@TonyM – I would recommend watching the series of videos offered here by Dr. J and Rick. I found them to be very educational (and entertaining). I learned that Ritalin has been used since the 1930s and it is generally agreed that it is a safe medication even taken long term. I was afraid of taking medication as well because I’d gone through so many …Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa…. and none of them seemed to help me long term.
I finally decided to get tested for ADD after doing a bit of reading and realized that my symptoms were more ADD-like than depression. Well, what do you know, the proverbial light bulb went off and I realized that this life-long condition was what was holding me back. I believe the depression was actually more due to my not getting ahead in life as a result of the ADD than actual depression itself. They are often overlapped from what I’ve learned thus far.
When my doctor finally did prescribe Ritalin, it was like the switch turned on in my brain and I could see things much more clearly and the door flew wide open. I can think clearly without a zillion thoughts cross-firing in my brain, allowing me to be much more linear in my thought process. I don’t dwell on things nearly as much, I don’t stumble over my words when speaking to someone, I don’t worry about every little thing, I SLEEP better (!), I’m more attentive to my daughter and even she is improving in her organization and planning. I can tell she is happier with me and it makes her feel more secure knowing that she can count on me. Its been world changing so far. I realize I have to keep up the good habits,medicine isn’t a cure-all, but what a difference it has made for me!
I know what HME is saying about pharmaceutical companies, and I had those thoughts too…..is the entire world being over medicated just for profit? I don’t think that is the way to look at this. If a drug can help you, why deprive yourself of your full potential. You’d take medication such as an antibiotic to cure an infection wouldn’t you? Or meds for your blood pressure, etc. I would never go back to the way I was and if I have to take Ritalin for the rest of my life I will. The only side effects for me were a restless first few nights of sleep and mild headaches as it wore off, but timing the meds right has eliminated both of those.
I hope this helps and please check in often….. lots of caring, supportive people here.
Oh, and I’m also eating less and exercising more 
Good luck to you!