Will taking antidepressants help improve my memory retiontion, social anxiety, and inability to focus on anything other than the constant pit of despair that I am in?

Maybe, it depends on the med and how you react to it. You may want to talk to your doc about adding an antianxiety to the antidepressant as an option. Anxiety and depression are closely linked.

It all depends on the medication. Ask your doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist. They are more experienced in these types of drugs. Don't just go to your GP. I did and it was a disaster.

You should talk to your doctor he/she will give you the right meds.

When you find the right one, it will. Sometimes you have to work with your doctor for a little while to get the regimen nailed down.

But yes, you will feel better again someday.

Get an appointment with your Primary doctor and tell him/her what's going on with you, and listen to their advice. They may know a good counselor, or recommend a good exercise regimen (exercise helps!) or a better diet (this helps too!) in addition to trying out some meds.

Hang in there. Many of us have been where you are now. If I could time-travel, I would go back to see myself when I was feeling the way you do, and tell me that it will really be okay, and I'll be truly happy someday. I really needed to hear that at the time. I wouldn't have believed it on my own, but I eventually got there.

My email's in my profile if you need somebody to listen.

It may do in the short term, but not long term.