Why Many are Looking For the Top 10 Alternatives to Antidepressants
Interest in the top 10 alternatives to antidepressants has skyrocketed. While antidepressant medications might help a person get through an initial crisis, drug-dependence develops even after a short time, and over longer use, additional problems can emerge.
But trying to stop taking them without guidance, or too fast, almost guarantees a nightmarish experience. Safely navigating the journey back is our expertise, using non-toxic ways that allow for the elimination of symptoms through gentle healing and natural neurotransmitter rehabilitation.
There’s really no substitute for natural mental wellness.
After nearly 20 years of helping people, we’ve accumulated and published evidence of the success of our holistic approaches to mental health and wellness.
Not only can we gently get your off your antidepressants, we can help reduce and eliminate the symptoms that crippled your happiness and productivity. Because we investigate and address the root causes of them. Never abruptly stop taking antidepressant medication once you’ve started. But knowing about safer alternatives can be used as part of the healing process.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
By adapting to a healthier lifestyle and diet plan, you can hope to minimize symptoms of depression. But for many, additional therapies may be needed to help with long-term depression, PTSD, or trauma. Below are 10 strategies we regard as highly useful. Here is a list of 10 alternatives to antidepressant medication that can be useful if you don’t want to start taking antidepressants, or if you are considering tapering off medication, these can be used in tandem with a safe tapering schedule. Used in this way, one can ease harsh symptoms that might otherwise block your transitioning to drug-free life. Below the list you will find an expanded description of each example of antidepressant alternative choices.
Summary: Top 10 Alternatives for Antidepressants
Change the diet
Supplements & Vitamin therapy
Exercise, especially “forest-bathing”*
Massage, Acupuncture
Cleanse the body of toxins
Yoga
Connect! Interact with trusted friends or family members
Counseling, CBT, Life Coaching
Meditation
Volunteer to help others … practice kindness!
*Forest-bathing is a Japanese term for walking in the woods. It has many surprising and long-lasting mental health and happiness benefits! 6
1. Dietary Changes
Eliminating unhealthy eating habits and foods high in toxic chemicals, food colorings, or processed ingredients is high on our list of alternatives to medication. Eating a healthy organic diet can help make sure one’s body ( CNS and brain in particular ) have the nutrients they need for optimal function. The gut is key for manufacturing and distributing natural brain chemicals — the feel-good kind — as well as for the creation of energy, so eating for a healthy gut is fundamental.
Eliminating stimulants can help to even out dips and swings in mood. Eliminate sugar, refined carbs, energy drinks, MSG, toxic preservatives, and caffeine. Watch out for CNS altering substances also, like alcoholic beverages, marijuana, and other recreational drugs. Diet is an overlooked but potentially life-changing element in mental health treatment, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and many other common ailments.15
2. Supplementation & Vitamin Therapy
Nutrients — a vast subject that really needs a book or two to properly cover. Your local library or search engine can be a great source of information to learn about nutrients and their amazing functions and interactions. But in brief, adequate vitamins and minerals are necessary for maintaining balance and helping to minimize signs of depression. Working with a nutritionist, or naturopath can help you implement specific nutrient therapy, and to discover supplements that could help. Lab testing for deficiencies could make a very good start, especially if you don’t know where to begin. Alternative to Meds Center uses orthomolecular medicine for nutrition-based healing.
3. Exercise
Not only is exercise good for your body, but it also helps with balancing moods. That’s why we keep it on our list of reliable medication alternatives. Exercise is tried and true. Go at your own pace, don’t go all marathon, and give yourself a reason (ouch) to quit. Even mild physical activity boosts endorphins, which help us feel good. For someone battling depression, exercise is a great way to extrovert and shake off a bit of that grey mood. Even something as simple as going for a brief walk, daily if possible, can make a profound change in mood. Exercise is powerful medicine! 10
If you can, immerse yourself for a period of time just walking in the woods (called “forest-bathing” in Japan) for a few minutes or hours on a regular basis. Studies show many positive effects on mood, cellular activity, energy, reduced blood pressure, and many other perks both mental and physical, that can last for up to a month or longer! 6
4. Massage Therapy, Acupuncture
Feeling physically comfortable can help when dealing with depression. Taking care of yourself and feeling good are definitely worth including in your top 10 alternatives to antidepressants because your self-care is one of the most valuable tools in the recovery process. Massage therapy is extremely good for detoxifying and alleviating stress and tenseness.
