0Anonymous0--great thread. For me, as an old g/f and I used to joke about, "drugs are our friends". Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc.
Personally, I don't give a flip about the social stigma. I do care about the results. I do like to live a normal life. I've often stated that, if given the choice of taking drugs, but living 10 years less, no doubt about it...I'd take the drugs. Quality of life means much more, IME.
It is really neat to be able to think back, "what the heck was I thinking", and realize just how far away from reality I was. You're right, most people have no clue that you're having a problem. I still remember my g/f at the time, who cared so much for me, was totally stunned at the answers I was giving on the diagnostic questionaire. Sitting beside me, reading it as I filled it out, she was in tears--she'd had no idea. I was so thankful that, from the questions, I could tell that others actually had the same problem. I wasn't alone.
Some personal, family, and friends' observations--(many apply also to panic/anxiety attacks and many have already been mentioned):
Often worse for people who like to be "in control".
I never could really relate until it hit me. Just a fact. That's always been said about panic attacks.....that, until you've had one, you have no idea what it's like.
IME, more often than not, "runs in the family".
Primary or Family physicians can prescribe the drugs. If one drug doesn't work, or you don't like the side effects, try another. It often takes awhile to hit on the correct drug and dosage.
Often a brain chemical imbalance. I always "knew" that I didn't need to talk anything out....I just didn't know what was wrong.
Depression doesn't always take the form of suicidal thoughts. Common symptoms: weight gain or loss, change in sleep patterns (too much or too little), a feeling of worthlessness.
Religion has also played a part in my success. I had to ask God's help and admit that I couldn't do it alone. But, a person shouldn't feel bad about not being able to just say no. The majority of people can't just "will" it away.
Exercise can be a great help. As mentioned, long distance running kicks in the endorphins.
Generally, anti-depressant medication will take ~2 weeks to fully help. You'll probably notice eating habits returning to normal first, then sleep habits, then, like 0Anonymous0, "I was actually happy". That's such a good feeling.
MOSTLY....IF YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF THIS THREAD, GO SEE A DR., LIKE MON. A.M. MOST OF US POSTED IN HERE FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU. TO NOT ACT ON IT WHEN YOU'VE READ THIS THREAD IS DOING YOURSELF AND US A DISSERVICE. And, you'll kick yourself because you ignored it for so long (but in the end....you did what you had to--and life is much better).

--Randy