This all depends on what is causing the depression.  For most cases of depression it is a psychological thing, but for some it is due to a more serious psychiatric condition.

The biggest problem I have with society's attitude with any medication for any mental illness is that it is taboo.  It's a rather silly attitude to have.  If we had to be on medication for the rest of our life because of diabeties, epilepsy, heart disease, or asthma, no one has anything to say about it other than "Have you remembered to take your medication?, You really shouldn't forget it, you do need it after all."  Yet if we have to take medication to keep us from going off the rails, it's a totally different story.  "Why do you need that?  It's really not the best thing for you.  You should try other methods."  The simple fact is, for many people with mental illness, medication is just part of life.  Many that suffer from conditions that a good amount of psychological therapy can help can get off the medication eventually, but to do so too soon can be disasterous.  They feel fine while on the medication, and so they think they don't need it anymore.  They stop taking it because their peers are on their case about it and they are tired of having to remember it every day, and then the next thing they know they have lost the plot and are reacting very badly.  Violence, murder and suicide are the extremes, but even just having trouble dealing with day to day issues can be debilitating for the sufferer and frustrating for their loved ones.

My attitude is, if you are getting professional help and are given the professional opinion that you are ready to wean off the medication, then by all means give it a go - as per prescribed.  If not, and you need it, then take it.  If you suffer from a condition that is more psychological than psychiatric, such as common depression or PTSD, then get all the psychological help you can get and then ask about getting off the meds.  But if it's more psychiatric, such as schitzophrenia or certain forms of bi-polar, then for the sake of those that love you if not your own, take that medication as your specialist has prescribed it.

I have been suffering from depression for many years, but it was just about 3 years ago that it got really really bad, where I just did not want live, i just wanted to leave this world, i contemplated suicide many times, some days that was all i could think about, i had no reason to feel this way because i am married and have 2 teenage kids, and an average family life. I took my self to the doctor and she put me on Lexapro, actually i tried zoloft, luvox etc. and they didn't agree with me, but i found Lexapro changed my life, i was suddenly happy and able to enjoy life again, i am still on it, and i am scared to go of it, in case the depression comes back. has anyone been on lexapro?

Hiya guys

Have been in a relationship with a depressive for about 2 years...was goign to say happily married now but that would be a slight exageration!  Did a whole lot fo research on depression - THE best site I could find is depression(n?)et.com.au - community based too so awesome for both depressives and partners. 

Medication for depression is critically once you have reached a certain stage of depression.  It becomes biological, where your brain is no longer producing enough of the "happiness" chemical for it to function correctly.  Counselling or meditation or changing diet at this stage is not productive - fewer than 10% of cases respond.  People honestly do need medication to treat, as they would for any other illness.  Cause that is what it is, an illness. 

Best case scenario once depression has reached a certain stage is medication AND counselling...AND exercise AND diet AND meditation - awesome book is "Optimal Nutrition for your Brain" which goes through all of the different foods you could be eating to improve your depression.  In terms of counselling, if anyone has the cash for it, quadrinity.com.au is website for an awesome 10 day course that many participants and counsellors believe advances participants 2 years in counselling time during the course...and its downright enjoyable / lovely / wonder full. 

Hugs to you all - my mantra at times is " you will get through this, just not yet" - certainly applies to depression!