I felt really bad about myself and tended to be pessimistic about life. I honestly think counseling would have helped. Then add to that year's of antidepressant use. I think part of the reason it has taken me this long to get off the meds has some to do with dealing with old emotions and learning new ways of looking at life and it's events. Sometimes it is so overwhelming to feel again...I wonder if that is part of the reason people end up giving up the fight to freedom. For me I've had to work hard and get help to change my negative thinking patterns.