Hello CanadianEm and welcome to the forum. Depression and anxiety are well documented illnesses. Suicide, which is usually caused by depression, is the second leading cause of death among 15-24 yr olds(behind accidents) . It also ranks about 9th overall as leading cause of death among the general population every year. Only slightly behind auto accidents and in front of kidney disease.
So depression, anxiety and all mental illness are pretty serious. As too whether we need to take meds or not, that is any individuals choice. I know a lot of individuals who say they never use any kind of medication, but when they go to the dentist I seldom hear them tell the dentist to go ahead and pull the tooth without freezing or when they have an infection refuse to take antibiotics.
Having a mental illness isn't a choice that we make. Accepting treatment for any illness, mental or physical is a choice that we can make. If taking meds means enjoying life and living longer, then it is certainly your right to take meds.
Having said all of that, just like if I have a kidney or heart disease and have to watch my diet, plus take my medications and try and live a healthy life style, there are things that we can do to help limit the effects of a mental illness. Cognetive Behavioural courses have been proven to help some people reduce or eliminate the amount of meds that they take. Living a healthy life style can be beneficial. That doesn't mean that I'm being critical of anyone's life style, I try too eat healthy and exercise, but that can be hard when I don't get out of bed for a week due to depression. Plus for me, I could be the most fit person in the world and I still need to take my meds. Take Care. paul m