Is it better to take medicine for depression
Evidence shows that when an economy is growing and unemployment is low mental illness is low, also. I attribute depression to many things but burnout from a hectic schedule can create whats called the "hampster wheel effect"-the feeling that you're just spinning your wheels and not really enjoying life.
As for counselors, they can also "tell you what you want to hear". To avoid this, I say multiple opinions help alot. My experience in group therapy has shown me that the "feeling alone on an island" seems a common thing indeed.
My best therapy, personally, came from realizing what I wanted AND talking to lots of people, and meditation of course. You would be amazed at how our mood is efffected by our environment!
Last but not least, check your diet. A low ph from too many carbs, too many acidic foods,can deplete intestinal flora and cause whats called a candida yeast infection, which is intestinal. Symptoms of this? Low energy, feeling tired easily, craving sweets all the time. A diet high in fruit and raw vegetables can change the mood alot!
synopsis: drugs as a last resort. Empower yourself first!
Yes, counseling is a great idea! I honestly haven't seen anyone really get better on meds. Yes, some people do need meds for certain illnesses... but with depression... try getting to the root of the problem, don't cover it up with pills. I was on a message board and this person was listing out probably 10-15 different meds they'd tried and said none of them work... my question was... Have you tried working on the problem??? I've been on tons of meds over the past 10 years for depression and supposedly being bipolar... I got myself in a better situation, started taking care of myself, went off the meds... I've been off of them for a month now and am doing BETTER than when I was on the meds! I'm learning how to deal with the problem, live life on life's terms... rather than taking meds that sedate me and keep me from having to look at the problem. Don't let any dr or counselor push meds on you, try to work on the problem first... maybe down the road you'll decide you do need to try meds, but don't let it be a long term deal... try it a few months, then evaluate how you're doing... I know so many people who say the meds are great, the meds work... they're still not functioning though, they're all on disability can't hold a job... they're drugged out, they don't have to deal with all the crap, that's why they say it's working great.
Anyway, I highly suggest counseling over medication... good luck!