The whole "don't ask for advice from strangers" thing has been repeated a lot in this thread. I'm not asking for advice, I'm asking for anecdotes, success and

The whole "don't ask for advice from strangers" thing has been repeated a lot in this thread. I'm not asking for advice, I'm asking for anecdotes, success and failure stories, etc. Real experiences with tackling these problems and the medications that professionals prescribe or ways people have come to "beat" or manage their depression without said medications. I'm not going to self medicate and I'm not going to make a decision on a specific treatment based on what I read here, I will consult a professional when taking that step. Thank you for the rest of your advice and thoughts however, it's gratefully received. FWIW I am terrified of depression. I've seen my greatest heroes all die from it and deep down I know if I take no action I will be among them someday.