Thank you for trying to understand an illness in which you are not affected.
Having been down the depression road in my life, I have learned different things that can assist with my depression and I no longer take pills (my choice). I can say they helped me learn new methods of coping with the illness.
Not that everyone's depression is the same, my is PTSD. Because of a childhood experience lasting 8 years, I suffered from PTSD. They helped me overcome the feelings I felt about myself. And today I can say I feel fine without the need for meds.
There are many different types of depression, and while the television has made people more aware of this illness, and is advertising more medications for it, it comes down to the dr and patient when deciding to go onto or off of depression meds.
With the increased advertising this "closet" illness is coming to light, just like sexual predators are more announced in the news.