I know for a fact that without the 2 depression meds that I've been taking for several years that I wouldn't be here right now. At it's worst, my depression almost managed to convince me that my only option was to kill myself.
We live about 25 miles from the Deception Pass Bridge that connects Fidalgo island to Whidbey island. It's almost 200 feet about Puget Sound, and is a popular spot for people with suicidal thoughts to carry out their wish to kill themselves.
I've had serious thoughts of doing just that, driving over the bridge, parking my truck with the keys locked inside, and jumping into oblivion. I almost did this on 2 occasions, and it was after this that my doctor changed my meds to the 2 that I take now.
Am I still depressed, yes. Are things as bad now than they were then, no. This is just my opinion, but I don't see how anyone with clinical depression can cope long term without some pharmaceutical help.
Good luck.