It’s hard to feel down when you feel that good!
A physical therapy used for centuries, acupuncture helps with restoring inner balance (energy) and improved blood flow.
An acupuncture specialist works to find and release areas of painful or blocked energy flows. Releasing these by using a painless method of stimulating the areas with fine medical-grade needles allows these energy blockages to release, flooding the area with natural endorphins. Endorphins are molecules of natural morphine the body creates naturally and uses for blocking pain and producing sensations of pleasure.9
No wonder we keep physical therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and exercise, which also releases endorphins, on our top 10 list of medication alternatives! 9.10
5. Cleanse the body of toxins
Cleansing the body of toxins gives the CNS and other key systems in the body a chance to stabilize and energize! In fact, many “psychiatric symptoms” are actually signs of toxic exposure.13
Alternative to Meds Center uses a chelative sauna regimen and other methods to safely expel the toxic burden that has built up over a lifetime. Typically a person experiences better sleep, increased energy, a significant boost in mood, and many other benefits from neurotoxin removal.
6. Yoga
Yoga gives you a completely portable toolbox. You can do it in your home, you can do it in a class or group setting, you can do it at the beach. A person with a tense body will often feel uncomfortable or develop other stress symptoms such as insomnia. Gently stretch out those knots and kinks. Breathe! Slow down with a daily or “as needed” personalized yoga routine you feel comfortable with. Clinical research has demonstrated that Yoga can be extremely useful for making improvements in our mental health.14
Yoga is good at any time of the day or night and provides many benefits to mind, body, and spirit.
7. Connect with and talk to trusted friends or family members
There are many people in the world who care about the well-being of others. When someone is dealing with depression, talking to someone can be of immense value. If a friend or family member is not available or just not the right choice, check if your community has services available such as a talk-line, volunteer companion service, or other types of support activities.
Isolation is a common culprit associated with depressive symptoms.17 After all, we are social creatures, and while we can sometimes savor quiet solitude, connecting with others has an almost magical quality.
That’s why we keep “talking to a friend” on our list of 10 favorite alternatives to antidepressants.
8. CBT & Other Forms of Therapy
When a person has suffered from depression or trauma but does not want to start taking medication, finding a licensed counselor could be a very good alternative option. Counseling can allow a person to work on emotional pain or trauma associated with their symptoms. CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to be as effective as antidepressants for symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many others.18,19 With the right counselor working on your goals and providing support throughout the process of recovery from depression, one can feel more supported during a difficult time.
Trying to manage your symptoms along with other top 10 alternatives to antidepressants is easier with the right support and guidance by your side..
9. Meditation
Meditation has been around for millennia. One pesky negative thought may cause ruminating negative thoughts to persist throughout the day. Learning techniques to quiet the mind can have a calming and uplifting effect. In a less distressed state, one may be able to more effectively notice and overcome triggers of depression. Some people feel meditation may compensate, to a degree, for a night of restless sleep that left a person fatigued. In fact, studies have clearly demonstrated significant positive psychological benefits of practicing mindfulness meditation.20
Great reasons to keep meditation on our top 10 list of great alternatives to medication.
10. Volunteering to help others — Practice Kindness!
Practicing kindness is POWERFUL — maybe the best-kept secret of the known universe! Studies have shown that when you focus kindness on others, you receive tangible psychological benefits.8
It is extroverting! Practicing kindness, volunteering, helping others makes a person feel WONDERFUL!!! And it costs virtually nothing but your time.
