This is a fascinating thread!

One thing it points up is how much and how good it is to share one's experience.
My story is much like a lot or yours. I come from a family of depressives,and suicides.
I've been in and out of therapy my entire life, and finally after all else failed, I was entreated to try Prozac.
It did indeed change my life.
I stayed on it for 2 and a half years, which was all I could afford with no insurance.Fortunately, it seems to have done the trick. Eight years later and I'm still without a major depression. I wake up every day with a joy I never thought I'd know...

Though I am,and will always be, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

But what I wanted to say here is that I would give ANYTHING ON EARTH if my mother had been around to try anti-depressants. Her doctor prescribed her depression with, wait for it,SLEEPING PILLS!
Need I tell you how she died?
I miss her every day of my life,and only hope that anyone out there reading this does whatever, WHATEVER it takes to help yourself.
Personally, I think it all helps-therapy,diet,community,sunlight,and medication. Keep looking and asking. There is obviously a huge community our there (here) waiting and willing to share and help.