I recently started taking anti-depressants. I’m glad that I’m on them, and am egarly anticipating the positive effects (takes a few weeks). I’m comfortable with the fact that I need them right now, and have had some helpful support from careing friends. To help tide me over untill they start to kick in and to keep me motivated, could you relate some (hopefully positive) experiences you know of involving such medication?!
–Celexa Man

I was going to tell you about my experiences with anti-depressants. But then I realized that most of those were for recreational use or didn’t last long enough to make a real impression. So, I’ve outsourced this question to someone I know that knows a lot more about anti-depressants thanI ever will. So here’s what Secret Guest Columnist had to say–

Anti-depressants can be extremely helpful tools. Myself and at least 1/3 of my friends have taken medication for depression or anxiety at some point. While I don’t think medication is a quick fix for any problem — counseling and a strong support network are integral to helping handle depression — I have found that medication has helped me restore balance to my life at several points. Being depressed sucks, and while I know waiting for things to get better can suck, but they will with time and proper care and attention. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed and let your doctor know immediately if you’re having any problems with your medication or considering no longer taking it. Even if the specific drug turns out not to be the best match for you, there are a number of options for treatment and one of them is right for you. Best of luck to you and know that millions of people are going through similar experiences.

i met my boyfriend in college but after he graduated he went to a seriously foreign country for a couple of years to teach English and learn Foreign Language X. We’ve been on and off in that period, and now he’s contemplating a move back to the US, where I reside. However, he doesn’t have a job, and will probably have to spend some good effort looking for one once he gets here. Also, there’s this slight possibility that he might be offered an ubercool job in Foreeign Country, in which case, he would not move here to be with me. Now, no decision has been made yet, but if he takes a job in the other country, do I break it off with him, even though he’s expressed he would like to stay together? This would put me in at least 2 more years of super long distance.
–Sleepless in Somwhere

This is one those situations in which there really is no correct answer. While I have never successfully had a long-distance relationship, I can tell you what not to do. Don’t lie. If you want to shag other people, date other people, make out with other people, then say so. If you want a real committment from this guy before you plunge into another two years, then ask for it. Start making plans together. “Okay, you’re going to Blatzlaviaoania for two years. That’s fine. Where do I fit in when that’s over?” Ultimately, you decide what you want to do. If you are looking for me to say “Dump him!” I’m not. Plenty of people do long-distance and do it well. I’m sorta doing it now, and I’m doing okay. But if he was too far, I’d probably succumb to some dude at a raunchy bar after too many margaritas and queso. Damn… queso is good. Er… back to you: Be clear in your intentions and fly out to Blatzlaviaolania for sex a couple of times, because, hey, you’ve got a free place to stay.