But depression and anxiety can be crippling. And most people are hesitant to talk to their doctor about their depression. I would rather treat a few who might not need it then miss some people who are not able to actually live their life. And having been on antidepresssnts I know how much of a life saver they are. Side effects are minimal and we can always switch medications to one that has less side effects for that person. If the side effects are worse than the depression then the depression wasn't bad enough to need treating. I don't understand your concern at all frankly. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

I have patients who I can't get to take antidepressants despite the fact that they are not functioning and sometimes having physical harm from the depression like weight loss, weight gain, cutting/suicide, insomnia, lack of focus which can lead to accidents, alcohol or other drug use, the list goes on I'm sure. But they are hesitant to treat themselves because they are worried about what they hear on the internet about overuse and overprescribing of antidepressants and from people complaining about side effects. Again, it's a discussion with the patient about harms/benefit. For many the risk of side effect would be less than the benefit from treating their depressant and it's not worth it.

But I have never had a patient where I have been upset that someone tried an SSRI on them, so again I have no idea what your concern is.