Hi everyone. I was curious if anyone has had any experience with different treatments for depression such as therapy, medications, etc. I was officially diagnosed with major depression in 2018 but I have had feelings of depression since I was around 10 or 11 years old; it’s something that’s been a part of me for a long time. I struggle with suicidal ideation as well and have recently relapsed back to self harm after years of not doing it. 

The most I have done to combat my depression has been counseling (which has been inconsistent and short lived) and when I was first diagnosed, I had the option to try medication but I was too afraid of the possible side effects. My biggest coping mechanism is suffering on my own. I found some help with counseling, but I eventually stopped due to reasons I cannot recall. I have supportive family and a partner but I’ve always been the type who has difficulty opening up to loved ones because I don’t want them to worry about me. 

I am tired of suffering but I’m afraid it’s a battle I’m going to lose to if I don’t take care of it. What I want to know is if anyone has had experience with different treatments, any success, any failure, I’d like to know it all to help encourage me to seek the help I need. Any words of encouragement are helpful too. Thank you.