They don't have to be forever. Sometimes they help for a short time yo get you into a place where you can benefit from t better. My analogy for that being like goes scuba diver takes an oxygen tank with them on a dive. It gives them the ability to stay under longer without holding their breath.

Taking them doesn't make you less of a person by any means. If you aren't comfortable with the idea though, your doctor should be willing to discuss other options