Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Can depression be managed without any medication?

Profile: heavenlygrob98
heavenlygrob98 on Mar 22, 2015
...read more
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!
Struggling with depression?
Take the Free Wellness Quiz
Gain insight & track progress for anxiety & depression
Talk to a Licensed Therapist
Online chat & video therapy at your fingertips
Depression Support Community
Connect & share with people who get you
Help keep 7 Cups free

Takes less than a minute. Keeps 7 Cups free for someone else.

A small contribution goes straight to keeping the community running.

Profile: kokako
kokako on Apr 25, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: gentleDreamer72
gentleDreamer72 on Dec 29, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: RogerDan555
RogerDan555 on Jun 21, 2016
...read more
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.
Profile: littlebearfi
littlebearfi on Oct 24, 2016
...read more
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.
Profile: JoyousBear
JoyousBear on Jan 13, 2020
...read more
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.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jan 24, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: Counselologist
Counselologist on Apr 9, 2015
...read more
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. :)
Profile: Foreverdreaming93
Foreverdreaming93 on Apr 23, 2015
...read more
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
Profile: hobbitwho
hobbitwho on Apr 25, 2015
...read more
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
Profile: PeterNWUK
PeterNWUK on May 14, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: CharlotteBanana97
CharlotteBanana97 on May 16, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: PurringCat
PurringCat on May 17, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jun 17, 2015
...read more
fluvoxamine ( serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor SSRIs) 2 tablets daily can decrease dosage as improving mood
Profile: InsaneAndy13
InsaneAndy13 on Jul 6, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Aug 11, 2015
...read more
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 :)
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Aug 25, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: Anim3xl0v3r
Anim3xl0v3r on Sep 1, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 17, 2015
...read more
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:)
Profile: Brittneym101
Brittneym101 on Nov 3, 2015
...read more
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.
Share a Helpful Insight
Sharing helps others and its therapeutic for you.
0/150 Minimum Characters
0/75 Minimum Words