I tried everything in the book, exercising regularly, swallowing any number of cups of valerian tea to help me sleep and taking capsules of various plant oils that promised serenity. Yet nothing at all could stop the depression and anxiety, and I found myself starting to wonder if a life dogged by such bleakness was really worth living. My confidence was in shreds and my marriage fast becoming a sexless friendship. My husband Mike was understanding but it certainly put a strain on our relationship. At my wits’ end, it occurred to me I might simply have to accept that this was middle age; that these feelings were here to stay. These black moods, this anxiety, these sleepless nights, and a non-existent sex drive now my life. It wasn’t much of a future to look forward to.