Depression

In class the idea of the happiness machine and false happiness was discussed. There was mention that if somene seeks happiness from a machine or a game system or even books then they are not actually gaining true happiness as they are instilling their feelings on a false world. It was then said that the only way to truly be happy is to find happiness in oneself.

So, what I am wondering about is how that works for people with clinical depression. Not depression because their dog just died but a continuous depression that comes and goes. Would someone who takes medication for their clinical depression be experiencing false happiness? If they can not make themselves happy then does someone with that kind of depression ever experience true happiness?

I know what I believe so, what do you believe?