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Can depression be managed without any medication?

29 Answers
Last Updated: 01/13/2020 at 7:16am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Lisa Groesz, PhD

Psychologist

With evidenced based therapies, we find the root of the problem together to implement solutions. We all face crises, transitions, or disorders at some time.

Top Rated Answers
heavenlygrob98
March 22nd, 2015 2:57am
Yes, it can. I am currently managing depression completely sober. I will not lie; some days are very hard. There are people who use medication to manage their depression and it works well for them, and that's great. There are people who use a support network of friends, family, and counselors to manage their depression, and that's great too. For some people, it works well, and for some people, just personal relationships aren't enough. Ultimately, you'll have to decide if you can and want to manage your depression without medication. No matter what, if it's helping you, then it's good!
gentleSun78
January 13th, 2020 7:16am
If depression is really mild it can be managed with distraction of your overthinking, being active through day (with accomplishable goals), exercising, healthy amount of quality sleep and other healthy living measures. You can also watch out on any triggers of your depression which you can change to alleviate your symptoms (for example, if you live with abusive partner you can consider talking to him to stop abuse, and if it won't work, consider breaking up or divorcing with them - but yes, divorce itself is stressor but in long run your quality of life can improve if your partner is abusive and you can't talk to him to stop abusing you). But if all these measures won't work, you Will need medication.
littlebearfi
October 24th, 2016 2:30pm
Of course it can. But it is different for everyone. Some people don't need any, or some others can't live w/o it. Its best to find what works for you.
RogerDan555
June 21st, 2016 3:56am
Indulge yourself in different activities, pursue your hobbies, do things that give your pleasure, meet new people and socialise, and above all don't have any expectations from anything. Be relaxed. Life's harsh at times, but on the other times it's soothing as well.
gentleDreamer72
December 29th, 2015 3:06pm
Yup! It is possible to manage depression with treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. Mindfulness and meditation also help with depression. However, medication is sometimes necessary for the management of depression. It varies on a case by case basis.
kokako
April 25th, 2015 8:55am
I think that this depends on how severe the depression is. For people who are assessed in the mild-moderate range, non-pharmaceutical approaches (CBT, etc) are often highly effective. For people who are assessed in the severe range, a combination of medication and non-pharmaceutical approaches is often more beneficial than either is in isolation.
Anonymous
January 24th, 2015 5:00am
Some people are able to manage their depression without medication. I personally used talking therapy alongside a good self-care regime (good nutrition, sleep habits and exercise). However it is important to always talk to your doctor before coming off any medications.
hobbitwho
April 25th, 2015 8:25pm
To me, no. Even the most supported people need medication to go through it. Medication teaches your brain how to keep on working as it did before
kandinskycat
June 12th, 2018 4:04am
It depends on the depression and the person, but there are cases where people manage without medication. I personally did for a while, and have tried being off and on medication at various points. For me the most important thing was having a network of supportive friends, and so I was able to manage with their help. For others exercise or other activities help, but for some people, such as me at a certain point in my life, I needed a little more help so I turned to medication. It's different for everyone, but it's certainly possible for some people to manage it without turning to medication.
Dandroider
May 1st, 2018 6:43pm
Yes, different kinds of therapy can help a lot too. Often there are things in our pasts, that, once we actually talk about them, don't pull us down that much anymore.
FromDrewWithLove
February 27th, 2018 7:22pm
With therapy, it is definitely possible. Not everyone is comfortable with medication, sometimes the meds don't work, and sometimes people aren't allowed to take medication if they tried to commit suicide due to overdosing on pills (or are scared that they'll try it again and don't trust themselves with pills). With the right therapy and a good therapist, depression can be managed without any medication. Medication isn't always necessary to manage depression, but it does help many people.
Christina209ca
January 30th, 2018 7:06pm
Of course it can. In my opinion it is more rewarding to overcome depression without the help of medication. Knowing you are strong enough to overcome any opstical in your life is amazing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Know you are strong and believe you are strong. It may take time but it is possible and anyone cans do it!
compassionateSpace98
September 19th, 2017 12:03am
