I've suffered from depression since I was 12yo (I'm 43 now) it wasn't diagnosed til I was 27 when I finally went for some councilling I was put on Prozac and came off it 2 years later. I felt myself going downhill when expecting my dd and was put on sertraline when she was 3mo lowest dose to start then over the years increased to the highest dose.
Last year I had a horrible time a work with my department manager and I had to have 6 weeks off. I felt the lowest I had felt in many many years. I couldn't speak to any one or function when I got back to work I applied for a job in another department. It took a while as I was in a very niche job but finally they let me move. OMG what a difference. 6months in and I still couldn't be happier. (I know it doesn't seem long)
I went for a BP check with a new doctor and she said 'so what are we going to do about this Sertraline then?' I was surprised as I figured I'd be on them for life, but also felt in a good position to cut back so I did and today is my first sertraline free day in nearly 12 years.
I know this may not be the end of my depression but I really haven't felt this good since I can remember so for those of you who can't yet see the tunnel let alone the light it's there. DONT EVER GIVE UP HOPE.