People need to be happy. It isn't that hard. Sure, there are hard times, but we will all get through them in time. American society has put so much stress on individuals to constantly be going and doing and not take time to sit back, relax and enjoy what you have. In addition, pharmaceutical companies in America are in the industy for pure materialism (profit), not to help people. People who are depressed should think about what makes them smile and do those things more, do what makes them as an individual happy. Take time to breathe and enjoy all the beauty in the world....

EXQUISITELY STATED erin. All I have to add is that NO MATTER what life throws at you , in the end YOU are in charge of your life. Do just what erin is saying and periodically " STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES" "DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY" "DON'T SWEAT THE PETTY STUFF" or is it "DON'T PET THE SWEATY STUFF" (lol, just joshin)

It is not wrong to feel emotional anguish. Antidepressants aren't for the suffering intrinsic to the human condition. They're purpose is to treat a disease. I'm no fan of big pharma, but you must understand that many people afflicted with depression are also faced with anhedonia, a distinct loss of efficacy amongst what once were sources of pleasure for such individuals. The reasons why people hurt like this are not fully understood yet. However, having experienced it myself, I feel I can safely be an authority in saying, it's not just about smelling the roses. Sometimes there isn't enough serotonin in the brain's circulation for the mesolimbic reward system to really activate much at all. In those times, no positive thoughts are available. All memories that can be retrieved are of a negative theme, and lest we forget, suicide can seem like a good option. Let's not denounce a treatment before we have a suitable alternative. Individuals need to experience happiness, but it is individuals thinking they can't deal with suffering and NEED to be happier that leads to a great amount of suffering, not to mention drug misuse/abuse.

Depression is a serious condition, but not everyone who get an antidepressant med is experiencing clinical depression. Being able to distinguish between diagnosable depression and unhappiness is not something that can happen in a 15 minute visit with a primary care provider. We should be focusing on accurate, differential diagnoses, to make sure meds are being given in the right instances. Poor assessment underlies many of our prescription drug problems. Psychotherapy is often the most effective, long term treatment for depression, in combination with medication.