Tom, 2 points. 1, this so called chemical imbalance theory is hogwash
2 they don't jump start anything, let alone produce more of these chemicals. Quite the reverse, they say that you have too many, so they stop your brain making so many. But they never explain exactly how they do that, do they. They just want you to believe that somehow these drugs go to the exact part of your brain, that produces these things, and stops them making so much. Rather akin to a laser guided missile. It's all very high tech. Why then, do people, put on weight, and feel tremendously lethargic? Which is the horse, and which is the cart? Which is the first domino to fall?
I only know what worked for me.
I was suicidally depressed.
What I do know is that I was depressed for all my life (even as a kid) and I could never slow down those emotions long enough to think straight.
When we (my dr and I) found the 'right' drug, I wasn't feeling wonky, I felt like myself. The difference was I was able to put aside those depressive emotions so I could think rationally.
Then, after awhile (about a year and a half), the same meds started giving me headaches. The dr reduced the dose and I was fine again for about 3 months. Another reduction only lasted about a month till I got headaches again.
Finally, she took me off them completely and I have been off them ever since.
I still have an active RX in case I feel I need them but I haven't.
The dr didn't tell me anything, I just figured I was missing something and the drug helped my produce whatever it was that was missing.
I did continue therapy for another year but she told me she didn't see any reason I should be in therapy anymore, gave me her card and told me to call if I needed to talk.
I check in about 1x a year just to make sure there isn't something happening that I am unaware of but so far, all good.
Part of what helped me, besides the meds, was the fact that I read everything she gave me, participated honestly with accurate feedback and took upon myself the effort to get better. Plus I make effort daily to stay better.
What worked for me, may not work for others.
There are people that do need medicine and can never stop taking it.
There are people that have defects or physical damage that prevents them from finding inner peace.
Mental health and well-being is not a one size fits all treatment.
All I am saying is you usually get out of it what you put into it.
I needed to remove my delusions and start seeing reality for what it is.
It was really hard to do, but it gets easier once you gain some self-discipline and self-esteem.