Squirrel - The reason we start off my going to the doc is to make sure there that there is nothing else going on first, like say a thyroid problem. Once the doc rules out other medical conditions, you can talk about whether you want to try ADs or not. You may want to ask for a referral to a therapist instead. Sometimes talk therapy is enough to get you through depressive phases. A good psychologist will be able to help you decide whether meds will be needed in addition to talk therapy.

The biggest studies done (if you want I'll look it up, but I don't feel like doing it right now, too sleepy...see National Institutes of Mental Health www.nimh.gov I think) say that the best cures for moderate to severe depression combine both meds and talk therapy.

So, whatever you decide - good luck, and keep us posted!! Emmy