Medication works for many people, but there are other options.

Although the medical standard of care for treating depression and anxiety is through the use of medication, there are several ways to address these symptoms.

Psychotherapy: 

Talking with a therapist can be tremendously valuable In helping people to learn about, become less afraid of,  and respond more effectively to life challenges and problems.  There are different types of therapy, and different styles of therapists. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on learning new behaviors and reinforcing them. Person-Centered therapists primarily listen and question, helping clients to discover their own solutions. Other widely available types of therapy include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR), Exposure Therapy , Hypnotherapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Medication Management. You can meet with a therapist one on one, as a couple or family, or in a small group with other people who share similar issues. With Telehealth services, you can talk to a therapist on the phone, or meet via computer screen. Several new services offer therapy by text; the effectiveness of this metod has yet to be proven, but it is less expensive than one-on-one therapy. Finding a therapist you trust and can talk to is important; keep trying until you find the right person.
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Physical exercise: 

A 30-minute walk every day has been found to be as effective as antidepressant medication in treating depression. Similarly, learning breathing and mindfulness techniques can reduce or control anxiety. Exercise is also an important aspect of healthy living and can be a great way to release  emotions related to depression and anxiety. A recent study has shown that a 1-week of forced sedentary behavior may cause bad mood or depression in active individuals. Furthermore, it has been found that people with depression are at increased risk of sedentary behavior. Of course, a person suffering from extreme clinical depression may feel like the last thing in the world they can do is exercise, but even a short walk to the mailbox or the corner can cause biochemical changes in your mood. “Depression can’t hit a moving target.”

Brain stimulation

There are several new treatments for depression that work by stimulating the brain through electrical impulses or magnetic stimulation, typically used when other depression treatments haven't been effective. Electronic devices work by comfortably stimulating serotonin production while lowering cortisol (the stress hormone). A handheld device delivers an electrical pulse that stimulates the brain to produce neurochemicals required for healthy mood and sleep, while also entraining a calm brainwave state and modulating the "fight or flee" sympathetic nervous system. To treat depression and anxiety, patients wear the device for 20 minutes, twice per day. Magnetic stimulation happens through a headset and similarly triggers a neurochemical reaction.

Alternative therapies

Some people find relief from depression through acupuncture, reflexology, meditation, or massage. Every person is different, and experiences may vary depending on the training and knowledgeability of the practitioner.

Psychedelic treatments

This new area of study is showing promise, but it is important to work with a licensed and experienced therapist in controlled conditions, and these therapies are not legal in every state. Ketamine is the first clinician-prescribed psychedelic treatment prescribed by doctors to help relieve depression, anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, OCD, and other mental health-related conditions. Esketamine is the clinical version, used in clinical trials at Johns Hopkins for treatment-resistant depression.