[ocracoke]

JJ,

Since adoption was my first choice I have not had any depression surrounding depression. However, when I was in my mid 20's I hit depression hard (for unknown reasons) and felt a lot like you described above. I eventually went on a low dose of prozac. Once it kicked it it was like my miracle drug. Life was good again. And I was able to live, work, clean (ugh) and all the normal things. I stayed on for a few years but could have come off earlier -- I was just scared of hitting the depression again. I have not had to return to taking them again but would not hesitate to do so if it hit again. I am painfully aware of my emotional state whenever I have a major life change (move, change jobs, change relationships, adopt, etc) because I have no interest in getting that bad again and will go back on an anti-depressant if I feel like I am heading down that path.

Here is a way it was once explained to me. If I was a diabetic would I hesitate to take my insulin? No. It is a medication that my body needs. Depression is a chemical imbalance in your body. Why not take the medication that will restore your chemical imbalance so that you can live a productive life?

Good luck,
Samantha