The answer to that question is different for different people.  Each medication is a two-edged sword because of potential side effects.  Some medications are associated with a higher than normal incidence of suicide.  Sometimes there is a serious rebound of depression when you stop using medication.

Taking antidepressants to reestablish command and control isn't like taking an aspirin for a headache.  Antidepressants have real complications associated with their use, especially when used in the combination with other medications.  People taking antidepressants should be treated by a professional who evaluates their response to therapy at regular intervals, and who also checks for adverse reactions to the medication.

If you have a significant degree of mental slippage, you need some type of therapy that will allow you to reestablish command and control.  If you have a mild mood disorder, cognitive therapy alone may do the job with the least risk of complications.

But when the mood disorder is severe with a high degree of mental slippage, it will be more difficult to reestablish command and control with only cognitive therapy, and it may be necessary to use medication.  After medication has had a positive effect, you may benefit from cognitive therapy to complete the job.

All types of mood disorders (mild to severe) may benefit from medication, but in severe mood disturbances, the loss of control is so advanced that medication is no longer optional.  It's mandatory.  You must use medication to regain enough control over your thoughts so that other forms of therapy have a chance to work.

In order to win the battle against depression, it's absolutely essential that you reestablish control over your thoughts.  If you are depressed, you may believe it's impossible to control your thoughts.  Outside forces have controlled your mind for such a long time, it seems like a radical idea that you can actually control what you think about.  You have been living in mental default mode for so long with other people setting and controlling your mental agenda, you now believe reestablishing control is impossible.

If that's the way you feel, you are wrong.  The combination of cognitive therapy in combination with medication pushes the odds for recovery in your favor.  If you are motivated and assume a positive attitude toward treatment, you will reestablish command and control, and will win the war against depression.

Excerpt from :

Zero Tolerance To Negative Thinking : Good-by Depression - Hello Positive Mind

David J Abbott M.D.