I'm on fluvoxamine and mirtazapine.
They've helped keep my mood more stable but that doesn't mean I don't still experience depressive episodes. Antidepressants are a crutch, not a cure-all; that said I would be much worse off without them.
only side affects I struggled with were low sex drive (honestly doesn't matter because I don't get laid anyways, plus not really needing to jerk off often isn't all that bad) and brain fog but at times that can have it's benefits.
They're not intended for long term use and I wouldn't advise you to use them long term but I've been on them for 8 years but as of recent they've begun to slowly lower my dosage. (if all else fails they're trialling ketamine infusions to treat chronic depression)
As long as you don't go coldturkey the process of getting off them shouldn't make you feel too shitty. as you adjust to antidepressants or your dosage being lowered you'll feel gross for maybe a week but then you'll be alright, if you still feel shit after a week discuss that with your doctor and they'll be able to suggest different antidepressants that could work better for you.
For myself I'd say antidepressants have been very beneficial but that will vary depending on the person.