[prairiebreeze]

I had one episode of serious depression. It was incapacitating and one of the scariest experiences of my life.

My brain chemistry actually felt out of kilter. Really. It's hard to explain, but true. Prozac was a life saver.

I took the medication for a few months and haven't needed it since, and I wouldn't hesitate to ask for it again if needed. It's been probably at least 10 years since that experience. I had some therapy which helped with certain issues too.

I have a firm, unshakable belief in God. And I will say that during that time, without medical intervention, I don't think that would have been enough.

Prairie

[Petronski]

I hear ya, brother.

[mlbford2]

My wife and mom are on Paxil (sp?). It totally changed my wife from an intovert to an extrovert. She doesnt' take sh*t from her boss or anyone else for that matter (me included) and does not get as anxious about tests, bills etc. Her quality of life is 1000% better. She wasn't a loon or anything before Paxil, but definately had some small to medium issues that I am convinced were physiologically-chemically oriented.
There is no reason to go through life not banging on all cylinders.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I have a firm, unshakable belief in God. And I will say that during that time, without medical intervention, I don't think that would have been enough.

Yes. My faith in God was never in doubt. My faith in myself on the other hand....

The best way I can describe it is that it felt like a energy leach was attached to me. Getting out of bed when I didn't have to was to much trouble. I wasn't asleep but I would just lie there and not move. It was two terrible years of grayness. Why I didn't turn to drugs or alcohol can only be explained by His grace.

By the time it ended I had done a lot of damage to my life that I am still repairing. The happy little people who chirped that "If you just had more faith in God..." made the problem worse. Now days I just tell them to go read the book of Job and see if they recognize themselves anywhere in there. Back then only extreme self control along with the fact that I was just so tired kept me from loosening a few teeth.