I'm actually in the opposite situation then you, in that I've always been in the civilian world and just married someone in the military 6 months ago. I was SHOCKED when we went on base to meet with the local Tricare representative and I learned how cheap (if not completely free) everything was going to be. I have a totally new appreciation for the great benefits of the military everyone talks about... and it was nice to hear that you had this same experience too! :-)

Although it is definately imperative Mental Illness be identified early and treated aggressively, antidepressants were never meant for long term use.
Long term use results in significant changes in SERT gene expression, resulting in chronic depression, and ultimately, necessary dependancy to antidepressants.
It's sad to read yet another Woman has become a psychiatrist’s Chemistry Experiment.
Fortunate for Mrs. Smiley, her Military Dependent status frees her from the long-term hardship skyrocketing health care costs leave civilians permanently oppressed.
How long does Mrs. Smiley's doctor expect her to suffer from Post Partem Depression?
After 7 years of Zoloft, Mrs. Smiley can expect to suffer long past menopause.
The Mental Health Community would have us all, including our children, on one type of pharmacological or another.
A boon for the Pharmacutical Industry and a disaster for true Mental Health Well-Being in our country.

You shouldn't feel bad for using any kind of medication. I'm a 25 year Navy wife and I have a son who has required SSRI's for several years and probably will continue to for many years and that will be determined by HIS TEAM OF DOCTORS. Depression is bio-chemical and sometimes physical such caused by brain injury - not a choice. We are fortunate to have a health care system that has become so efficient. Active duty members and dependants pay a heavy price and make huge sacrifices for it and we have every right to take advantage of it and all the other benefits alloted to us. They are part of the military pay. Congress is constantly trying to make it more expensive for us to use our medical benefit and there are individuals and groups who lobby against those changes. Members would benefit by staying abreast of those atempts.