Many studies have shown that people who help other people by volunteering and performing acts of kindness are among the happiest and healthiest people in the world! 7,8
When to Use Natural & Holistic Top 10 Alternatives to Antidepressants
At the Alternative to Meds Center, we use these alternatives to antidepressants as the person begins to safely taper off antidepressants. We blend safe and gradual tapering with the use of natural alternative treatments to ease the process, and diminish otherwise uncomfortable reactions.
You can talk to your prescriber about alternatives that are easy to implement and that may ease the process of coming off antidepressants safely.
If you are not currently taking antidepressant medications, speak to your naturopath or other holistic practitioner to explore alternatives to medication that would be a good fit for you and your symptom profile.
Antidepressant Use is Widespread
Some studies indicate that a huge number of people take antidepressant medication every day. Each day, thousands of Americans who are frustrated by negative side effects want to find a better way. They want to heal and just feel healthy again. But the numbers of consumers keep rising. This is why we believe we get so many inquiries about workable alternatives to medications. Antidepressants are given as a psychiatric treatment for depression, but physicians also prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, and numerous other mental health problems.
Learn About Warning Signs
Antidepressant medications have been used and some would say over-used for decades. Yet, a recent report from the WHO states that depression has not seen a reduction in the stats, but is now the #1 disability in populations worldwide.4
Antidepressants are prescribed to minimize symptoms of clinical depression, yet prescribers are advised to closely monitor their patients very closely as antidepressants have been determined to be linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.2,12
There are literally hundreds of antidepressant side effects, ranging from mild to life-threatening. How could this possibly be the “best” choice to deal with depression or other lingering symptoms?
We want effective strategies. No one wants a cure that is worse than the disease. Clearly, the statistics demonstrate that the drug solution has not been successful. Let’s remember the sage advice from Hippocrates, “First, do no harm.” There are safer alternatives to antidepressants, so find out as much as you can about non-toxic remedies and guidance that could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Tips for Using Alternatives to Antidepressants
Before taking any herbal alternatives or supplements, we recommend that you start making simple changes that result in a healthier lifestyle, and begin to minimize the intake of toxins and stimulants. Building that foundation will help get the full benefit of holistic or natural remedies for depression. Try putting together your individualized healthy eating plan and make it delicious! A healthy lifestyle can be wildly enjoyable!
If someone were to take an herbal supplement recommended for depression, like 5-HTP, or fish oil, and then slosh back a few energy drinks or cups of coffee, a slab of chocolate cake, and 5 hours on the internet, the effect of the supplements would probably be negligible. Avoiding these artificially stimulating and negative-gain choices can help maximize the benefits of your efforts. And now, let’s look at the importance of gut health.
Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health
It is important to understand that what we take into our body does affect our mental health. One major contributor to our moods, and health as a whole, is our gut health. Referred to as our “gut-brain axis,” the health of our gut is imperative if we desire a healthy and symptom-free life.
The gut is connected to our nervous, neuroimmune, and neuroendocrine systems, and poor gut health has been known to cause a wide variety of ailments or symptoms, low energy, and other “mental health” problems. Those who are experiencing symptoms due to poor gut health need to fix the healthy function of the gut.16
If you’re trying to make a plan to avoid antidepressant use, or come off antidepressants safely, consulting a doctor is the wisest choice. A licensed professional can assist in developing a treatment plan and running the needed tests and lab work to determine the best ways to strategically and safely use alternative to antidepressants.
Notes on Clinical Depression & Depression
The mental health industry has defined depression and clinical depression separately, although this fact is often obscured completely. Depression could mean sadness after the death of a loved one, disappointment after job-loss, or other situational distress. Life itself could perhaps be described as a series of ups and downs, of wins and losses, and typically change is the hallmark of life itself. Clinical depression, by contrast, is defined as a more severe condition with specific signs and symptoms according to the DSM.2,4,5,11
Symptoms of Clinical Depression *
Depressed mood
Loss of interest in most activities
5% unintentional weight gain/loss in one month
Insomnia
Observable agitation or retardation
Fatigue
Excessive guilt, feeling worthless, or similar
Cognitive impairment, slow thinking
Recurring thoughts of suicide or death
*The DSM criteria for labeling various conditions have changed from time to time, as noted in the latest version, DSM-5. Any of these symptoms can be troublesome, and can benefit from the right treatment approach.
