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art--this is wonderful!!! and, yes, we are on the same wavelength. the reason i didn't bring up the pill-fixer-upper approach is because, as you said, so many people are on them--and often to have a person cut themselves off cold-turkey can catapult them into the deepest depression ever.

i don't recommend anyone doing it cold turkey. and if they choose to go off medications, please practice the most compassionate approach with oneself which is to wean oneself off slowly with someone you trust who is aware of your intentions. icy, cold showers get people to breathe and become aware of breathing.

i recommend choosing to be responsible for one's own well-being first and then to become aware of and to practice with the tools they have within themselves and around them that don't cost a thing and are easily accessible and simple. some of the tools i came across were: breathing consciously, sunshine and nature, practicing self-compassion in place of self-monitoring (negative talk), reminding oneself that life is a gift and we each have a loving purpose in being here in all ways, choosing clarity and letting go of trying to analyze it to death or figure out the answer, the freedom to make choices even when by all appearances we may feel imprisoned (the soul and spirit cannot be taken over unless we choose--unconsciously or consciously--to give it over to someone else). these are only a few that come to mind--along with all the excellent ones you also spoke of, art.

when i had "issues" coming up to be healed, i found that i had the supportive consciousness in place prior--that's why they came up when they did. otherwise, as in the case of my childhood experiences, the issues were suppressed/repressed until i was much older and could walk my inner child through the fear and pain with the tools and compassion of my more enlightened adult. i spent a lot of time with the lady/child in the mirror, hugging myself in comfort, allowing everything felt and perceived to be emptied from my being in the safe space i created just for me.

thanks for sharing your experiences regarding the use of antidepressants--i have friends who have shared with me, too, that they felt "flat-lined" on them--they couldn't cry nor could they find that peak of joy either. thank you so much, art!

i am truly honored to have this visit...
penny