Help with this decision?

My counselor told me I probably need medication for depression, which I know is true, but I'm afraid and don't know how to ask for it. I'm afraid because I don't know what it's going to do to my body, and I don't want to forget what it feels like to be in pain, or loose that empathy with others who are suffering. I'm also thinking I should take st. johns wort instead because I can't swallow pills, and there are lots less side effects for someone like me who is at risk of becoming bipolar. What should I do?