As a psychologist, I firmly believe that anti-depressants are maybe 20% effective. They will “take the edge off” for those with mild situational depression (e.g., bereavement) by helping the brain retain serotonin and indirectly stimulate dopamine. Sunshine and exercise are more effective for that task.
A CNS depressant is usually prescribed for anxiety. Why it was described for depression makes sense only if the doc wanted the patient to stop complaining ASAP. It’s malpractice.
I truly believe that to overcome depression, one has to address the circumstances in one’s life that are causing the negative thoughts and mindset to occur.
There have been times in my life when I have felt truly terrible, and doing positive things for others really seemed to help.
One of the best things I’ve done was to adopt and provide a home to a rescue dog. This provided a lasting source of happiness and satisfaction.
I felt like I did something good, and so I felt good. As a reward I have a wonderful and loyal best friend, and she came from a rough place and time too, so she is also doing much better.
Positive actions, not pills, is the cure IMO, and yeah that doctor did not do her any favors by prescribing valium. That is something the body can and should do without.