2005 and 2006 were really hard for me. I had been suffering from moderate depression for a few years at that point. I had tried different medications and went to therapy but I was still struggling. Outwardly things were going really well. I was in a relationship with a good man, I was working and getting promoted quickly, and I was a youth leader at the church I was heavily involved in before moving away. My psychiatrist suggested that I try a newer medicine called Cymbalta. It worked differently than a typical antidepressant by controlling norepinephrine in addition to serotonin. I figured it was worth a shot. Over the next few months as the medicine took effect I noticed a change in my personality. It was subtle at first and likely looked like my depression was lifting. But I started behaving erratically. I spent $500 on baby clothes for a friend and some family members who were expecting little ones, despite the fact that I couldn’t really cover my bills.