Anonymous asked this question on 4/27/2000:

I switched from Effexor last year to Serzone, but it doesn't seem to be working as well. I started to get depressed in December (as usual), but haven't come back out of it. I'd say I'm only mildly depressed, but definitely not myself.

I'm on 450mgs, and have thought about going back on Effexor, but kind of afraid to as I've read some people have had bad side effects when withdrawing. I didn't, but weaned gradually over to Serzone.

What is your opinion?

karunap gave this response on 4/27/2000:

I am not an advocate for antidepressents.... generally..... some people need them.... but not as many people as get them.

If you always get depressed in December I would suggest you look at all of the traumas you have experienced during that time of year.... big ones or little ones.... from conception until today. You may very well be experiencing an anniversary reaction.

I would also wonder if you were reacting to a change in daylight. Many people are very effected by the lack of light.

Depression is most often due to stuffing one's feelings….. particularly anger. The first step in moving out of the depression is to start doing feeling work. I suggest people do 15-60 minutes a day of feeling work.

There are many forms. Some examples:

Write lists of mads, sads and scares. Journal about past and present feelings, Feel them as you write. Write angry letters and then destroy them Twist a towel Pound a pillow. Push against a wall pretending you are pushing away people you are angry with. Scream into a pillow or pool. Stomp as you walk

If you start doing your feeling work and get a good therapist that helps people work through the old traumas you may be able to get off of medications entirely.

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