Hi ! Like Wants said - meds affect everyone differently. Some of the newer antidepressants have much less chance of causing side effects than the older ones. I have never known of people saying hair loss was a side effect, but unfortunately, some report weight gain on some - however, other people have weight loss on the same med.

I think u just need to tell your T that perhaps you want to try a medication, since this depression seems to have been lasting so long in your life. T's cannot prescribe meds, so they would refer you to a PDoc, or sometimes your family Doc will prescribe them. In my humble opinion, (having taken am antidepressant many years ago that cause a LARGE weight gain), I would certainly rather be happy and functioning, enjoying life and "plump". than miserable and skinny. I used to tell my husband he had a choice - a plump happy wife, or a sad skinny one.......he was A-OK with the plump ! :-) After going off that particular med, I lost weight without trying, and am no longer in need of any antidepressant.

Good lucK !!! You are very wise to take action now while you are young , than to put it off, and possibly have your depression/lack of self esteem etc worsen.