Ahhh, the medication conundrum. As someone who has taken and benefited from antidepressants, but who also has done a lot of research and can see the other side, I'd be happy to clear up some misconceptions. About 30-40% of depressions respond to medication. No one really truly understands why this is, but I suspect that it is because we currently don't really understand all the mechanisms of depression, and in the cases where it does not help, another underlying source is the cause. Just like autism is a spectrum, not a single condition, I suspect that depression is similar. If you have never watched the presentation on depression by Robert Sapolsky, I highly recommend it as it very clearly outlines the complexity of treating depression, and the various underlying factors at work. It's on you tube.
Antidepressant medications are not addictive in the traditional sense, i.e. you don't feel any overwhelming desire to take them, or feel you "need" them. They are not psychologically addictive, but they are physically addictive. This means that you do go through withdrawl when you stop, so you should NEVER stop cold turkey, even if you are experiencing unpleasant side effects, you should lower your dose gradually to let your body readjust. Many regular doctors do not understand this, but it is crucial. There are some drugs called benzodiazepineswhich are not antidepressants, they are tranquillizers, but are sometimes combined with them - these can lead to dependence, and are not recommended for longer than 2-4 weeks.
There are different kinds of antidepressants that work on different neurotransmitters, some work on seratonin (SSRIs), some work on dopamine and some onnorepinephrine (or a combo of these). There is no test to know which one will work for you, unfortunately it's trial and error at this point. For in depth info and honest discussion about all the different meds on the market, and the real side effects as experienced by patients, check out the website "crazymeds.us" - yeah, but trust me, you will get honest unbiased info there unlike drug company sites, and an honest discussion of whether or not meds are right for you. It's also refreshingly funny to boot.
Finally, the real root of the discussion is what does it mean to take medication for depression? A lot of the stigma comes from this notion that you "should" be able to conquer it "on your own". Another aspect is that medication does not cure depression, it just manages symptoms. And finally, lots of people have tried it and it does not work for them, or they hadextremelynegative experiences, so they will advise against it. My advice? Don't listen to my advice, or their advice, or anyones. Only YOU know how you feel, and only you can decide if you think medication is an avenue you want to explore. If you DO decide to explore trying medication, do your research, learn about what is possible and what side effects to expect. A few more things:
The first 2-3 weeks of taking an antidepressant WILL suck big time. They take time to kick in, and the side effects are usually MUCH WORSE the first 2-3 weeks. So, not only do you have to put up with how much your depression sucks, you ALSO have to put up with a plethora of negative side effects like disturbed sleep (if you were even sleeping regularly), nausea (if you weren't already sick enough!) and feeling hyped or wired or whatever - it depends on your body and how you react to that particular drug. Oh joy. But, after that, when the medication does kick in, a lot of the side effects subside to being barely noticeable, at least for some people.
Yes, it's true that medication does not cure you, it just manages symptoms. It won't make your life or job or perspective any better. BUT for some, it gives you the stability, the energy, and the focus to start making those life changes that get at the roots of your depression. It can create a space or a break from the negative thoughts, the exhaustion, and the devastating sadness to allow the healing to begin. If you can't get out of bed in the morning, it's unlikely you'll have the energy to exercise, do therapy, or the other many things that help this illness. And unfortunately, there is no guarantee that medication will even work for you. For me, it's a tool, one of many, that was worth exploring despite the challenges, but that's me. Only YOU know what's right for you, and if you choose to try it or not try it, no one else's opinion matters.