Even with the best treatment symptoms of depression can linger. Many mental-health practitioners are coming to believe that adjusting brain chemistry with medication isn’t enough—that depression is a complex chronic disease, akin to diabetes, requiring lifestyle changes and ongoing monitoring to address underlying causes. Here are eight ways to treat depression.

1. Talk Therapy

Studies suggest three types of talk therapy can fight mild to moderate depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression. Interpersonal therapy identifies how your relationships impact your mood. Problem solving therapy helps you find solutions to specific problems that may be bringing you down. Some patients find a few months of therapy are all they need, while others continue long term.

2. Medications

Antidepressants change the levels of feel-good brain chemicals, such as serotonin. While Prozac may be the most well-known, it’s only one of dozens of options. If the first medication tried doesn’t help, there’s a good chance one of the others will. Side effects tend to be mild, but may include upset stomach, headache, weight gain, insomnia, and sexual problems. The combination of talk therapy and medication appears particularly effective.

3. Exercise

Research suggests exercise is a potent weapon against mild to moderate depression. Physical activity releases endorphins that boost mood while reducing the perception of pain. Regular exercise is also linked to higher self-esteem, better sleep, less stress, and more energy. Any type of moderate activity, from swimming to housework, can help. Choose something you enjoy and aim for 20 to 30 minutes four or five times a week.

4. Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

Light therapy has shown promise as an effective treatment not only for SAD but for some other types of depression as well. It involves sitting in front of a specially designed light box that provides either a bright or dim light for a prescribed amount of time each day. Light therapy is especially helpful during pregnancy since the risks of antidepressant medications must be considered. Light therapy may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Talk to your doctor about getting a light box and the recommend length of time for its use.

5. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is an herbal remedy that has been the subject of extensive debate. There is some evidence that it can fight mild depression, but two large studies have shown it is ineffective against moderately severe major depression. Using St. John’s wort with other antidepressants (SSRIs) may lead to the "serotonin syndrome," a life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, fever, sweating, rapid heart rate, and neuromuscular disturbances including rigidity or seizures.

6. Pets

A playful puppy or wise-mouthed parrot is no substitute for medication or talk therapy. But researchers say pets can ease the symptoms of mild to moderate depression in many people. Pets provide unconditional love, relieve loneliness, and give patients a sense of purpose. Studies have found pet owners to have less trouble sleeping and better overall health.

7. Social Support

Because loneliness goes hand-in-hand with depression, developing a social support network can be an important part of treatment. This may include joining a support group, finding an online support community, or making a genuine effort to see friends and family more often. Even joining a book club or taking classes at your gym can help you connect with people on a regular basis.

8. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can help patients with treatment-resistant depression that do not improve with medication. VNS is like a pacemaker for the brain. The surgically implanted device sends electrical pulses to the brain through the vagus nerve in the neck. These pulses are believed to ease depression by changing the balance of brain chemicals.