[SpecialK]

I came across this article which I thought was interesting:

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Depression-Can-Threaten-Your-Marriage&id=348287

[SpecialK]

Here's another one:


http://ezinearticles.com/?Recognizing-Depression-in-Men&id=4069281

[OldPilot]

My only comment about depression is that it can also hit the LBS. I personally was on AD's for a few months, even though my wife refuses to acknowledge her depression. My Dr. said I had post traumatic stress. I used lexapro until I started to feel better and stronger.
Take care of yourself first!

[MarkedandHealed]

OP, what was the withdrawal like on that drug, and how did you feel while on it and after off of it?

I wonder what the difference between drugs and supplements would be.

[OldPilot]

The drug made me feel better. No anxiety.
I was able to deal with my wife  and my life so much better.
I noticed the difference almost right away. It took about two weeks to get to the full effect.
There were a few side effects but nothing all that bad. I think I was on them for about three months. I took myself off, which I probably shouldn't have done without a doctor but the withdrawl was not bad. I started cutting back the dosage. Cutting pills in 1/2 and then smaller.
After I took myself off the divorce talk had stopped with my wife so I really didn't feel the extreme pressure anymore. I don't think anyone should fear AD's, they are there to help you.
I would recommend them to most LBS, at least at the beginning.

I never took supplements, like St John's wort so I don't know what the difference would be.

[Love being on higher grounds]

I whole heartedly believe that if left untreated, depression can destroy life as we know it..

I have taken them and see tremendous improvement in my mood, concentration level,my patience, my sleep patterns... in general just living everyday life...

My husband was so down that he had mentioned not wanting to live anymore...he is now on an anti depressant . the improvement is unmeasurable!

I use this analogy...if it were your heart, you would want to try a med to help...

this is only my opinion! I know there are people out there who may not have had such great  outcomes...

[Mermaid]

Psychiatrists now belief that if depression is left untreated, the mind learns how to think in a depressive way and creates new patterns of behaviour. So it is essential that depression gets treated quickly in order to avoid this. Meds help to restore mental balance, but is no substitute for finding out the original cause of the depression if it is chronic rather than accute.

[Trustandlove]

I would agree with that.  Cognitive behaviour therapy is useful for helping to train the mind to think in a non-depressive way, if that makes sense. 

I have taken ad's as well; they do help.  I didn't find withdrawal difficult; it was very gradual and then I realized that they were no longer necessary.  I believe research shows that a combination of approaches offers the best results in many cases. 

[MarkedandHealed]

Thanks all. I hope that helps some out there decide to take control and admit they need help.

For me, 5HTP has been wonderful. It's not making me joyful and singing happy, but takes the edge off and allows me to sleep soundly. I was taking St. John's wort with it but got ill. Probably some sort of interaction between them. Some sources say not to combine them and some say it's fine.

I was afraid to take ADs because I'm so sensitive and for some, they cause thoughts of suicide. So, I decided to go the natural route... and I've never before considered it. I'm someone who does everything naturally and organically, with herbs, etc. So, for those of you out there unsure, please consider doing it. Take either ADs or start with supplements.

PS. I know of one neurologist who recommends 5HTP over ADs -= and that's how I decided to try it first. It's worked for me. You can order it from vitacost and I'm using Solaray, since it's standardized. About $10 for a 20 day supply, if you take it three times a day as I do.

Please get the help of a physician before trying any drugs, natural or otherwise. There are side effects to everything, even gentle herbs. And if you're taking any other drugs or supplements, they may interact.

[Mermaid]

A word about gentle herbs: they're not always so gentle. In many cases, they contain a mixture of naturally occurring chemicals that can have adverse side effects (like medications, but without the warnings). Moreover, food supplements are not subject to the same controls as meds, so you never quite know what you're getting. Finally, many meds extract the active ingredients from natural sources, which are then put into meds in a a pure form in carefully controlled quantities.
St. John's Wort is one natural herb that has quite a few side effects!
Yes, anti depressives can have different effects, including drowsiness, suicide, weight gain and hyperactivity, so care is needed.
If anyone out there really wants to go natural, I would recommend meditation and yoga.