Treatment for Depression

Thanks for your post.  It sounds like you're going through a tough time.  I'll do my best to help you better understand what some treatment options could look like.

First of all, over the counter remedies like St. John's Wart have been shown to help some people with depression as well as anxiety.  It's difficult to say if these remedies will help you because there hasn't been enough research done yet.  So what might be really effective for one person could be completely useless to another.  With my current clients, I don't discourage the use of herbal remedies.  If a client finds it effective in addition to therapy, then I definitely want them to do what makes them feel better.  However, I cannot vouch for any herbal remedies on their own.

Secondly, I'm curious about your assumption that your doctor will give you drugs.  Not every General Practitioner will recommend medication.  Even if they do, you ultimately make the decision on what your treatment will look like.  Many of my clients (about 90% of my caseload) DO NOT take any medications, nor would I suggest that they need it.  I'm not against it, but many people feel better after active engagement in therapy.  With that said, if you are in the Los Angeles area, I would be more than happy to see you and try to understand the causes of your depression (www.drlanichin.com).  If you are not in the Los Angeles area, I would recommend you do a google search for local therapists.  You could also ask your friends or family if they have seen someone they liked.  Again, you do not need to take medication if you don't want to.  A good therapist will listen to you and your concerns and try to accommodate your needs into treatment.  Good luck.