The new drugs finally came. A new psychopharmacologist came with them. A remarkable thing happened – I took the medicine nightly and became less depressed.

I wish I could say all of this was a miracle: that I became emotionally and physically symptom-free for ever and ever. I did not. From time to time, whether I was in therapy or not; whether we upped the dosage or not, some of the depression showed itself. If a family member died (and many did) or committed suicide (and some did); whenever I had a disappointment at work, my depression could instantly re-instate itself.

So, what is the answer? Is there an answer?

No, probably not.

Except this:

Try different therapy modalities. Try different psychopharmacologists. Try different kinds of anti-depressants. For each of us, the genesis of depression may be different; so the treatment of depression is going to be different.

The cognitive-behavior model of Dr. Aaron Beck (look him up) has made a tremendous difference in many depressives. But, for some, it has been of absolutely no use. These days, psychoanalysis is considered less useful, but for some it is a helpful adjunct to medication.
In short, don’t give up.

*Look it up, so you’ll make sure you understand all the variations. Find more information here.