anyone with long term depression managed to stay off ADs?

[racingheart]

I'm thinking of trying to come off citalopram. I love it, in terms of my mental health, it's been perfect. But physically I've put on 20 lbs over the past two years and become very spongy and sluggish where I used to be fit and energetic. I've had depression since my teens and am now late 40s. I'd really like to try to keep the mood swings (anger, depression, suicidal thoughts) at bay through alternative therapies, like running, meditation etc.

has anyone with long term depression done this successfully?

Not me but I've answered another post about citalopram and given the reasons I will stay on ADs for rest of my life. Mind I am 67, so it's a bit different for me. The only way you'll know if the alternative therapies work is by trying them. You could lose the weight by going to Slimming World (I lost 2 stone I put on through ADs) and put one stone back on. Anyway which is worse, being overweight or having the horrors of depression. Only you can answer that. On the other hand you may be fine without it.

Thanks for answering Nana. No contest. I'd rather be overweight any day! But ideally I'd like to be healthy in mind and body, not one or the other. If it's possible to get my physical energy back and keep a close eye on my moods, working with exercise and meditation and CBT techniques, I'd like to give it a go.