Hi CS.
I have taken anti-depressants in the past. I found the medication took the edge of everything. It just gave a bit of support to let my mind and body process things and gain a little strength. Once you feel a bit stronger you are then in a better place to be able to other things to help yourself. You do need to take them for some time (weeks at least, if not months) to give them time to work.
Whilst your response to your situation is normal there is nothing wrong with having a bit of help to process things. I would also definitely recommend the freedom program. Not only is it about the information you learn but it is the people that you meet. People who understand what you have been through, a place where you feel “normal”. Please don’t take offence at the use of the word normal but I felt it was great to just talk about your experiences to people who get it!
Take care whatever you decide. x