I have been dealing with this since D - day 8/15/02, just when I thought things were getting better I would find out more stuff. I am depressed I know that, I mean who wouldn't be but I don't know when I need medical help for depression or if it is something I can deal w/ on my own.

Maia

Maiadab,
I would suggest you talk to your dr, I went for 2 years with undiagnosed depression and only when I returned to my home town and GP did it get diagnosed at which point I was on the verge of a breakdown. Twelve months later I am just redusing my medication and feeling fine. H still not home but I am coping.
Jante

I would strongly recommend a trial of antiDs- they may be very helpful during times of great stress. I would consider them if you are crying a lot, not sleeping , or not eating as you normally do. they are generally well tolerated and the newer ones don't have too many bad side effects.

In many cases, IMO, it's a personal preference as to whether or not you should go on anti-d's. It's a great start to come on here and ask about them. Your next move could be looking up the different pills available online to compare them. And then, talk to you dr. about it.

I did the first 2 steps (talking about them on here, and looking some info up online), but waited far too long to talk to my dr about going on them. I was suicidal. It was 13 months after d-day, AND I had been in RECOVERY for over 9 months. I thought I could handle it all, but then I quit smoking, and KABOOM!!! I was in a place that I NEVER want to be in again.

One of the biggest red flags I experienced that made me see I was nearing a very bad place, was that I would have visions of hurting myself. Little things like, "hmmm... I wonder how my H would feel if he found me unconscious at the bottom of the stairs from a fall?". Okay, NOT so little. But those thoughts would last for a few seconds, and then not return for days or weeks.

IMO... if you're asking about them, it's b/c your gut is telling you that it would be a good idea to be on them, to possibly avoid future problems.

Keep in mind that it's not a lifelong commitment in many cases, to be on anti-d's. Even as bad of a state that I was in, I was only on them for 4 months. It was enough to get me over that 'hump'. Now I can deal with all of the issues with a clear head.

Karen

The fact that you are asking this suggests that an anti deppressant may help ease your pain through this.
Divorce is painful, But if you are repeatedly having trouble facing the day, sleeping-or too much sleeping, change in appetite etc..
These are signs that you could use some help right now.
See your Doctor.