I think exercise, sunlight, good sleep and diet, and good social relationships are all more effective than SSRIs. But anyone who's had bad depression knows how hard those things are to maintain if you're depressed. SSRIs make some portion of people functional enough where they can at least build a healthy life. But definitely not everyone, and they are definitely not "the cure"

> After a few weeks I was tapered off them.

> I felt no different before, during or after them.

SSRI onset is slow, which is one of the common problems with treatment.

In studies where they survey both the patient and their family members, the family members actually start noticing improvements before the patient. Onset is slow and it takes a long time for patients to realize the positive effects.

Ideally they’re prescribed along with other lifestyle changes like your walks. It doesn’t have to be an either-or. A lot of patients get offended when doctors suggest things like walking because they think it indicates the doctor is telling them to “just walk it off” which doesn’t go well.

It’s not surprising you didn’t feel anything noticeable after a few weeks. It’s also unfortunate, but not too surprising, that your doctor wasn’t informed enough to communicate these things. Some doctors are great about setting expectations and following up. Others write a prescription and send patients off to fill it without the necessary context.

Lexapro, noted in the article, was literally life changing for me. I felt better within 3d and I notice severe issues if I miss ~3d of doses in a row, even though the half-life should support ~7d without according to my physician.

That said, yes; walking is the best medicine for me.