[Bbear12]

I have been struggling intermittently with depression for the last 10 years. The first episode was treated effectively with Prozac and I did pretty well with only minor lapses. About a year ago I was a victim of sexual assault, following which I fell into a deep depression. I was treated with counseling and viibryd. Although I did cone out of the worst of it in a little over 5 months, due to terrible side effects, I had to discontinue the antidepressant. I recently moved to a new town, took a new job and moved in with my boyfriend. I'm very happy but I have recently noticed a return of symptoms. Does anyone else feel an inescapable nature to their depression? What ways have You're forever my bestie and I love you so much. You are the one who gets me when no one does. You have you found to cope that doesn't involve constant medication?

[Skeezyks]

Hello Bbear12: Welcome to PsychCentral! PC is a great place to gain support as well as to obtain mental health-related information. There are many caring members here.

I will tell you that I am an older person, and I have been struggling with depression & anxiety, among other conditions, for so long that it goes back into my early childhood, to a point beyond where I have any memory. At the present time, my depression is to a large extent in remission. But I still struggle with allot of free-floating anxiety. And I know the depression is still lurking somewhere in the background. Some days, even most days recently, I'm able to just say: "Oh, well..." But then there are other times when I feel I just can't stand it another minute. By the way, I'm not on any medications at the present time.

I am a follower of the ancient Tibetan practices of Lojong & Tonglen as taught by the Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön. Studying her writings has been the most helpful thing in my life.

I send warm thoughts your way for deep peace in your life...

[vital]

Originally Posted by Bbear12

I have been struggling intermittently with depression for the last 10 years. The first episode was treated effectively with Prozac and I did pretty well with only minor lapses. About a year ago I was a victim of sexual assault, following which I fell into a deep depression. I was treated with counseling and viibryd. Although I did cone out of the worst of it in a little over 5 months, due to terrible side effects, I had to discontinue the antidepressant. I recently moved to a new town, took a new job and moved in with my boyfriend. I'm very happy but I have recently noticed a return of symptoms. Does anyone else feel an inescapable nature to their depression? What ways have You're forever my bestie and I love you so much. You are the one who gets me when no one does. You have you found to cope that doesn't involve constant medication?

Hi Bbear,

I think I do understand why depression seems like it's inescapable (even though it isn't) and why it got worse when you moved, took a new job and moved in with the BF, and what to do about it. You might want to see if this makes sense for you:

http://egg.bu.edu/~youssef/SNAP_CLUB/BA.pdf

- vital

[Fizzyo]

Hi Bbear,

I'm afraid I've lived with the 'black dog' for most of my adult life. Sometimes I have managed to have a good quality of life and other times it's harder. It has made me the perso I am, and although I sometimes struggle to like Me other people have fed back that I have been able to help make their lives better. I can't imagine being anyone else, and there's no garantee life would be any easier if I was. Everyone has something that makes their life a struggle.

I have had times when medication has realised helped, with not too troublesome side effects. If you have times when medication is needed to help you get into a position to work better on your recovery, (it's much easier to follow Vital's advice when you start from a better place) then you may not need medication for ever. It can, however really help you have a good quality of life, but is often a case of trial and error to find what suits you. In my experience, if medication is beneficial enough, I don't mind the odd side effect. If I was diabetic, I wouldn't beat myself up for using insulin!

I'm rambling now, I hope at least some of this is helpful, it is a heartfelt attempt to encourage without patronising.
Good luck as you find your way forward. You did it before, you can do it again!

[Fuzzybear]