I think we can say that some people have chemical imbalances and that medications can help some of these people. Schizophrenics are a pretty good example. It is possible that some people with Major Depression can also be helped this way.
But I also think it is safe to say that these medications are over-prescribed and given to some people who are not helped by them and may in fact be hurt by them.
A lot of “mental illness” is just people who think wrong. “I am a victim”, “I deserve more”, “I deserve to be rich and famous, just because”.
There are many unhappy people in society and some of them seem determined to constantly be unhappy. They seem to work hard on that goal. Some form of effective counseling might benefit these people. But, instead, we medicate just about anyone and everyone, with powerful chemicals with known side effects.
Sometimes it goes badly.
Considering that the method for prescription is “here, try this and let’s see what happens” it’s no wonder.
I have my own views on the causes of depression and anxiety, and agree with you in part...
...but defining “badly” should be more broad than “sometimes.”
I believe most people on these drugs are in fact harmed rather than helped, similar to the opioid problem and not assigning a cause to pain.
“Sometimes” they do very bad things to others...