Some people don't need to take antidepressants long term. I am the same. I was taking Lexapro for "adjustment disorder" i.e. depression symptoms caused by an overwhelming amount of stress and trauma. After about 18 months my life calmed down and I was able to wean myself off them. Now I'm doing completely fine without meds.

I think you had adjustment disorder too, because what you're saying seems to imply your depressive symptoms arose from a divorce, house sale, pandemic and redundency - which sounds like adjustment disorder. Antidepressants are great for this, and can be ended when life calms down to a more manageable level.

Meanwhile my friend with bipolar 2 will likely be on meds for the rest of her life, because her disorder comes from genetics and can't be properly managed without meds.

Everyone is different.