Millions suffer from depression, spending billions of dollars annually to fight it. Many experience side effects with the most commonly prescribed medications. Alternative medicine offers some choices that are cheaper and may be more effective for some people.

Practitioners of homeopathy recommend different remedies depending on what triggers the depression. Ayurvedics believe that hurt feelings are physically stored in the body, thus teach a method to release those feelings that create depression. Nutritionists recommend foods that raise serotonin levels in your brain, mimicking certain pharmaceuticals. Chinese medicine uses a combination of acupuncture and herbs to lift the spirit.

Click on the links below to find out more about these alternative therapies for anxiety and depression:

• Ayurveda for Anxiety and Depression

• Homeopathy for Anxiety and Depression

• Traditional Chinese Medicine for Anxiety and Depression

• Nutritional Therapy for Anxiety and Depression

Note: This section examines alternative approaches to treatment. The views expressed belong to the sources interviewed and may or may not reflect the views of Discovery Health.