Hello. Although I am new to this site, this is not my first battle with depression. I first realised something was wrong in my third year of university six years ago. At the time I was severly depressed and suicidal. I realised that I had felt this way for most of my life in one form or another. After university things went back to what I believed was normal, but looking back I cannot honestly say I was happy. About a month ago everything started to crumble around me again and I lost whatever control I thought I had. I have been fighting thoughts and feelings of severe depression ever since then. I have come to realise that MDD is apart of my life and instead of trying to ignore it or make it go away, I must instead find coping mechanisms to help me get through these difficult times.
I am interested and have studied natural forms of treatment and am currently visiting a doctor who spealizes in alternative forms of medicine. I will be using chinese herbs, homeopathy, vitamin supplements, psychotherapy workbooks in combination with healthy nutrition and exercise. I am in no way against the use of anti-depressants and in fact believe them to be appropriate in many cirucmstances. But at this point in my life, they are not the right choice for me.
I signed up with the Depression Center to work through the 16 week session diary as well as meet people who are on the same path as I am. I also downloaded the CBT client so if anyone wants a new buddy please add me to their list :) I look forward to chatting with all of you.