Not always. I have got a brilliant GP who has specialised in treatment of depression. She was excellent, both supportive and knowledgeable. It is worth asking at your practice if there is a GP who has specialised in depression and being seen by them. I am aware that some practises have one. Don't dismiss GP's, there are good and bad. If you get one who is inexperienced in that area get another.
I returned to work in June 2005 after the best part of a year off the rails and am now doing ok. Have had a couple of wobbles over the years but I can now recognise the signs and just take things slowly and carefully until I get my head sorted out. I will never be as confident or assertive as before and I have severely reined in ideas of promotion or additional responsibility in my life as that can push me to the edge. Seeing a psychologist was a great help as well, The bloke I got was really helpful with coping strategies and setting improvement targets.
To those out there suffering, believe that there is recovery. It takes time and you may not believe it but one day you will be posting positive comments for other sufferers like I am doing now.
My own take on the "get a grip" brigade is that they should shut the f**k up. I work in the NHS and my Service Manager was such a character. "Pull yourself together" was his battlecry, that is f**k all help when your life is falling apart. You would have expected better from a senior manager in the NHS.
God bless all. I would include my offer of support if anyone wishes to pm. You are not alone.