My Depression is Genetic

After feeling better for quite awhile now, I asked my doctor if I could come off meds. He said that even though I feel better now I could relapse in weeks or months stopping medication since the depression is genetic. I said I don't like the thought of having to medicine for the rest of my life. He said don't think much about it...it's just a small thing to do every day. He also said it's better to make sure you keep living happily. I agreed.

I have advice for everyone. The medicine won't 'cure' the depression; however, it makes it more manageable. You kinda have to force yourself to do things and think positive at first, but after awhile it gets easier. There may be times where you get down again, but you gotta get back up. I know it's easier said than done. Also, it's good to try to remove or lessen stressful things in your life. I had to actually disassociate with certain people to heal. Good luck everyone!

I have to agree that if you need to keep taking a med for maintenance purposes, then it is best to continue with it. Thank goodness that we live in an age where so many of our afflictions can be treated readily. So much better than the suffering and misconceptions that used to be taken for granted, even just 50 years ago.
Side effects may be an issue for some. Many of mine did subside after my body adjusted to them. If not, other meds, or combos or dosages can be tried. If it is working for you and your doctor, stick with it.
It is also 'one day at a time'. If changes in symptoms or anything out of my control occurs, I have to be able to accept changes and adapt accordingly. Let the doctor know of any changes or personal observations. They can read charts and serum numbers, but can't read your mind. So far they have all been easy answers for me (except for a bout with steroids).
I do take meds to control mild elevations in sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. They may be lifelong maintenance for me as I get older.
Best of luck to you.

Speaking of cholesterol, my cholesterol is high but my doctor said I'm young and I can change it with diet and exercise. I gained up to 207 lbs with one medication that I didn't even need. Now, I'm 166 lbs. Still losing though. My goal is 120-130 lbs. However, the doctor wants me to get to at least 150 lbs when I see him again in February.

It is a good idea to continue with meds, as being taken off can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your body becomes both physically and psychologically dependent on meds, if taken for a long enough period of time. The longer you're on them, the more dependent you are, in fact, some people may need their dosage upped every now and then due to their bodies developing tolerances.
My depression is partly genetic as well-- almost every person on both sides of my family has it.