Prescription antidepressants

For the past decade I've been struggling with really deep Depression that is now almost completely debilitating. I'm a huge natural health person and have tried virtually everything natural/herbal/orthomolecular imaginable . Sadly, the only thing that ever really worked was recreational drugs which I stopped many years ago.

Ironically I was more functional than I am now. I don't want to go back to using destructive things. I really need something, so I am thinking of trying a prescription antidepressant.

The only thing that worries me is the research showing how most of them are no better than placebo.

If I could afford therapy I would go, but I am unemployed.

Has anyone had an experience with prescription ADs? Have they really helped?