Off My Chest
RULES:
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They're obviously wrong, and commenters already gave you correct information that it typically isn't long term (especially in combination with therapy, for some).
I will add two things I've seen before on the parent side (typically parents at a school). One, they might not understand that depression isn't something they caused- in many cases, it's biological and out of anyone's hands. There's a lot of taboo, much of which can be shame or guilt, which is fully unwarranted, but treating it admits it's serious. "Could I have some something better?" and "what will others think?" are a common thoughts. I'm not sure if that's the case in your culture, but perhaps.
Second, seeing a change in your child can be a little scary. They misunderstand what the change would be (y'know, happy) but imagine you love your child and all their qualities, and that's going to change under medication. Maybe they'll be less creative? Maybe they'll lose their human side? And it's true there will be a change, but the thing is depression is what's changing who you are, not the medication.
Anyway that's my two cents since I work in education and teach about these things to other educators. Parental approval is a REAL hurdle for education professionals and they don't always succeed, but be persistent and make sure they understand it's not shameful, it's no one's fault, medication will allow you to be yourself, and as everyone else has explained, it's likely only temporary.
I love most of your comment but I don't like the common concept of antidepressants as "happy pills". It's the same issue as depression means you're sad. Depression is a complex illness with a large variety of potential symptoms. In severe depression people are more likely to describe themselves as numb or emotionless than sad because they've become emotionally exhausted. Sadness also isn't the only negative emotion linked to depression. People with depression experience higher levels of guilt, shame, agitation, and anger.
For my subjective experience, I couldn't tell a difference when I started taking SSRIs. They were making a difference because family members told me that I was easier to be around. That I didn't snap at them or brood as much. I didn't realize that I had been snapping at them. Bupropion on the other hand made a big difference to how I felt almost immediately. It eased the physical symptoms of depression, gave me more energy, and made the agitation of dealing with people build slower. Neither made me happy, they made me less depressed.
Feeling better about myself and being happier with my life took much longer and involved therapy and life changes. That's why I don't like "happy pills" concept. Antidepressants are just one piece of the puzzle. They're a tool but recovering from and/or managing depression requires a toolbox.
Fair point, and I appreciate the clarification as I didn't mean that as a happy pills concept or that you can just be happy. Neurotypicals aren't usually happy, either. I just meant not depressed and, perhaps happy, or anything else that is unlocked by not having that heavy burden. I simply forget the broader audience might have that "happy pills" impression and I'm sorry if anyone thought that's what I meant.
And yeah, therapy and lifestyle changes are important, plus addressing anything else that might be comorbid with depression (i.e. other conditions that came with it).