I was actually hospitalized for depression/anxiety. There are different kinds of depression. I have 'anxious depression'. There is also situational depression which is a bit different. I will also be on meds probably my whole life. I did get off of them for a period when there were few stressors in my life but I felt it creep in like a dark cloud forming and went back on the meds.
I was the bedridden, suicidal ideation type of depressed person so if I can get better, anyone can
Finding the right doctor is key.