Doctors usually recommend being on medication for at least six months. There are some types of depression that require medication. Bipolar depression, characterized by bouts of mania followed by bouts of depression, has a huge chemical component and must be treated with medication. You don't will yourself out of depression. Counseling can help people who suffer from depression to get to the root of their problems.
Medication can only treat the symptoms.
She said to keep herself upbeat she tries to find a balance. She gets involved in other things besides counseling, like organizing or attending workshops and seminars. She has a mix of clients and if someone isn't willing to change their life in order to quit feeling depressed, she will quit counseling that person. Not every depressed person is just depressed. Some can be manipulative takers.