Most people who go through severe depression do need to take anti-depressants for some time to be cured fully.  However it is best to not stop such medicines suddenly.  Hence these medicines have to be continued for some time at least before being stopped or they could cause a relapse of depression symptoms.

Some may have severe depression and it may be advisable to wait for some time before  they completely stop treatment.  Others may have strong predisposed mood disorders and may require to take treatment periodically over a long period of their lives. So the question when one can stop anti-depressants varies from situation to situation.

One should never feel one is a black sheep but have courage to admit to oneself that  one has a problem that needs to be treated and submit oneself to treatment and make a huge difference by eliminating the dark clouds of depression for a brighter and better self.

It is best to be patient in the treatment of depression. It is to be realized that neither depression symptoms are sudden nor the cure for it. Counseling,  anti-depressants and lifestyle changes do help to treat the initial symptoms of  depression, however curing the underlying cause of the disorder takes much longer.

So, it is best to continue the full course of anti-depressants and wait till one is fully cured. This could vary and some may have to take these anti-depressants for  life; where it provides a support from a more severe attack.

It is best to never stop one’s course of anti-depressants when the weather is gloomy, dark or cold, But wait for sunny, bright spring days. One can easily go out, get fresh air, sunlight and exercise and feel real good. This could motivate one that he/she is getting better and better day by day. In addition, one should never suddenly stop anti-depressants or therapy sessions.  One should be gradual to reduce  one’s dose of anti-depressants, allowing one’s body and brain to adjust slowly to the lesser dosage.

With patience and gradual decrease of dosage of anti-depressants, one can deal well with worse attacks later on in life. It could be useful if one has ongoing  counseling sessions too that could help to smooth en the bumps when stopping  anti-depressants totally.

The last but most important point that decides the length of taking anti-depressants is that one should find ways he/she can use to boost one’s moods and build up ways to cope with the situation.  One should also always remember to find opportunities to laugh, exercise, get some sunlight, and interact with friends and relatives to have great fun.