How long have you had depression?? Do you work??

About 16 years now. I do have a job, but I call out enough that I've used all of my PTO for the year. I was talking to my husband about this just a few days ago, and we calculated that I've actually had 15 jobs in 16 years, and for 6 of those years, I was unemployed. So I would say depression has definitely made it hard to work, though when I'm manic, I do a great job.

I know what you mean about manic! I do LOVE my manic episodes. I'm so focused and energized then.

I forgot to mention also, that I was on meds for a short while but then I started worrying about what people would think of me so I stopped and tried to self-manage. But the next 20 years (give or take) were pure hell. I finally got back on meds and am getting the help I need.

no work here either.

could never manage it

I have had depression and anxiety since early childhood. Mostly chronic depression with frequent bouts of severe depression. I began seeing a psychologist at age 11 but did not start receiving any real releif until SSRI's came along. The SSRI's made working a job much more do-able. Yes, they have some nasty side effects and are hard to get off of but I spent the last nine years actually feeling productive. I had to go off of Effexor due to insurance issues and now I feel myself going back down into the pit.

I do not have a regular job now and cannot seem to pull it together enough to work my home business. I was let go from my job of 17 years because of degenerative arthritis in my hands so I am on disability, which I am very glad for.

Even with the Effexor I was depressed-but not like this. I get to the point where I scare myself, like I'm not me anymore. So, I am going to find something else that will work for me and is on my prescription plan.

Some supplements that work to help the effectiveness of SSRI's are SAM e and Omega 3 Fish Oil but always check with your doc or pharmacist when mixing supplements with any drugs. Some supplements are just as strong as prescriptions.