Why are people becoming so dependent on western medicine?

[Chubby Cheeks]

I have suffered from depression for maybe about 10 yrs. I am 25 and just as of this week, been told that I should consider taking Prozac. I typed that in here to see who else has had experiences with it---and it seems like A LOT of people are on anti-depressants. Now I know, as far as real mental diseases such as anxiety disorder, bi-polar or schizophrenia or temporary uses for grief, post-pardom depression etc---you may actually need those meds to balance out your sanity---but why are people popping 'happy pills'? I mean, what did people do BEFORE there was medicine? And why are we so quick to medicate instead of focusing on the causes, solutions and remedies of natural-healing? I am determined to FIGHT my depression. Some days I win, more days I lose. But I still fight to see another day. I just refuse to accept or beleive that my key to being 'normal' or 'happy' relies on some chemicals added to my brain. That's enough to send me over the edge in just thinking that---YIKES
Shan---you're a jerk
Shan---My apologies. Upon further review and reading of your LONG answer---there actually was so sound advice in it. I thought it was SPAM at first glance.