If people feel physically better, then they have more energy and more courage to fight the psychological reasons for depression. Annmarie said her medication doesn't make her happy. Couillard said sometimes there are other ways to cope with depression than drugs. Exercise daily, eat good regular meals, and force yourself to do activities that are fun, but that you don't want to do, she said. Medication can get very expensive, especially without insurance.
Doctors usually recommend being on medication for at least six months.
There are some types of depression that require medication. Bipolar depression, characterized by bouts of mania followed by bouts of depression, has a huge chemical component and must be treated with medication. You don't will yourself out of depression. Counseling can help people who suffer from depression to get to the root of their problems. Medication can only treat the symptoms.