i think it all depends on how severe the doctor think you are , there's no standard line or ways of how anti-depressent will be prescrible .
please note there are major difference between low mood and depressed . counselling normally helped people with mild-moderate case of depression effectivetly .
anti-depressent often come with side effect and you might have to tried a few one to work . the chances are anti-depressent dont work as well alone without other sort of counselling or thearpy .even with anti-depressent , it will take a while (2-4 weeks )to start to work .
Do you think there's a main cause for your depression ? if so , maybe counselling is worth waiting for . all mental health service is in high right now to be fair , and normally people have to wait for a while for 1-1 service .
by the main time of waiting , maybe it is good to complete some self help activity . try doing some art or writing . it might help to express your feeling. excercise, good sleeping pattern and balance diet also help a lot in depression (good for your health as well :P )
Good luck , take care .
Have your GP give you some advice on how to improved your mood??