Depression is a very individualistic thing. Mine started in my teen years through some rough times, probably like most teens, but with a side order of other uncalled for events that I had to deal with. It carried on into adulthood after some pretty bad moments which have affected my life dramatically. I have been on antidepressants for many years, too many to count! But I decided to stop taking them a month or so ago. I am fed up of not being able to 'feel'. The problem I now have is that I am experiencing hyper emotions and I am extremely reactive. I don't know whether the best thing to do would just be to go back on the medication and become numb again ( @suesa has a brilliant story about emotions), or find a better way to deal with my depression and anxiety. I also have other health issues going on so I am battling with the urge of quitting all my meds right now, I am sick and tired of rattling when I walk! But I am probably being reactive again, due to my newly found emotions. It is a tough one depression, once you are in the medication cycle, it is hard to get out of it, but without the meds, I probably wouldn't be here today.