It has been pretty well established that depression and other mood disorders run in families and most medical authorities agree that depression is caused, in part, by chemical imbalances in the brain. These imbalances can frequently be corrected by the use of antidepressants.

What you haven't told me is why the medication was prescribed. I am assuming that if you've been prescribed anti-depressants after a thorough evaluation by a medical professional, it is probably because, in the doctor's profession experience, she or he believed that this was the best course of action. Perhaps you've had a prolonged period of depression that is interfering with the enjoyment of your normal, everyday activities or with school.

Like you, many people are resistant to the idea of drug therapy either because they prefer to try to tackle depression more holistically (with the use of exercise, diet, stress relief, herbs, etc.) or because of the stigma they fear is attached to taking the drugs. If you fall more on the holistic side of the fence, there are certainly other ways to try to combat depression, some which I've mentioned.

But I urge you to ask your parents for help in trying to decide what's right for you. If you are resistant to taking anti-depressants because of the perceived stigma, just know that the use of anti-depressants is gaining widespread acceptance, as people begin to see the disorder as a manageable condition like diabetes or high-blood pressure. It may help for you to think of depression that way, too. It will help you remember that it's just as important to take care of yourself mentally as physically.

Consider looking into talk therapy (whether or not you decide to take the medication). Those suffering from depression usually see better results when the two forms of therapy are combined.

All the best.