LONG STORY SHORT: IS IT OK TO BE ON ANTI-DEPRESSANTS LONG TERM? LIKE LIFETIME?

LONG STORY LONG: I am 17 years old. I have been on and off anti-D's for the last like four years almost. I am starting them again now. My counselor and I have been talking fot a while, and well we are really close, like friends. And he told me that he is on them again and he is 32 years old. That he is going to stay on them for a longer period of time this time around and that he just feels better. I realize that at this point in my life, I just need a little help. But I am finally starting to realize that Depression is really not a psychological thing. That it's an actual . . . disease. It consumes you. I may be on anti-depressants for the rest of my life, just to keep up to par. I don't like that too too much, but if it means I can be happy with myself and my life, then maybe that's ok?? I just really want people to understand that... that its not that I'm . . . a psycho (for lack of a better word). I hate being judged. Anyone else feel this? Anyone on meds long-term? Is it too much to ask. . . to not be judged? Is my case that much different from a diabetic who has to be on meds the rest of his/her life? I just need some other views on this please... Any side of it will help.
Thanks,
mu$ik