Chips, wow, you are so wise!! Are you really only 17? Amazing! Many mental health professionals themselves don't understand the link between life events and brain biochemistry. They think depression is either "situational" or "chemical," not realizing that life events change our biochemistry and result in different levels of neurotransmitters, etc. Kudos to you for your insight and wisdom.

Chris, are you also working with a therapist? Or maybe that is impossible due to your situation. I am sorry you are in a "meds solve it all" environment. Best wishes to you in your efforts to heal, and best of luck in your deployment. Can you bring a couple of helpful books along with you to aid your desire to "focus on me" and "think about my life"?Journaling is helpful too. Congrats on your marriage, daughter, and best pit bull! You have a lot of positive things in your life. Hang in there.