How long was your first depressive episode ? ( Major Depressive Disorder)

@Imawarrior22 Thank you for sharing about your experience with depression and considering medication. It sounds like you have been struggling for some time now and are looking for relief. Your feelings of nervousness are very understandable - this must not be an easy decision. What kinds of things do you find most helpful for coping right now?  Also, you can join us in the group chats to share your experiences and get support. We are all here with you to listen to and support you. 

@Imawarrior22. In my case I had gone through a year of being very depressed. I went to therapy and support groups but I was getting worse. The therapist sent me to a psychiatrist after trying for a year. In my case medication has helped me a lot. I still have days where I feel sad but I don’t feel like I’m down in a bottomless pit. 

This is a really good question. I am not too sure. At least a year. I thought it was just the way I was. I thought depression was just a part of who I was. 

One day, after a year or more… I decided to go to the student health center. I came to realize The crying everyday couldn’t be normal,.., and the low self esteem. I hated myself so much.

There was this really nice psychiatrist. She was so empathetic. I didn’t want to try medication at first. The first medication we tried did not do anything. The second medication had terrible side effects. But she didn’t give up on me. After about 2 weeks of using the 3rd medication, it was like a light bulb went off in my brain.

i realized I didn’t have to feel depressed anymore. I realized that all of my negative thoughts could stop. I didn’t feel like the horrible person I thought I was. The broken record that had played in my mind for so long had finally shut off.

i have had several relapses, unfortunately. But I’m a work in progress.