Are anti-depressants the only way to really treat depression if it's clinic!

No, and the chemical imbalance theory has been shown to be incorrect, as normal levels of neurotransmitters are often found in depressed people. If someone suffers a bereavement, they may soon become depressed, but their brains are quite normal. St. John's Wort helps most people; tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither antidepressants, nor the wort, nor supplements should be relied on as a sole treatment). It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, and usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can sometimes work quicker than antidepressants. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10759… A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it is far less of a problem with SJW. A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not SJW, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first, like Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, or supplements, such as SAMe, 5-htp, or L-phenylalanine, with your doctor.

(1.) Take at least 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it! In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://drbenkim.com/vitamin-d-facts.htm & http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articl… Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don’t follow the typical “normal” reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at Mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; the deficiency in vitamin B9 (folate, or folic acid) that most depressed people have, is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. (2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes of daily exercise, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly in daytime, outside. Too much exercise can cause stress; unwanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain).

(4.) Practice a relaxation method, daily, and when needed, such as: (free) http://www.drcoxconsulting.com/managing-… or http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/mindbody… or http://www.wikihow.com/Meditate or Yoga Nidra, (no flexibility required) at http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_1… Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or yoga. Give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. It is free via the searchbar at http://www.mercola.com "EFT" & "EFT therapists" - Professional is best. There is a version for use in public places, (you could claim to have a headache, as you use the acupressuremassage/tapping on your temples. (5.) Initially, at least, some form of psychotherapy or counselling; later, perhaps either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, (a free E course in it, which may well reduce the time needed in therapy, as should *, & ** is at: http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome ) or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy for up to 6 months. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Perika, Jarsin, and Kira brands have been recommended as being effective. Take with a meal), Supplements, such as SAMe, 5-htp, L-phenylalanine: see: http://www.indepression.com/depression-n… (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets have old/inferior types, or mail order: Google: " ... ; supplies"), St. John's Wort, etc. 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels; which can cause depression.

Try pharmacies & supermarkets for the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/magn… Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. A quiz is at http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm if positive, see a doctor. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition. An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. Use sea salt, http://www.naturalnews.com/025883.html as many people are iodine deficient, adversely affecting thyroid function. Read: "Lift your mood now." by * John D Preston, Psy.D. 2001, New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland. CA, & "Feeling Good - the new mood therapy" ** by David D. Burns, M.D., from your bookstore, or Amazon.com See pages B, and 3, at 8m.com, where this came from for much more.

Many alternatives are available. "Chemical imbalance" is a word which is saying nothing. This is pseudo trash and does describe the changes associated with depression.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/dep…

Yes, if it is clinical then you have a chemical imbalance, Medication is the best way to treat a chemical imbalance. If your issues are situational, then therapy may help.