Is medication necessary to treat long term depression?

Are there any other alternatives?

This is a controversial question, because depression is a two-fold disorder. If your brain is not processing certain neurotransmitters effectively, then depression is physical and medication may very well be required.

However, there is also situational depression that can be overcome by exercise, diet, supplements, etc.

The point is that if you are lacking certain chemicals in your brain, there is no reason for you to suffer if this can be fixed with some medication.

Best to speak to a doctor. They are usually quick to prescribe anti-depressants, but the newer class (SSRI's) have very few side effects and are known to be very effective.

Depression is a medical affliction. You will always find those who condemn medications and tell you they are not necessary, but I've met people who claim to have cured cancer the same way. Why take a chance? If medication will help you, go for it.

not necessary

besides therapy for learning to cope with it....

regular excercise has been proven to be as effective, if not slightly more effective than anti-depressants

there are many OTC supplements that can be used as well, so that is generally not considered medication, such as
5-HTP (essentailly tryphtophane), this regulates neurotranmitter balance associated with depression
SAM-e
Omega Fatty acids

people who suffer seasonal depression (very northern/souther living people and people who do shift work) are often treated with sun lamps

i was diagnosed with depression 2 years ago i've been to a psych ward 3 times and i've been put on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Concerta, and currently suffering from the vicious side effects of Lithium... none of that helped...even with 3 therapists at one time..

what helps me is yoga, journaling, reading (self-help books), sleep,and music...oh and horror films

if you are able to live with it without it severely affecting your life, then no.
i have depression nd anxiety, but because i have learned to cope and live with it i chose not to take meds.
however...if you ever feel like you are getting too far into the depression...call your doctor and think about meds.

for depression youo can make an appointment with a shrink. i personally wouldn't take medcine. because lets say you miss one day.. and your all overly sad... you wouldn't know how to react to yourself because your not used to it.. and you might harm yourself. so best way is to talk to a professional

Being medicated for depression will have the opposite effect and cause you to be even more depressed. It's all an evil plan of the drug company to control the world.