It does seem like a lot of people are treated for depression - myself included.
I spent a year in therapy with a psychiatrist for a combination of depression and anxiety, fighting medication the whole time. Like many people my age (soon to be 50!), I was raised to pull myself up by my bootstraps, so to speak.
After a year, I agreed to discuss medication. The doctor asked me if I had diabetes, would I refuse to use insulin? Of course not. If I had heart problems, would I take needed medication? Of course. It's very much the same thing, and it runs in families.
Having taken medication for a couple of years, I decided I was better and didn't need it any more. After a while, one of my children made a comment that I didn't ever smile. Back to the doctor and back on meds for me.
Years ago, there wasn't much available to help many of the conditions that are treatable today - from depression to high blood pressure to diabetes to cancer to impotence - the list goes on and on. Why is it that we don't question the need for treatment for physical problems, but if it is a mental condition, we quesion it?
If you, your family and friends are all fortunate enough to not have had clinical depression congratulations! However, if there is somebody who needs the help that is available, I hope you will listen to them and educate yourself rather than make them feel that they have to hide it from you.