Anti-depressant pill is only prescribed by a psychiatrist. They will examine you like as you questions to see how far yr depression showed. Here some symtoms like worry for nothing, can't sleep, headache, unable to concerntrate, clumsy (while eating or doing simple work), always say u are afraid that u can't remember this & that etc. Once anti - depressant is prescribed , it is indeed sleepy and it is usually advise to be taken only at nite. Some patient will experience hangover the next day(must inform doctor if it is, they probably give a lighter dosage) And also there are certaine dosage to be given as well and it comes with other medication as well depending how serious yr condition is.

Depression could due to some incident that affects you like dead, work stress, divorce, pre & post natal and also in some conditions GA is injected for an operation that causes you get depression. It does not happen to everyone but more on old aged folks but not all old folks. ( i have seen one).

Besides seeing a psychiatrist , a psychologist too is good. They don't prescribed drugs but they counsel you.

Family support is very important, don't ignore them. Give depression patient encouragement & care. But at the same time don't pamper them as they become lazy (I have seen one).Don't treat them like that they are a bedridden patient & u do everything for them like bring them a glass of water, bath them, etc.They could do it themselves. Don't say words that could hurt them or else they will get worst. A little or minor words that you think it won't hurt but people like them are very very sensitive. Take this people out for holidays, see more people, eat out or even shopping and do some lite activities & excercise....