JHL,
I have wondered the same thing. Will my brain return to producing not enough endorphins and seratonin and all those good feeling hormones and chemicals if I remove myself from the Mood Elevator? Will it result in me struggling and fighting off depression? I did fight it, for years. I used eating healthy and exercise and guarding my thoughts to help keep it at bay. At best, on a scale of 1-10, I was operating at a solid 4. Not bad, eh? At least, I didn't think that was too bad. I was doing pretty good, considering when I was put on Zoloft a few years ago I was probably about a -5. And I got to 4 all by myself! No zoloft.
But I decided to give the mood elevator a try. I've been at a solid 8 now for the last few weeks.
The last week has been tough and interesting for me. I discovered a lot of WHY I have been struggling. Why I've been combating depression and all that for the last several years. So then I wondered, why now? Why do I all of the sudden remember? Why do I have the insight into myself that I haven't had? I think mentally and physically I'm finally at a place where I can confront these demons. And in facing them, I know now that I am strong enough to exorcise them and not let them have a hold on me. It's not an overnight magic pill. I know that truly freeing myself of all this will take a bit of time. But I can do it! If you had told me a year ago I could do this there's no way I would have believed it.
I have the Mood Elevator to thank for helping my body become stronger so that I can continue to grow and clean house (metaphorically) on my body, my emotions, my memories. I am proud of the progress I am making. It's ME that's doing the work. Paths Mood Elevator has just helped me do the work a little more quickly than I could have on my own. I don't believe I'll need the Mood Elevator forever. As I continue to grow and make myself better and better, I believe my body will refine itself and start operating in a more efficient, wholesome way all by itself. I just thank Paths for helping me get to that place a little faster. I cringe when I think about how many years it could have taken me all on my own. The same work is being done - whether on my own or with help - and I am the one doing the work. Just having the helping hand is so encouraging and inspiring.
PS - I love The Hitchhiker's Guide!!!! Great quote.