I have done the whole cognitive behaviour therapy thing. While it did add a strong dimension to my treatment, and has meant a reduced reliance on medication it did not, by itself, provide the long term solution. I take a maintenance dose of an anti-depressant, practice what I know works in the realm of mental discipline, and live an entirely normal life. But we are all different. Some need no drugs, some need a lot. I'm somewhere in the middle.

Well, they say a "light box" can relieve symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
For me, water is my best alternative to meds.
I love being free in water, any water, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, swimming pool, bathtub.
When my symptoms are at their worst, hot, hot, hot showers are a must.
Food is another area in which affects my moods. Too much fried foods sets irritable bowel syndrome in motion, too much salt swells my feet and ankles.
So i try to eat lots of veggies, rice, fish.
When my symptoms are worst, i crave carbs like fresh baked bread. I will have a slice but not eat the whole loaf, like i used to.
Caffeine is really hard to deal with sometimes.
When the symptoms are worst i need the caffeine to keep moving, then i have to taper off because if i quit suddenly, it will cause withdrawal symptoms.
So do some research, i know only one person who has gone without meds, and is actually thriving. But he is also seeing a doctor as well.

You are funny no I don't think God put those kind of drugs on the earth they have chemicals and all sorts of other crap in them. Essential oils are natural and clean and no harsh chemicals or whatever other crap that I put in pills. Lavender and peppermint are good for migraines and headaches they're also good for sleep I put it on every single night

Isn't the ingredients in pills what god put on the earth lithium and deppakote thinks how it's spell but the 2 drugs I wouldn't recommend for anyone is those 2 drugs that are for sleep i wrecked to cars because I drove while and the will actually make you feel like your on LSD I'm a horrible at spelling one starts with A and the other B

Im similar to CelticWarlord. I practice CBT philosophy, light therapy in the winter months and take a rather low dose of anti-depressant. I asked my doctor about lowering dosages...she recommended monitoring stress levels first. Stress is a terrible trigger for so many...and I deal very poorly with stress. So, "Dont fix whats not broken"...if it works with your life, keep the meds. Plus, if an anti-depressant has relatively low long-term effects, than not alot of harm done. But if you are scared of overall long term dependency, have a talk with a medical professional.