So I was depressed due to life circumstances several years ago, I do not have at brain chemistry issues that wpuld result in the long term illness of Depression. (Being depressed and depression the illness are different things).

I found our my gf of 2 years had cheated on me lots, I had graduated university and lost touch with lots of friends, I was unemployed and shuffling to get interviews and was living in a shit flat in a rubbish part of town. At the behest of family advice I went to my GP, he referred me to a specialist. 1 week later I had my consultation. After me explaining my feelings and symptoms for literally 2 mins she was scribbling out a prescription for medication. I pushed back and said I would prefer alternatives before medication. She insisted I tried so she could work out the right medication and dosage. I again asked for an alternative and she irritably told me she wpuld6 arrange CBT but there was a 3 week waiting list.

Only reason I pushed back is from experience with a friend who got wrong prescribed medication, the withdrawals and side effects where horrific. I didn't want to experience that.

I fully believe they are effective for a lot of people, but i feel the NHS is to keen to prescribe them. In my consultation she was literally prescribing them as I came in the door. Seems the issue is misdiagnosed.