I've been officially diagnosed as having Dysthymia with bouts of Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I DEFINITELY have Seasonal Affective Disorder too. Can't seem to find the motivation to do anything other than work, go to school, and study in the winter.
I've been dealing with it for the past 8 years. I was seeing a psychologist during my first serious episode of depression because I was shook and didn't know what the hell was wrong with me, but I've been able to deal without going to him ever since. I took Zoloft and Xanax for about 18 months and decided to ween myself off. Haven't taken any meds since. Just a fairly regular marijuana user now.
I'm definitely a lot better than I was 8 years ago, but I've still had my ups and downs since then. I've had only one other major depressive episode since, but I felt a lot better equipped to deal with it now that I know myself a little better. I regret not going back on antidepressants during that time, but now I know better the next time it happens.
When I don't have periods of major depression I'm okay for the most part, but I tend to get moody or melancholic from time to time. I've always been a somewhat nervous/cautious/careful person, so the anxiety is always there. I don't really have much social anxiety, though. I can go out and meet new people fairly easily. I just tend to not like most people
. These days I'll choose solitude or hanging out with one or two close friends over big social gatherings.
The biggest things that have helped me over the years are: 1. Weeding out the individuals in my life that were bringing me down, 2. Finding new interests/getting more involved in old ones (for me it's been skateboarding, cycling, music, and reading/researching topics of interest), and 3. Changing my perspective from "woe is me" to "do something about your problems because no one else will do it for you." This might sound silly, but I actually got a lot of inspiration to change my mindset from listening the Adam Carolla Podcast and old clips of him on Loveline. I don't agree with the guy a lot of times, but he definitely encourages self-empowerment/determination and is a living example of it.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.