What's the optimal non medicine treatment for severe depression?

Depression treatment: Alternative treatments for depression include exercise, eating a healthy diet, therapy, herbal supplements ( 5 htp, same and st john's wort). I can't really say there is one particular treatment that is the best. Often for severe depression a combination treatment of medication and therapy is beneficial. If you are having suicidal thoughts it is recommended that you seek medical help immediately.

Another option.: Dr howell provided some good information. I am both a psychiatrist and a medical acupuncturist. I have a number of patients who do not want to take psychiatric medications who instead use a combination of talking therapy and acupuncture with good results.

Classical Homeopathy: Dr. Howell's and dr. Fowler's suggestions are great. Does your objection to medicine come from having tried many and not getting hoped-for results, or from some other reason? As a psychiatrist and homeopath, i want to add classical homeopathy to my colleagues' ideas. I usually need to learn a lot more about my patients than with other approaches -- but results can be very positive.