Alternative treatments for long-term depression?

I would suggest going to a non government funded therapy, if you can afford to. Ive been going to a small buissness art therapy which was so much better than my previous government therapy.

I'm much younger and therefore most likely have less experience, but I've also never had any results with antidepressants or therapy. for me personally, I don't think therapy is useless, but due to my history with childhood abuse and past therapists, I have an extreme difficulty trusting and being honest with professionals (or anyone really). and if you can't be completely open and trust your therapist, you won't make much progress at all. I've been through several therapists and am still trying to find one that I click with and continue to feel positive about. some people get lucky first try, but some people have to go through many therapists to find the right one. I'd definitely recommend continuing therapy. if you don't feel like you click with your current therapist, think about finding another. in regards to alternative treatments, TMS is an option. it's a treatment akin to ECT, but with significant less risk. instead of electricity and shocking the brain, it sends magnetic pulses to stimulate areas in the brain that are commonly understimulated to bring that activity back. there are rarely any serious side effects. you don't have to be put to sleep, and the pain is minimal. I'll admit, my first treatment session hurt a little at first as I was not at all used to the feeling, but your body quickly adapts. it feels like being strongly tapped on your head. the best part is it's very quick, only 20 minute sessions. though the downside is it's a mostly daily treatment (on week days, that is) and takes several weeks to complete. I personally did not have that much luck with it long term, but I did notice that I smiled more and laughed more at things I found funny, which I very rarely did before. however, some people have said it saved their lives and that it was a miracle treatment. the place I went to said they had a 70% success rate. that is, 70% of their patients reported significant and noticeable improvement of their depression after treatment. I suppose I just happened to be part of the unlucky 30%, haha. of course like with every treatment, some people have reported it made their depression worse, but they are definitely in the minority. since it's FDA approved, insurance will help cover it as long as you meet its requirements. it's different for different insurances, but most only require you to have tried at least 2 different antidepressants before. I've also heard of ketamine treatment for depression. one version was recently FDA approved (~2019), messing insurances will help cover it. I honestly don't know much about it and haven't tried it myself, but I've heard good things, especially in regards to lessening suicidal ideation. so that's another option. good luck! I hope you find this helpful

Be careful with substituting exercise for meds. Exercise is essential but unlike the previous post I tried cutting down on meds and wound up back in deeper depression. From what I've learned it's exercise, which because I have difficulty leaving my house is hard, diet, meds, and a therapist. I've been thru about 6 -8 therapists of varying schooling and have yet to find my "click". I try every 6 months to a year and give them several months. But like you I have suffered for over 30 years and have no magic bullet. I just keep trying. Maybe the next anti-D will work. Just don't give up!!! I always have hope. ❤️