To take Ads or not and hope mental health improves?

[Mummytotwonow]

I keep putting off taking them. Keep thinking I can get control or things might improve. I also feel guilty (I don't have an awful life and should be able to manage) and then would feel embarrassed to be taking them when people have it a lot worse.

I'm surviving not thriving and think well perhaps this is just life and be grateful for good days and put up with the not so good days.

Please let me know of anyone who has been in similar position and if the ADs helped or if you wish you had started taking them sooner or if you just cope and mange without?

You have nothing to feel guilty about and nothing to lose but your anxiety. Go for it!

“People have it a lot worse”. OP, that means you think only one person on the whole planet is entitled to take antidepressants, and that’s the person who really has it the worst!
It doesn’t matter how many people are, or are not,more depressed than you. You are entitled to treatment of your own mental health regardless.
Feeling unworthy of treatment is a classic symptom of depression. Along with guilt, sadness, loss of pleasure or interest in daily activities, loss of energy.
Please don’t spend your life suffering all this, when a course of treatment can turn it around.
Antidepressants take up to six weeks to work, as they slowly raise your serotonin level by stopping you excreting it. But once your serotonin (“happiness chemical”) is back to normal, you will see a difference.
Side effects can be a nuisance, but usually settle after the first couple of weeks, so persevere with the tablets.
Best wishes, OP, and I hope you soon feel your old cheery self again.

If you had a broken arm would you not seek and take medical advice?
Would you not so everything to help your broken arm?