>So HN, what has your experience been with depression?

I am sharing my own experience, the topic being a taboo does not help people who suffer.

I was also shit scared of medication, and too apprehensive to go to a medical professional... until it was too late and it all collapsed.

I visited 4 different emergency psychiatrists. Only one of them managed to identify the condition and treat me accordingly. His goal: keeping me alive for 18 months. It worked. I did need strong medication, and it had to be carefully adjusted several times. This kicked me out of depression in about six to eight months, but did not solve underlying issues. Once the emergency psychiatrist rated that I was in a stable route for recovery, I switched to a regular psychiatrist that basically checks my medication once every two months.

In parallel, I started weekly therapy with a psychologist. Also I tried two doctors and ended up with the second one. This one is needed to solve underlying issues. It took long time to get it really working, but it ended up great. It's been a year and I am still attending weekly therapy.

Its been 18 months since I started treatment. I am better now than I've been the last 10 years, but change did not come overnight, and I am still working on it with full energy. I wouldn't have made it so well without any off:

a) sport & good food & sleep. b) amazing doctors. c) medication.

> Have you tried the drugs?

Yes, quite a few actually.

> What worked or didn't?

What worked: medication + full trust in the doctor + lots of patience.

What it did not work: expecting to be back to "normal" fast.

> Have you been able to triumph without chemical assistance and what did that look like?

I really doubt I would have triumphed without chemical assistance.

> Is my utter terror of these drugs warranted or should I just bite the bullet and try them?

Terror is due to depression being taboo, and fear of the unknown. Medication is not to be underestimated. It has side effects, for me it was mostly feeling even less energy than normal. So I would not take them unless you have under close surveillance and you trust fully your doctor. On the other hand, they are very very effective. I am weaning-off medication slowly and I am experiencing no side effects.