KT - Like you, I had mild depression throughout my teens. For me, it was a hormonal birth control that set me over the edge to a place where not-managing it wasn't a viable option.  I'm unfortunately one of those people who get worse, rather than better, over time on medications.  I've had the best results with a combination of therapy, nutrition and exercise.  Obviously, this doesn't work for everyone.

The hardest thing for me was to recognize that those methods are EXACTLY like meds for people for whom meds work best--I can't just refuse to manage my depression and pretend it's not there.  It's much like a diabetic who theoretically COULD manage their insulin levels with diet and exercise--but won't.  

I know what it's like to hold back. For me, it hasn't been the depression that I've kept "in the dark"--but there is a "thing" I don't share.  And at times, the not-sharing colors everything else.  It becomes the elephant in my mental living room.  

I'm glad you've gotten the elephant cleared out of your mental living room, and gotten so much support and encouragement.  :)