Drugs do not create or repair neurotransmitters or hormones or fix nutritional deficits. Drugs do not cancel past trauma or restructure your lifestyle or remove neurotoxins from the body. Drugs do not make the changes that need to be made. That may require some heavy lifting, and it may take some time to investigate root causes for symptoms like depression, and working out real solutions can take a bit of time and focus as well. But drugs can only mask symptoms. And this is commonly a recipe for disaster. And that is because the problems are still there, and possibly worsening if ignored.
Inpatient Program — Using Alternatives to Medication for Beating Depression
If you are trying to avoid antidepressants or safely come off antidepressants, it is always wise to seek a licensed professional to help you forge a pathway that is safe for you. While many of these recommended antidepressant alternatives do not require a doctor at all, when dealing with clinical depression or any mental health symptoms, seeing a doctor who can help oversee your care is a valuable tool.
Depending on a person’s symptoms, inpatient care may be needed. More severe cases of depression, PTSD, and trauma will sometimes need a more intensive one-on-one setting in order to begin healing from deep issues and debilitating symptoms.
No matter how far down a person has gone, there are treatment centers and doctors offering alternatives to antidepressants around the world. We are one of the most recognized programs offering alternatives to antidepressants in an inpatient setting, located in beautiful Sedona, Arizona.
Many individuals are being freed from dependence on antidepressants and other psychiatric medications every day at our center. After speaking with your doctor, try incorporating a few items from this Top 10 Alternatives to Antidepressants list, and see if your days become brighter. And please, if you need more personalized help, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.
13. Genuis SJ. Toxic causes of mental illness are overlooked. Neurotoxicology. 2008 Nov;29(6):1147-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2008.06.005. Epub 2008 Jun 24. PMID: 18621076. [cited 2025 April 25]
14. Chawla V, Brems C, Freeman H, Ravindran A, Noordsy DL. The Future of Yoga for Mental Health Care. Int J Yoga. 2023 Jan-Apr;16(1):38-41. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_25_23. Epub 2023 Jul 10. PMID: 37583539; PMCID: PMC10424272. [cited 2025 April 25]
15. Firth J, Gangwisch JE, Borisini A, Wootton RE, Mayer EA. Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing? BMJ. 2020 Jun 29;369:m2382. doi: 10.1136/bmj.m2382. Erratum in: BMJ. 2020 Nov 9;371:m4269. doi: 10.1136/bmj.m4269. PMID: 32601102; PMCID: PMC7322666. [cited 2025 April 25]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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Change the diet
Eliminating unhealthy eating habits and foods high in toxic chemicals, food colorings, or processed ingredients is high on our list of alternatives to medication. Eating a healthy organic diet can help make sure one’s body ( CNS and brain in particular ) have the nutrients they need for optimal function. The gut is key for manufacturing and distributing natural brain chemicals — the feel-good kind — as well as for the creation of energy, so eating for a healthy gut is fundamental.
There are many people in the world who care about the well-being of others. When someone is dealing with depression, talking to someone can be of immense value. If a friend or family member is not available or just not the right choice, check if your community has services available such as a talk-line, volunteer companion service, or other types of support activities.
It is important to understand that what we take into our body does affect our mental health. One major contributor to our moods, and health as a whole, is our gut health. Referred to as our “gut-brain axis,” the health of our gut is imperative if we desire a healthy and symptom-free life.
when dealing with clinical depression or any mental health symptoms, seeing a doctor who can help oversee your care is a valuable tool.
