Medication Y or N?

My doctor diagnosed me with depression today (which, having been depressed for as long as I remember, was no surprise to me) and although medication was suggested, I really don't want to take anything if I can avoid it.

I am worried about:
- Becoming dependant on medication
- What side effects can occur.
- What can happen if and when you come off medictation. [/list]

Does anyone have any experience with handling depression without medictaion but phsycological councelling only?

Thanks.
Staedtler