medication helped me get over agoraphobia and panic attacks and eventually I didn't need the medication any more. Recently, I went through about 8 months of depression without taking any meds -- convinced that if I tried hard enough, I would get better. I finally started taking Lexapro, and it has made a big improvement in my mood.

So, just like anyone with any disease that requires medication, I wish I was healthy enough that I didn't need medication, but I'm glad that there are medications available that can help me. My uncle committed suicide this summer. He was a wonderful, creative, compassionate person -- an incredibly gifted musician with 3 children and 4 grandchildren and a large extended family who loved him dearly. His pain got to be too much, though and he isolated himself and didn't reach out for help. The reason I finally decided to take medication for my depression is because I didn't want to end up like him. Losing him has been devastating for my family. It is so hard to accept that he is gone. It feels like such a waste. He battled depression off and on throughout his life. He refused to get therapy or take medication. Maybe if he had, it would have saved his life. So, I decided that when I need help, I will ask for it. I work on my coping skills and I try to get by without medication, but I have accepted that sometimes I need medication. I'm glad I have the option of taking something that helps me.