I think some people do need them and they can be used to enable people to be well enough to even contemplate other therapies such as CBT or counselling in severe depression. I was prescribed Prozac couple of years ago and it made me manic but when I changed to another type (citalopram) I had no side effects other than feeling sick for a couple of days. I do think Drs hand them out a little too easily though without truly getting to the root of problems but this is because there are such long waiting lists for other therapies.
Some people do need antidepressants. I take Lexapro and don't have any bad side effects from it. It really helps me a lot and my parents and therapist notice a big difference in me. I'm not saying that antidepressants should be given to everyone, they do help some people though. Peace and love
i'm bipolar and have an anxiety disorder too so i'm on a cocktail of antidepressants, a moodstabilizer, an antipsychotic, and xanax. this keeps me out of the hospital but i'm still on disability because i can't work (physical problems too). i have no artificial feelings - i don't walk around like a zombie. i have had CBT and DBT training too; they do help. i know i can't just depend on pills to get through life. i have had to develop many other coping skilss such as meditation, and listening to music, and journaling. and i also have a kickass therapist.