[Pegasus]

Having had mild depression and anxiety off and on for years, here’s my two cents worth:

The official answer is to talk to your doctor. If you don’t like his/her answer, do your own research and seek a second opinion.

That being said, it is common for doctors to solve problems the easy way by prescribing medication. The type of professional you see determines your course of treatment. For example, when you go to a family doctor or a psychiatrist, you most likely will be put on/stay on medication. When you seek treatment with a social worker or a psychologist, then you will be talking about your problems.

I wasn’t familiar with Cipralex till I Googled it and saw its other brand name Lexapro; I’ve been on Celexa in the past and have heard Lexapro works well. If you’re on one of the lowest doses of SSRI’s or SNRI’s and have only mild depression or dysthymic disorder (which falls between “normal” and depressed), then you can probably function okay without the medication. If you decide to quit taking the medication, be sure to have support systems in place first. You will need to take it upon yourself to take good care of yourself by exercising, meditating, and eating well. Eat healthy planned meals, especially breakfast including protein (stay away from refined sugars).

Most people who go off medication relapse. Be sure to recognize symptoms early on and do not hesitate to see a doctor if you need to. If there’s a chance you’re bipolar, you should probably continue to take the medication. Given your family history and your having contemplated suicide before, you’re probably going to be stuck taking medication. Do whatever works for you.
Good luck!