Self-help and alternative therapies
There are also a wide range of self-help measures and alternate therapies which can
be useful for some types of depression, either alone or in conjunction with physical
treatments (such as antidepressants) or psychological treatments. The more biological
types of depression (melancholic and psychotic depression) are very unlikely to respond
to self-help and alternative therapies alone. However, these therapies can be valuable
adjuncts to physical treatments.
Self-help and alternative therapies that may be useful for depression are:
• Meditation – See our Fact Sheet Quick Relaxation Techniques
• Relaxation and meditation techniques
• Good nutrition
• Alcohol and drug avoidance
• Exercise – See our Fact Sheet Exercise and Depression
• Bibliotherapy
• Omega-3 – See our Fact Sheet Omega-3 and Mood Disorders
• St John’s Wort – See our Fact Sheet St John’s wort as a depression treatment
• Light therapy
• Yoga
• Acupuncture
Key points to remember
• Different types of depression respond best to different sorts of treatment
• A thorough and thoughtful assessment needs to be carried out before any treatment is
prescribed
• Treatments for depression include physical therapies (e.g. medications) and
psychological therapies
• Depression can resolve of its own accord but, if left untreated, may last for many
months
• Depending on the nature of the depression, self-help and alternative therapies can also
be helpful, either alone or in conjunction with physical and psychological treatments
Where to get more information
• Goodtherapy - Australian online mental health resource; website includes a Directory
of Practitioners www.goodtherapy.com.au
• Journeys with the Black Dog: Inspirational stories of bringing depression
to heel, Tessa Wigney, Kerrie Eyers & Gordon Parker (2007), Allen & Unwin
• Medication information: www.nps.org.au
• MoodGYM program - an online cognitive behaviour therapy program provided free
of charge www.moodgym.anu.edu.au