Hello. Introducing myself

[scott1866]

I joined a couple months back while conducting research, but this is my 1st time writing. My father has depression and anxiety and has taken Lexapro (and a few other meds) for years, with mixed results. For years, people have been warning me that I may turn out like him (depressed, sometimes aloof, sometimes mean or not supportive of others, etc). Well, recent life events and pressures have caused me to exhibit some of the same behaviors. I am aware of the positives and negatives of going the medication route and am very skeptical. I am choosing to go to counseling 1st, so we will see how it goes. I would like to hear more about others' experiences with the medication approach, as well as the approach I am taking of trying counseling 1st.

[mlc55]

You need to do what is best for YOU. Those with depression are still stigmatized and it is sad. Depression has a major genetic component, but you are not your father. You may have picked up some traits of his when dealing with stress, fear and uncertainty, but that happens when being brought up in that kind of environment trying to cope with his behavior while learning your own coping skills.

I believe medications definitely have a place in treatment. Medications coupled with counseling, and behavior modification techniques also help. The difficult part is find the right medication and the right dose that works for you: but it can take up to two weeks to really feel the positive affect.

I was prescribed one medication that within two doses caused me profound anxiety. So my doctor ordered a different one and it has helped. Everyone's body chemistry is different and unfortunately sometimes it's all about trial and error.

I wish you the best, and remember, as hard as it is, try to work on thinking positive thoughts instead of negative; a lot of us have the tendency to think negatively, it is easier...