Is it normal to want to try and beat depression without. taking any drugs? Between the side effects and the numbing of everything, is it really the best way to go?

Sure it is.

But as to the necessity of medication for the treatment of depression, I can't say. I'm not a therapist (like a psychiatrist).

But I WILL say this: I KNOW what depression is like. I KNOW what it's like to battle it. Without a strong will and comittment, and possibly VERY good friends and family, severe depression CAN BE LIFE THREATENING.

I never had to use medication during that period of time in my life when I was hit with depression. But I WILL say that depression ain't something you just blow off, because I know where it can end up. Whichever way you go, you need a CLEAR course of action to overcome depression for your long term goal. Medication may be part of that...may, in fact, be a very necessary part of that.

If you are having problems with the medication you are prescribed, you need to see abut switching treatment. Maybe even doctors, if you are seriously concerned about it.

I'm bipolar and I don't use any drugs. .

It's a lot harder, but I kind of know myself and my disorder so I've not really had too serious troubles. The side effects of being manic sometimes and depressed sometimes are hard.. I start thinking that I'm not happy in life just because of depression for a few days or so. But when the depression subsides.. I'm fine.

I was on a ton of pharmasudicals. It started as depression so they gave me effexor 175 mg. Then I got acid reflux due to the effexor so they gave me pepcid. Then the effexor didn't work anymore so they dubbled the dose. I began to have panic attacks they put me on xanex. Then because of all of the meds I was on I gained 50lbs and was in danger of becoming diabetic and had high blood pressure.. I was sick of it and decided to go to a herbolgist. Only 6 months later I am off all my meds (done so under my doctors watchfull eye).. I will say herbs are the way to go. A herbal expert will help you with what to take. I replaced my xanex with kava kava root tea. It is so relaxing. Hope you feel better.

Yes! Drugs only as a last resort.

Yes,it is 'normal',the depression has to have something to keep hold on you,,it needs to self-sustain,propagate with-in you,,keep you in the chaos which is your life.

I couldn't beat it,many times in the past 15 years I have tried to overcome the highs and lows to no avail.

when you are tired of the feelings getting the best of you,make a decision,one that has a 'possible' positive outcome for you,not a negative one.

I came upon this site because I am seriously thinking about quitting my med.s too!!! I am so fed up with them!!! I think I was alot better before I ever started them, I suffer from panic, anxiety, depression, ptsd. I went for many years without med.s Only been last 5 yrs, since then it's been a real head trip in my opinion. They havemade me worse, but when you're so buzzzzzzed out you don't give a damn!!!! It's not living!!!!! I have tried every antideperssant I know, if it;s not 1 thing it's something else, it's worse than a drug addict!!!! I am taking natural stuff & want to get myself back!!!!

Of course it's normal. The sad part of you doesn't want to believe you are tied to this sadness forever along with the medication, and the rational side of you is wondering how much of the "depression" is actually true and how much is basically your unconscious talking you into being depressed because of outside influences like the news, commercials, and everyone and their mother thining they are depressed, so naturally, we start to think that maybe WE are depressed too.

So, make sure it's what it is. Try to think of stuff to be grateful for, even if it's obvious stuff like being able to walk, breathe, see, etc.

Personally I don't think so. I think there are more natural ways to treat depression. My daughter has been suffering from depression since she was 12 years old. She is now 31. She started medication when she was 16 after a suicide attempt. At first I thought the medication was going to make everything all right. As the years have gone by all I see is her taking more and more of these anti-depression drugs because her physician and physciatrist keep upping her meds. A few years ago she started having panic attacks. She is currently on drugs for the panic attacks but is still suffering with them. I have all but given up on her doctors they just keep giving her more drugs that don't seem to be doing anything.

I guess it depends on the support you have and I hope you think of me as some of it.

It is normal, but the of course your success in beating depression depends highly on you personally and your own individual situation.

I had a psychiatrist diagnose me with depression and then try to put me on any medication that he could, even though I'd blatantly told him that I did not, under any circumstances, want to be medicated.

But I was also somewhat misdiagnosed - I wasn't suffering from depression alone, I was suffering from some pretty serious PTSD, and it took YEARS for any of the therapists that I went to to understand that.

And without knowing much about your background, what your network of support is like, and whether you are actually seeking professional treatment, I can't say whether it would be better for YOU to take the drugs or not. I will advise seeing a therapist, but remember - their professional opinions aren't always accurate, and if something they're saying goes against what you feel is best, make sure that they know that.

Good luck! *hugs*

Hi, I have only been taking antidepressants for the past 5 yrs. I think I have tried them all or close to it. I went many years without med.s I am now trying again without. I am so sick & tired of being buzzzzed out, & numb, I don't feel like myself ever, I think I have been worse with med.s. I have depression, panic & anxiety & ptsd. I am trying natural stuff right now. I slept good last night, I can actually feel my body & I feel like I am here today. Rosy.

I do think it is normal to TRY and beat depression without meds but is your body and mind capable of doing so.I do believe meds can help. I am bipolar I also have panic disorder.I take no meds for the bipolar disorder but HAVE to take xanax for the panic attacks,it sucks to need a med to live your life Ive been taking xanax for 3years every night I cant go without or my body goes through withdraws.If my depression gets bad I will start my meds again depakote 3 times a day usually gets me feeling better within 2 days.