[nandm]

Originally Posted by Lilyflower

Since having found the 12 steps, since having learnt to accept myself, take my own inventory and work on me, I have not been depressed and I have learnt how I can save myself and protect myself from the things that would push me back into the black depths of depression. I learnt to be me and I am wonderful!

From my es&h, I would say that no meds will take away your depression, it will help to make you feel better short term, but to truely heal yourself I would say that immersing your self in the 12 steps is by far the best way to go for long term lifetime healing. Also check out ''inner bonding''

While I respect your opinion and experience mine is quite different. I have been sober nearly 8 years now using the program and tools of AA. The Steps helped with the situational depression I was experiencing but did not address the chemical depression that I have. Only anti-depressants have helped that depression. The steps can do nothing for a depression where someone's life is good but yet their brain tells them every morning they wake up to put a gun to their head. Even knowing that this thought is insane because life is good does not stop it from being the first thought that hits the head in the morning. That is what chemical depression does to me. That is why I take anti-depressants and will continue to do so. I am treating a real medical/chemical problem with the medication.