Thanks you vital for the advice and resource. I will definitely read through those links and possibly pick up that book for more info.

Most of what you said is completely logical and rational, but being depressed as I've been for so long, I was sort of optimistic that I could take some sort of short cut with the drugs. Just using my common sense, I've felt that drugs shouldn't have been part of an initial diagnosis unless I gave the doctor the idea that I was psychotic, but I am confident that I came across as a normal functional person who gave no indications that I was suicidal or a danger to others.

I am overall coming to realize there is no short cut to improve my life and that's why I've joined this forum to gain more information for myself.