@dorma
I would not give up on medications they can be very helpful. Do you have access to a psychiatric medication specialist? I see one a Mayo and having such a experienced expert on medication is something that can really help you find one that is specific for you. They have the experience with both causes and appropriate medications for patients. My medication was specific to me based on my other medical conditions and other medication I was taking.

You asked about doing things outside medications. I am a big promotor of exercise and or hobbies. With exercise of course you need to seek doctor approval. In the past on MCC I mentioned water arobics. Many posted back found a place to do water aerobics and really enjoyed it.

Anything you do that can bring a smile to your face and/or get your mind off anxiety and depression can make a difference. I worked with heart failure, EP, PCP, and medication specialist to get approval for my exercise routine. One of the most enjoyable for me is water aerobics. It allows you to be in water with buoyance and can do many exercises I would not be able to do on land. The classes are to music that is both enjoybable and picked for it's beat to exercise at. I do 7 classes a week.

I also like to bike and do so having fun. It is like being a kid again. I swim while listening to music (underwater music player ear pods). Now you might not be an person who likes exercise or able to do them then consider a hobby. Find a hobby you like alone or with others and if it brings you a smile it is going to help.

Can you imagine the amount of stress and depression on FDR during WWII? I have read many books on him. Almost every day he made time to work on his stamp collection. He enjoyed it so much his family would say and would allow his mind to be on something else.

Per your comment about things to help outside medications. I mentioned some. I would also consider yoga, mindfulness yoga, Tai Chi (spell). I mention Tai Chi as a friend of mine in my community lost her husband to liver cancer. She was really depressed. Fellow residents suggested Tai Chi and she tried it. She found it so relaxing to her she does every week now. From how much she likes it and hellps her I am considering adding it to my weekly schedule also.