....and Welcome!

Nobody on this sight would ever criticize you! My first impression was, 'now here's a person who is truly wanting to reach out'.
We've all made mistakes that we're not proud of and I'm not condoning that it was ok to make those choices. But we gotta get to the place where we can see the 'good' in ourselves, rather than beating ourselves up for the not-so-good.
For one thing, try concentrating more on the things you've accomplished, or have strived to accomplish.....The high standard of your college acheivments shows you to be intelligent, ambitious and a very capable individual who can set goals and reach them. You've had healthy relationships, etc. Pick yourself back up and BE that person. You obviously are sorry and repentive for the bad choices you've made.

Depression is that dark cloud that comes along to remind you of all the bad times and make you believe that's who you are.
Don't let it define you tho. You've certainly come to the right place for support and understanding, and talking about these things is very helpful.

It 'takes one to know one' and that's why I'm reaching out to you. I know all too well what depression can do.

I wish I knew more about this medication you are inquiring about. We have a forum specific to medication talk if you'd care to check it out, here's the link to take you there...
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=72
Perhaps you'll get good feedback regarding withdrawls.

Also, if/when you get to that VERY dark place and feel there's no way out, check out our SOS forum:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=29
There are SO many people who understand. By getting support from others who truly understand, it can help to build you back up to the person you were before getting sidetracked with that other stuff.

It's great that you are here.
You certainly are not alone.

Caring,
Rae