I've been through depression, and 10 years later had it combined with workplace stress.
The key here is not to give a toss what the employer's opinion is. It's all about putting your own wellbeing first.
I was on on citalopram in my first battle, and can agree that it does not solve the problem. All the drugs can do is shut down your brain at night long enough for you to rest your way out of the exhaustion. They block seratonin, the chemical that drives the thought creation process, and therefore creates REM sleep. Depressives become exhausted because their minds don't rest, they stay in REM too long.
After a few months I bought a mountain bike - that's where the recovery really started, it helped me cope.
After two years I was off the pills, I wasn't cured.
3 years ago work became hell, then I got injured and couldn't cycle, and had to go through months of physio, with an employer viewing the one hour a week as skiving and a 'half day holiday', and ignoring me hauling myself up and down stairs with my arms alone. The next downward spiral began. This put me in front of a doctor again, and he recommended a talk to the occupational therapist regarding my rights as an employee, rethinking my life and counselling sessions.
I also took advice that led to me going to Tai Chi lessons (it really does change you!). And yes, mindfullness and the Dummies books are very good. I left every counselling session feeling as if a weight had been lifted.
All this helped far more than pills ever could.
I was made redundant late last year, and it was a relief! I was told that outside of that job was the real world, and life is good. I'm doing the same job now for a different company and it's actually fun. I'm working now to fuel holidays.
I'd recommend this to anyone - Go talk to a doctor and get things moving for you. If pills are needed ask for how long and what else will be done, as they aren't a cure. Be in control of your treatment. Get away from the employer's grasp and think things through - a doctor will most likely recommend some time off. My last employer wanted to put my completion of counselling in the bloody newsletter!! There are other jobs when you're better.
You and your life come first. Get informed. Get the options. Take control. Yes it's scarey, just do it by the numbers.
PS: Citalopram. It will make you feel worse at first, then it does it's stuff. It has benefits, but places limits on you. When you come off it the doses should be slowly decreased. Cold turkey will have you falling over and all sorts - I've been there!
It's been a while since I read up on it.