Hello,

Thanks for using Doctor Spring for posting your query.
I have gone through your question and I can understand what you are going through.

From what you have stated it is quite clear that you are having a depressive episode. Depression can occur with regular stress and it can also occur biologically without any stress as well. You need proper treatment for the same.
You have stated two options from your side i.e. cymbalta and Lexapro. There are various other effective therapies for depression like fluoxetine, venlafaxine, bupropion, mirtazapine and they are all very effective and mostly safe. Of the two choices that you kept I would like to opt for Lexapro. Its an SSRI group of drug and devoid of any significant side-effects. Its considered as very effective. It is generally started at 10mg and then gradually increased to 20mg. The improvement may take 2-4 weeks to show up and the treatment needs to be taken for 6-8 weeks atleast. The medication can be taken in ones a daily dose or in divided doses as well.

You may also require some benzodiazepines like clonazepam or lorazepam for a short period like 2-3 weeks to reduce the anxiety and help with your sleep.
If you are averse to the drug therapies then there is also an option of cognitive behavioural therapy. This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness.

Hope this helps,
If you have any further query, let me know.
Wish you a great health.
Kind regards,
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
Psychiatrist