Thank you, Pam, for the encouragement. It helps to have somewhere I can "vent" and someone who understands, to listen. I'm so sorry that you and your daughter have both suffered from depression. It has been so misconceived over the years with people thinking that sufferers are "just sad" and "can get over it". When in fact it has to do with the chemicals in the brain. Yes, it is true that outside factors can make it overwhelming, but the underlying physical reason is always there. I'm glad that you have both found the correct meds and are doing well!
I have had many different antidepressants on and off over the years. Unfortunately, when I was diagnosed about 29 years ago, the meds caused my initial weight gain. Before that I was at a healthy normal weight.
I had tried a St. John's Wort combination herbal therapy years ago (between meds) with good results. Unfortunately I can't remember what other herb it was combined with and my chiropractor hasn't sold that brand for probably 20 years. But I am trying just the St. John's Wort to see if it is as effective as it was for me back then.
The last time I was prescribed antidepressants was when my fiancé died four years ago. We had to try a few different meds to find the right one for me as previous ones ended up not being right for my system this time around. I was able to become "my normal" again with a combination of the antidepressant, counseling, and the song "Fear" by my favorite band, Blue October, (check it out below). All thoughts I previously had of suicide were behind me, thankfully.
After being on this last antidepressant for three years I developed not only an inability to lose weight, but had developed such a dry throat and mouth it became unbearable. No matter what I tried or how much water I drank, the dry mouth wouldn't go away. Last year my psychiatrist retired, so I decided to try to wean off the meds not only to stop the dry mouth, but because I didn't want to seek out a new doctor. And my life has been pretty good, with occasional bouts of grief, but manageable.
Unfortunately things changed three months ago when my Dad died and now, recently, other personal things have just become a little too much. I started the St. John's Wort on Wednesday, so it is too soon to tell if it will work. But, I have worked through the personal issues for the most part (I think) and am feeling better than I was a few days ago.


Here's the song "Fear". It kept me alive. I hope it is okay to post it here as it not only helped my depression, but is now a good motivational song on my journey to become healthy and lose weight at the same time. And maybe it can be for others, too.