Nice to meet you, Himali,

Your life sounds so much like mine! My problems with depression started around age 6-9. I had issues with self-injury starting at 6, and food issues off and on probably from about 12 (although I don't think I have ever had a diagnosable eating disorder). Depressive episodes at ages 9, 12-13, 17, 18, 19, 25, and through the first half of my 30's. (It's hard to admit to having 30's, since I never did plan on living that long, but I'm the same age as you - I just started using + symbols instead of numbers past 29).

I discovered SJW in 2003, and it works for me too, pretty much. Was always afraid to try the prescription stuff because I didn't know what that would do to me. Oh, and also light therapy but I'm only averaging 2-3 days per week that I actually use my light.

My parents could never accept that there were mental health issues in the family either, but my issues are nothing in comparison to my brother, and it turns out that at least four out of six of my siblings have anxiety and depression, one of the two remaining being different as she has Down Syndrome. But my parents denied that I had any problems, and therefore denied any treatment, so I didn't have a chance to start working on it until after I left home. It took several tries over quite a few years to find a therapist who was effective with me, or maybe I didn't know how to benefit from therapy before.

Anyway, it's amazing how much we have in common, isn't it? I hope you find some comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

Rap