I have been on antidepressants for apprx. 20 years now. For the first 10 yrs I was on Manerix (100mg) In 2003 I had a big relapse after we moved ( big trigger for me) and was put on Effexor xr up to 225mg. In Nov. 2011 I had once again another relapse (re - purchasing another house and not being able to go through with it re too much anxiety) and was able to pick up by upping my Effexor from( 75mg. at the time) to 225mg. I had another relapse October 2013 after failing to acquire this house once again. This time my depression came on very suddenly and much stronger. My doctor felt I could get better with 225mg of Effexor and therapy. We increased Effexor to 300mg - the headaches were unbearable - lasting up to 3 days consecutively. I do not take to anti-depressants very well so we try not to change it up too much. To minimize the headaches my doctor brought me back to 225mg Effexor and 1mg Abilify two days ago. I m supposed to reach 2mg of Abilify in two weeks. My head feels heavy and I feel like sleeping very often. I am concerned about taking Abilify because of the type of med. it is. My question to you is: is there any possibility that I can get better without these medications if I would do the exercise, therapy and find other activities to distract myself or would that be very risky at this point. I have never been a big fan of meds but stayed with them until they finally gave me some relief. It s been 8 months now and I am still feeling like 5 on ten. What do you recommend.