I never had anxiety and depression until now...why?

My first episodes of depression started when I was 12 or 13, they often kick in at that age. It was mainly depression with me, Sure, I was a nervous sort of kid and excitable. But I thought that was just my nature. Looking back on it, my 'nervousness' was probably mostly anxiety, but this was before chronic anxiety was widely known (I'm 63 now) so there wasn't a lot of understanding about it.

So, I guess you can say BOTH my depression and anxiety kicked in during my early teens. I just toughed it out until I was 38 when things came to a head in my life and I was finally diagnosed with clinical depression. I have been on Paxil since then.

I think you're too concerned about the side effects of medication and the impact on your 'mind'. 30 years ago the drugs they had for treating depression/anxiety did make you feel lightheaded and 'dopey', but the new SSRI class of drugs like Prozac/Paxil/Zoloft/Luvox/etc. really don't make you feel like that. You have a short term period of side effects, but once you get over that you really don't feel any different-only the 'lows' you used have have aren't as strong or as prevalent. You just feel a lot more 'light' in your outlook on life.

I have a PhD in Electrical Engineering and work for one of the major US auto manufacturers on Electric Cars, so I couldn't do my job if the medication made me feel intellectually less than 100%. But they don't, you will only feel happier and less burdened by your problems.

The one thing I always add is-the fight against Depression and Anxiety is an all-fronts, lifetime battle. You need to attack it with medication, therapy, diet, exercise and rest. Just taking a pill will not make it go away, it will mask the symptoms so you can function at a reasonable level. But you need to understand what is causing it and you only accomplish that with therapy. 

Good luck!

Hi alsean. I am sorry that you are going through this. My anxiety and depression started at 11 and has been on and off for many years. I am a bit of a stress head and a worrier so that doesnt help. I have many weird and scary feelings and sensations and i put most of it down to anxiety. Anxiety and depression has been know to be hereditary and can stem from abuse and ptsd which I have been through. I used to take meds but i stopped because they just didnt work for me. I am now seeing a naturopath and it is so much better. Have a look into vitamin and mineral supplements. If you are low in magnesium, vitamin Bs like B12 and vitamin D these have all been linked to anxiety and depression. Also omega 3 has been shown to also help. Also find a good psychologist that you you feel comfortable with as talking about it really does help and helps you to know that youre not alone which youre not. I am sorry that your parents are not supportive but alot of people just dont understand. Unless someone has gone through what you are going through or are going through will never get it and will always say 'its all in your head' or 'snap out of it' which really annoys me to no end. I hope this helps.