Q I’ve been feeling quite low over the past six months or so. I don’t really feel like meeting people or going out much, and I feel tired and unmotivated a lot of the time. My doctor said I have a mild case of depression and wants to keep an eye on me. I don’t want to end up on antidepressants. Are there any effective drug-free ways to help with depression?
C.C., via email
A You’re not alone. Depression is the leading mental health problem worldwide, and rates have soared since the start of the pandemic. One recent study reported that the global prevalence of depression is seven times higher now than in 2017. The usual prescription is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), but these drugs come with serious side-effects, from insomnia and low libido to aggressive and suicidal behaviors. The good news is that there are lots of effective drug-free options. The
