This short-term therapy may last for 20 or more sessions, during which time patients talk about and learn to control their negative thoughts and emotions. While it may not be as successful in treating major depression, it has been shown to be as effective as medication in dealing with mild to moderate depression.

Exercise

When we exercise, our bodies release norepinephrine and serotonin, two mood-regulating brain hormones, as well as endorphins that are responsible for the “runner’s high” experience. According to an interview in Health Magazine, P. Murali Doraiswamy, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine recommends three to five days a week of exercise, for no less than 20 to 30 minutes a day. While aerobic exercise is best, even a brisk walk or physical activity is better than being sedentary.

Light Therapy

Research is abundant to show that vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression. According to American Family Physician, four to six percent of Americans may suffer from winter depression, while as many as 10 to 20 percent suffer from a mild form of the condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that’s brought on by the short, dark days of fall and winter.

Because our bodies need light to thrive, light therapy has shown success as a natural treatment for depression, particularly when treating seasonal forms of depression. This therapy exposes patients to bright light that mimics outdoor light, starting with daily sessions of 15 minutes at a time and building up to up to two hours a day. This form of therapy won’t cure depression, but it has been shown to drive decreased symptoms in as little as a few days.