If you know about depression, please read...?

My husband has been very down lately and his family has a huge history of depression. I personally, HAVE been depressed so I know the symptoms. We talked the other day and he agreed that he "may feel" a little depressed but doesn't really know what it feels like. I told him my concerns and offered to make him a doctors appointment which he agreed to. BUT he says that he does not really want to be put on medication because he hears too many stories of people turning psycho or committing suicide and that really scares him. I do understand his concerns as well. What is your opinion on natural things to do to help with depression that does NOT include medication?

I realize you want natural solutions, but sometimes they just don't work. I have been against pills my whole life until I experieced depression myself (Even after doing counceling for 8 months, eating right, working..etc). After getting sick of not being able to control my depression I went on Lexapro and have been exremely happy ever since. The first week I was on the pills I felt a little weird but then the symptoms went away with time and I was left with nothing but normal, happy feelings, like I used to feel. I am hoping to get to a point when I can go off of them. Some people react to different drugs differently, but my experience so far has been extremely positive. Hope this helps! Sometimes is the problem is chemical and nothing more. Othertimes its just a state of mind. I guess only you and your husband can be the judge.

snow boarding, riding bikes, going to a ball game, watching family-guy....basically anything that's fun and you can't be depressed while doing it.
I have heard some ways of getting better without medication. I personally have been through depression and am still in the process of getting better. I have not had any medication but, have gone on a diet of eating healthy and exercising. I have found that when I go on walks outdoors it makes me feel a little better and relaxes me a bit though doing it this way may take a long time to recover....As i have been dealing with depression for about 2 years. So i would recommend going to a therapist and just having osmeone to talk to about those things that bother him and that will help him without medication. Writing down thoughts and feelings in a notebook or journal can help too. Best of luck.
fine new things to do behind closed doors, also there are alot of new meds out now, also ckeck with the local health food store or the phar. they might know natural things or vitamens that might perk him up. also you know men are big kids, tell him more often how cute, sexy, fine ect he is. men also go through a kinda menopause in there 40 to 50 age you know the mid life thing...you might have to really lay it on hard for a while...but watch him close if you dont think what u r doing is helping call his dr.
No, i take pills for depression, but people who go off and do things like that isnt because of the meds, i think it is because of them, u know? i dont feel any different really, but it does make u feel a little better, like i cry less, cause i use to cry all the time for nothing. im not so worried and anxious. but if he still doesnt want to be put on anything, the next time u go to his doctors still talk to him about it and see if he knows any psychiatrist that he can talk to because sometimes they can help.
my own personal life story
Pick up a copy of Jon Kabat-Zinn's "Full Catastrophe Living". The book introduces the reader to the practice of mindfullness meditation as taught at the Stress Reduction and Relaxation Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. I have found it to be very readable and practical in my own life's battles. Also, there is an herbal supplement called Holy Basil that helps promote well-being. I agree that medication is not always the way to go, but natural practices like yoga and meditation are always beneficial.