Did you have post natal depression? If so it would have been appropriate for you to have been supported by a Psychiatrist, a Psychiatric out-reach worker and your GP. More recently your GP could have sent you to a Gynea or menopause clinic - GPs sometimes forget that they are GPs and Hospitals are there for problems they are unable to sort!
Depression can be managed but like any chronic illness, can be difficult to maintain the status quo. I had side effects during withdrawal. It took 2 days each week for me to begin to feel different, took 9 weeks of lowing the dosage before I was OK - I then began another AD which has, so far, suited me although there are days when I feel woozy. I take a betablocka too - 2-day has been one of really heavy head, my head feels tired, my body not keeping up …….. but this is not common for me and is far better than the depression I suffered.
Anxiety can be disabling. People who have never suffered won't realise how debilitating it can be. It is the physicality which floors me ……..