Just a quick note to say hi! I am taking Effexor for depression/anxiety. You need to take meds Dr ordered. It will help. If it makes you feel bad then call your Dr and let him know. Bite the bullet.....
Try to overcome your reluctance to take meds that will in all probability make you feel well again. You may be able to get some talking therapy alongside meds ~ the ideal situation if you're unwell moodwise. There are millions of us on meds. I can't stay out of mental hospitals if I stop taking them, but I'm doing OK on them & so will continue. Should you decide to take them, remain on them for as long as recommended after you feel 100% again. As soon as I've taken AD's at start of treatment there's always been a 'dip' in condition. All the willpower I could muster didn't help, ever, against Anx/Dep. If your condition worsens get quick help, don't hesitate. You may have lost a lot, jobwise etc.but you still have more to be happy about than you now imagine. Believe you'll get well.