Antidepressants saved my life.
I had dealt with depression since my teens, through to my mid-forties when I finally turned to alcohol to help self-medicate the depression and anxiety. Finally, I was able to get properly treated for the depression and at that point, I was able to stop drinking. Without the antidepressants, I honestly didn't care enough about myself to be motivated to stay sober.
I did have to try a few different antidepressants to find one that worked. I have no side-effects whatsoever, and for me, the medication levels the playing field. It gives me a fighting chance.