Once I understood and accepted I was clinically depressed, I wanted all NOW to get better quickly. After a few months I wanted to try to go back to work. After a few weeks, others at work, my doc, and my counselor commended me for trying but said I needed more time off, that I tried way too soon. The lesson on patience was a tough one to learn.
The medicines were tricky. One for sleeping (Ambien is a God-send!), one for panic disorder and one for the depression (memory as usual fails me, it'll probably come to me in the middle of my sleep tonight) ah, xanax for the panic. heh still have some in the cabinet - Wellbutrin for the depression.
Also, once I accepted the condition as a part of me from here on out and stopped fighting it, things got alot easier and I started making the life changes necessary to cope with it. Being more stable financially means less worries, better control, and, praying it never happens, if I break down again, I won't be in such desperate straights as I was last time.
No more extreme demands on myself, happy with what I have, and have found so much enjoyment with God's great outdoors, camping, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking (my newest hobby!), biking, etc. I've come a long ways in the last seven years and consider myself a testament to God's love and healing.
Blessing to you and your wife. Off to work on the gingerbread house!