Is there an ALTERNATIVE depression remedy that is likely to help anyone who needs it?

Question

Someone I know refuses to see a doctor or therapist, but genuinely needs something that works...in a hurry

Answer 1

Alternative as opposed to what?  Thorazine?  Oh, sure, just visit your local pharmacy, they got enough chemicals to put half of Ohio into la-la land.

Edit:  Sorry, I missed the part about refusing to see a doc or a therapist.  I wouldn't recommend herbal remedies, I think they are nothing but a placebo.  I'm sure many herbalists would disagree with me, but I have never seen any beneficial effects from, say, St. John's Wort.  

Alcohol in reasonable amounts (like a half bottle of wine) may help with depression.

Answer 2

I would try some of those herbal teas and St Johns Wort

http://www.amoryn.com/zzalternativemedic...

Answer 3

The only surefire cure-all:

A brand new Ferrari!

Answer 4

I used to be really depressed a few years ago but I took up the piano and it got my mind off of things, maybe the person should take up a hobby that they think they might enjoy. Hope I helped :]

Answer 5

Nothing's likely to work in a real hurry because it usually takes some time to adjust, but, depending on the level of depression, there can be small improvements that take place straight away, they're just not always long standing to start off with.

There's a link below to a really good book that uses CBT techniques.  The only problem might be that if the person is in deep depression they may not have enough energy to read it so  if you know them well you might be able to work through some of the techniques with them.

Answer 6

Booze will work for awhile, but then when you come down it is worse.

Answer 7

i had depression.

just pick up a hobby to take yur mind off all the other stuff.

Answer 8

Sometimes all it takes is friendship, and someone to talk with.

Answer 9

I think the other contributors here gave good suggestions, and I would like to add to that and say that a nutritional supplement would be good.. such as a good multivitamin containing high levels of B Vitamins, antioxidants, and magnesium to name a few nutrients.  Also, EFA's (essential fatty acids) are good to have, whether as a supplement or a regular part of the diet.