Hi guys, 

I'm a 43yr old man, wife &amp; 2 beautiful kids, active in sport &amp; have a stable full time job, I've had bouts of depression In the past which I seem to have got over on my own.

Recently I've been feeling flat &amp; empty inside, never happy - I recognize this feeling but this time it seems more intense.

Often I try to search for the beauty in things and just feel nothing I can be with family and friends and I feel nothing, I'm also feeling very insecure in my relationship which is completely unfounded.

I've finally booked myself in to see a councilor which is a big step for me and I'm hoping to work through some stuff.

Some people close to me have suggested anti depressants, I've taken anxiety meds before but never tried any meds to manage depression - part of me feels I'm a failure for needing these &amp; I can get over this on my own and in time as I have in the past, also worried they will become something I need all the time and if I stop I'll go back to feeling empty again.

I'm after some experiences and opinions from people that have used medication for depression in the past and how it affected you?

Thank you for listening guys.