Thats actually a really great question. Depression can be induced by a situation, a pattern of negative or self-defeating thought processes, chemical imbalances, etc. You must first identify what the cause of your depression is and then treat it accordingly. Best of luck!
Counselologist
April 9th, 2015 7:40pm
Yes! I believe depression can be managed without the use of medication. It is not easy, as it takes an unspecified amount of time to overcome something serious like depression. The best way I can describe managing depression without meds is to commit to yourself. Commit to pulling yourself out of the dark and bettering your situation as best you can. It will be a slow process and it is definitely okay to ask for help when things start to become overwhelming. You just have to remember that no matter what you may think, you are never really truly alone. No one is. :)
helpfulsam99
July 14th, 2016 5:35am
For some people, absolutely. People have definitely overcome depression with just therapy. But some people need medication. Depression is a chemical imbalance, and antidepressants help to fix the imbalance. There's nothing wrong with needing medication for a mental illness. It doesn't make you weak or lazy or crazy or a drug addict.
Foreverdreaming93
April 23rd, 2015 7:28am
Yes! I sometimes find myself depressed and feeling worthless and when this happens, I get rid of all my social media and go outside, read a book. Something to get myself out of my dark bedroom and from wallowing in my self doubt and insecurities
KatieWhite
April 19th, 2016 6:13pm
It can be managed, but depending on what type of depression one has, natural management may not make it go away.
MartiMileyCyrus
February 15th, 2016 11:16pm
Depression can be manged without medication although it is not strongly advised. Perhaps talking to a therapist may give you more accurate information
Anonymous
December 14th, 2015 6:36pm
Yes. It can not only be managed but can be cured with consistent meditation practices. Its now scientifically proven that our brain structure keeps on changing throughout life and meditation does change our brain for good ultimately leading towards a depression free life. Give it a try
Brittneym101
November 3rd, 2015 3:29am
Yes, depression can be managed without any medication. Also, sometimes depression comes and goes. I was diagnosed with depression this year and it's become more manageable with time and I was never on any medication. Sometimes it will depend on how severe your case of depression is. Whether medication helps varies from person to person and one reason being because different things has led us into being depressed.
Anonymous
September 17th, 2015 5:01pm
It really depends on the person, but sometimes yes and sometimes no. Some people need to medication to balance the chemical imbalance in their brain and overall feel like they used to again. Some people might just need a supportive family/friend and therapy. Some need both. It's different for everyone:)
Anim3xl0v3r
September 1st, 2015 3:53am
It can, varied on how serious it is. I personally have seen people who have taken depression aids and turned out worse. Then got off the pill and started finding natural ways to get through their depression.
Anonymous
August 25th, 2015 4:04pm
While depression can be managed without medication it is always best to follow whatever medication your health care provider has suggested if they have shown you improvement and are not making your depression or anything else worse. If you have yet to seek help from someone about your depression and are wondering if you can manage it yourself, again it is always best to contact a therapist or health care provider.
Anonymous
August 11th, 2015 12:45am
Yes it can:) In most cases it is perfectly manageable and curable without medication. Counseling is very helpful. Talking on here is helpful too. :) Hope this helps :)
InsaneAndy13
July 6th, 2015 6:25pm
Every person don't feel depression the same way, it change person to person and well, i do take medication for depression but it isn't the only way to be treated, some peolpe don't need medication and some people do so it's better to go to a psychiatrist to know what do you in your specific case need.
Anonymous
June 17th, 2015 8:11pm
fluvoxamine ( serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor SSRIs) 2 tablets daily can decrease dosage as improving mood
PurringCat
May 17th, 2015 12:42pm
I believe depression can be managed without medication, unless it has gotten too far. All you need is someone next to you, to give you love and support. All you need is to believe again, to realize that life does not only consist of sadness. That you have so much to experience and learn. Focus on the happy things, on the love around you. Life is beautiful.
CharlotteBanana97
May 16th, 2015 7:29pm
Of course! Gentle reminders of your worth and support from close family and friends can be the only thing you need to overcome or even just battle your depression without letting it take over your life.
PeterNWUK
May 14th, 2015 2:35pm
There are many examples of depression being managed without medication, but there are also many examples of depression that can't be managed without medication. A better question would be, "can my depression be managed without medication?", talk through you thoughts and feelings with people on 7Cups but do consult someone qualified like a doctor if you want to get proper advice on medication.