These stories are taken from the book "THE DEPRESSION CURE" by STEPHEN S. ILARDI, P h D.


These stories are based on depression patients who implemented the Six ways to overcome depression without medicine

  • Intake of omega-3 fatty acid
  • Engaging activity
  • physical exercise
  • sunlight exposure
  • social help
  • sleep

Story 1



Alice, a depressed patient for about 12 years, tried all sorts of meds and therapy, but nothing worked out as she wished. But after she learned about anti-depressant, drug-free methods, she was eager to execute them. Alice began her drug-free strategy by doing walking exercises. She walked faster and longer and was regularly accompanied by a personal trainer every week for brisk hikes. Alice enjoyed the company of her trainer.

Alice, while engaging herself in walking. She also exposed herself to sufficient sunlight. Alice accompanied her husband or friend for brisk walks whenever the personal trainer was absent. She enjoyed company while walking.

And then Alice mentioned that she felt amazed by the results. 

she was able to sleep well, her energy level increased, and she also stated that her thinking power enhanced.

Within three months, Alice was 99%depression free.


Story 2




Callie is a preschool teacher in her mid 20's. She was a depression patient three months ago. Callie implemented all anti-depressant, drug-free activities like working out, intaking fish oil, keeping herself busy, and social interaction. Within eight weeks, she said she was feeling good.

But suddenly. she seemed demotivated again. Callie said, she sleeps a lot, feels drowsy always, eats a lot, and can't focus on work. She feels disturbed again by negative thoughts.

However, suffering again after recovering from depression is confusing. But Callie was able to recall her depression period. Most of her depression occurred in January or December. The period in which it is dreary, cold winter season. Probably the winter season reawakes her depression. This idea was confirmed when Callie sat near a light box and kept staring at it. And she stated that her mood boosted a little.


Story 3



Jane, a middle-aged divorce woman, isolated herself from society. She is affected by depression. And depression has trapped her dynamic, social, and confident behavior. And now, she hides from the world and purposely avoids people around her. One of her daughters requested jane to spend some time with her grandson. Unwillingly Jane agreed. To her surprise, Jane found some subtle change in her mood after spending time with her grandson. This slight mood change opened her eyes and influenced her to connect with more people.



Story 4






Brenda is a student who was fighting intense depression symptoms. To overcome depression, she implemented anti-depressant; drug-free methods like walking 45 minutes a day, getting plenty of sunlight exposure, taking high-quality fish oil, and having good 8-hour sleep, and she increased her social connection. But none of this has caused a change in her. Brenda also mentioned one of her regular habits of ruminating. She always kept thinking about things like; why can't I get closer to people?

Will my boyfriend help me forever?

What if things don't go well?

Brenda spent most of her time brooding on negative things, which has been a barrier to her depression clearing up.




Story 5



Starcy, a successful executive, was battling depression. She was asked to get 8-hour sleep to overcome depression. But her response was different. She said spending 8 hours in bed seemed a waste of time. She also expressed that she won't be able to keep her head up if she spends so much time asleep.

However, due to forced request starcy, agreed to have an 8-hour sleep as an experiment. Starcy decided to evaluate the results after two weeks.

Exactly after two weeks, Starcy said; she found it challenging at first to sleep 8 hours. But the results, she said it is difficult to explain in words. But she felt her head seemed clearer and energized after 8-hour sleep.