Hi, I can very well understand your concern about the anti-depressant medications. However, there are many ant-depressants that are available that are safe and effective. If the medications are taken under proper supervision, they can be even stopped without much problems. However, to address your concern, depression can be treated with medications as well as non pharmacological measures. Therapies like cognitive behaviour therapy are effective for which you will need to have 1-2 sessions per week with your therapist. The focus will be to teach you relaxation, and to correct any cognitive distortions (problems in thinking which happens in depression). You need to have a trained therapist for the same. Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.