I've had depression for nearly 4 years now, and have been on medication. Recently, a friend of mine has started to think that he has depression. I know he's struggled with self-esteem problems because girls he goes after don't feel the same. But he's always really seemed fine - sleeping normally, only upset if a girl he likes talks to another guy, still does the things he enjoys, sleeping and eating normally. He also always seems in a good disposition, happy, fun, joking. He could be hiding things, but I know that when I tried to hide things, I physically couldn't when I was sick.

He decided he wanted to go on medication. I'm basically scared of what might happen if he does go on medication, but he doesn't actually need it, he just wants it. Can anti-depressants hurt someone who does not have depression? Or if they are depressed, can it hurt them if their depression is mild and not chemical?

I'm scared that he could actually develop problems because of the meds. I'm also scared of what will happen if they don't work to make him feel better and to get over girls and such. I know him really well, and this really seems to be all that this is about. I love my friend and want to help him, and I don't want him to get hurt. I want him to get better, but i'm scared of what will happen if he's on meds and actually doesn't chemically need them.

Thanks for any help!