starPeridot......I am 46 and have battled depression for most of my life. At different times I have gone the counseling route, but a good deal of the time I have just tried to help myself. It takes a lot of work sometimes in the way of self help......surrounding myself with supportive people, reading and saying positive affirmations to myself, praying, taking care of myself body and soul, and accepting who I am, flaws and all. I analyze why I am feeling the way I do and I somehow pull myself up.
Sometimes the depression does get to me and I sink into a dark hole for a while. But at least I recognize it and know what is going on. I was offered medication once or twice in my life but I refused. I feel like I have conquered it time and again mostly on my own. At the present time I am not doing too badly with it, but I know I am predisposed to this condition. If it ever gets too bad to where I can't function then I will have to turn to medication. But for now I fight it the best I can so I can avoid having to take more medications than I really need. Life is a tough business, but I do the best I can taking one day at a time.
I wish you well.
