Anti-depressants can be harmful to the general population:

Results of a recent meta-analysis shows that antidepressants can be harmful in the general population:

“The common wisdom is that antidepressants are safe and effective, and by treating people with depression with antidepressants, we can save lives. However, research over the last decade has shown that antidepressants are much less effective than we had thought. Our research is part of a body of research that suggests that antidepressants are much less safe that was previously assumed lead researcher Paul W. Andrews, PhD, JD, of the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, told Medscape Medical News.

In the people that antidepressants works for, about 50%, the problem has been the effects are not maintained.  Therefore more often a different one may be prescribed.  Antidepressants can increase the risk of death due to all causes, by a staggering 33%.  Depression is a very serious problem and affects the quality of life for many, around the world.  Depression affects quality of life and also productivity and can lead to seeking avenues for relief which may include alcohol or drug abuse or other behaviors which can actually exacerbate the problem over time.

So what is the best way to treat depression?

Unfortunately there are no easy answers but there are some clues.  The best treatment for depression depends on how severe your symptoms are, and effective treatments often involve a combination of talk therapy, medication, lifestyle, and mindset and awareness changes [ 1 ], and herbal formulas and/or acupuncture  

Depression is a complex condition and as optimal treatments should be individualized.  New research has shown that exercise, essential fatty acids Omega-3, meditation, yoga, light therapy, hobbies, certain amino acid supplements,  psychoactive drug in very low doses [ 2 ], Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin!!), even sleep deprivation [ 3 ] can help. There seems to be a genetic component to depression as well [ 4 ].  Depression is a very complex problem and has many contributing factors, and different factors are at play with different people carrying different weights.

Far East medicine with its philosophies, pattern differentiation, herbal medicines, and of course through the use of hair thin needles, or acupuncture, has been effectively treating depression for millenia.  Times have changed of course.  There are greater forces pushing towards depression.  Life pressures are greater.  Perhaps their philosophy of seeing people as body, mind and spirit, and as a very unique individual is the reason for their greater success.  I am happy to consult with you to see if this approach may be good for you.  Please call to set up a phone or an in person consultation.