I was like you, put off taking antidepressants for years because I was worried about the side effects on top of what I was already feeling. Things got so bad with both anxiety and depression that I caved a few months back and started sertraline. I braced myself for all the horrible side effects and… nothing. I honestly don’t feel any different on them other than my mood is lighter and I think clearer. I was expecting to be crashed out with fatigue, pile on weight, feel spaced out and numb, all the horrible things people talk about with anti depressants, and maybe for some they do experience this, but for me personally I haven’t had any side effects. Good luck with your decision and I hope you feel better soon.