Hi jmo,

I am living proof that it is indeed possible. I feel not loving yourself is a major cause of depression so I think I can answer your questions hand in hand.

2 years ago when I started therapy, I LOATHED myself. I was a huge hypochondriac. I hated myself. I even hated others for loving me, thought they were losers and pathetic for being snowballed by me. I was a physical wreck. I lost 40 pounds in a month. My marriage was on the verge of divorce. Was convinced I had MS and Parkinsons and Breast Cancer and Lou Gehrig's Disease.

I made a few attempts at therapy before I found my current T. My current T is pretty heavily CBT oriented, but also into dream analysis. I felt I could trust him completely.

For the first year, I went to therapy once a week. I am now down to twice a month and soon once a month. I dedicated myself to therapy. Threw myself into it, heart and soul. I didn't want to be on medication, so I knew how important it was for me to pay attention in therapy.

The road was not easy, but here I am. Not depressed, not anxious. And I truly love myself. But I have to work hard everyday to continue with the things I have learned in therapy. If I don't do this, it is an easy relapse into my old ways.

The cure for depression does not happen overnight. And I think a lot of it has to do with the relationship you have with your T. But please know, it IS possible. And it IS possible without medication (depending on how severe it is I'm sure).

CBT worked wonders for me. It doesn't work for everyone though.