Herbs, ECT, and Meditation: An Online Guide to Alt Treatments for Depression

Treatment for depression is not limited to antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. Depressed people have used everything from massage to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to help themselves feel better. Learn more about these alternative treatments at the websites below, and compare notes with others who have tried them.

Site	Who It's For	Why We Like It
HealthyPlace.com	Anyone thinking twice about antidepressants	This site provides a concise summary of the many alternative treatments available, including self-help, acupuncture, yoga, and art therapy. Contact information for several organizations that specialize in these treatments is also included.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine	People interested in herbal treatments for depression	St. John's wort is among the most common herbal supplements taken for depression. This fact sheet from the National Institutes of Health provides an overview of the supplement and the research into its effectiveness. Scientific studies, potential side effects and complications, and the important distinction between prescription drugs and herbal products are all clearly explained.
Depression Forums	People with depression	This online forum contains numerous searchable threads about herbal supplements, exercise, aromatherapy, and other alternative treatments for depression (free membership required). Once you've posted five comments on existing topics, you can create your own discussion thread.
Helpguide.org	People with depression who want to help themselves	With its tips for overcoming negative thinking and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, this site can help you help yourself. For instance, you are encouraged to develop a "Wellness Toolbox" filled with activities and strategies for relieving depression, such as spending time outdoors, getting a massage, or writing in a journal.
University of Michigan Depression Center	People considering ECT to treat their depression	You'll know what to expect from ECT after visiting this site. Detailed descriptions and photos of the treatment show that it's not the terrifying experience some make it out to be. The typical course of treatment and possible side effects are also covered.
ZapRap.org	ECT patients and candidates	In this forum, hosted by an ECT patient-turned-critic, patients talk frankly about their experience with this controversial therapy. Read first-person accounts of memory loss, successful treatments, and disapproval from family and friends (free membership required).