if you do not feel a benefit from your medication, tell your doctor. if they are not helping, no point in taking them. But, consider your doctor's advice ... very, very seriously.

Also, there are MANY, MANY different meds and doses. Perhaps you will benefit from an adjustment.

She has tried many differant meds and doses already. I'm fed up.

Exercise and a diet packed full of fresh fruit - especially berries and bananas.

Also there are a number of home remedies, including various kinds of tea. I find that rose petal tea is very helpful. All you do if put some fresh rose petals in boiling water and add sugar for taste (optional).

You also might want to put more items into your diet that contain D-vitamins and other nutrients that help your body absorb melatonin (provided by the sun).

I personally have found that diet makes a huge difference for me. I have no idea what type of diet you maintain, but regardless I am sure there is some work you can do on it (we all can!).

I hear that yoga and other meditative exercises are helpful, though I can't tell you from personal experience.

I've also heard that nutmeg is quite helpful.

Try just typing "home remedies for depression" in a google search - lots of stuff comes up. Keep playing around with things until you find something that works for you.

Also - take on a hobby, and make yourself stick to it even on days that you don't want to do anything. As an example, I have promised myself that I will read at least one book for pleasure per month, and so far this year (2009) I have stuck to it, even though there have been times when I don't feel like reading - I force myself to, and after a few pages, I get right into it and begin to enjoy myself. I've also taken to going to the gym 3 - 4 times a week and force myself to keep it up through thick and thin.

I've tried a bunch of stuff. Believe it or not coming here from time to time has really helped me a lot. As well as writting music. *hugs*

You can absolutely get to a better place without medication.

It is laborious, and takes creativity and determination.

The thing that most helped me is recognizing that I can take back control over my thoughts...the negative stuff that goes on in my head was not ok, and I had to change it. I now counter negative thoughts with positive ones, and I affirm myself each day.

exercise helps greatly, my personal fave is swimming and just stretching out my muscles.
Meditation also helps, I am not very good at it yet, but it is certainly relaxing.

For anxiety I use breathing techniques.

there is most certainly hope for depression without medication. Much luck, and peace to you.

I have to agree with Daisy ... ultimately, changing our thinking cures depression .. whatever it takes.