13 is when it started for me. For many years I used substance abuse to cope and it worked until it didn't. I have been clean and sober twenty years so I don't have that any more. When I am doing real good or even moderately depressed I have very healthy coping skills and handle stress very well. Many years of therapy, aa's twelve steps, Alanon, meditation, CBT, journaling, exercise, working, reading, have all given me great coping skills. But to be totally honest, when I go into a deep depression, I just don't function much at all until it's over. Currently Fetzima has kept me from diving into one which would normally happen this time of year.

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