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An emerging consensus is moving the field beyond the old chemical imbalance story of depression.

New research points to four evidence-based practices that improve depression.

Some studies have shown that exercise is even more effective than SSRIs for mild to moderate depression.

In the 1990s, we often heard the mantra: Depression is a chemical imbalance to be managed with pills. The culprit was thought to be serotonin. The serotonin theory of depression gave the public a simple and optimistic message, with a clear mandate: Take your pills.

We now know that the serotonin theory is false, and we’re becoming increasingly aware of the side effects and discontinuation symptoms of antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Yet prescriptions for antidepressants have continued to skyrocket. In 2000, about one in ten Americans were on antidepressants; today, it’s about one in six.

In May, the journal Lancet—among the most prestigious medical journals in the world—published new guidelines for treating depression. The recommendations were drawn from a vast body of scientific literature. The review identifies four practices, other than medication, for healing depression.

These recommendations don’t just reflect the opinions of a small group of mental health professionals. They reflect an emerging consensus within the profession about what the future of depression treatment should look like.

New research is converging on four pillars for healing depression.

The first pillar is exercise, which ranks as one of the most effective known lifestyle interventions for depression. These include aerobic exercises, walking, jogging, strength training, and yoga. Intriguingly, evidence suggests that strength training is slightly more effective for women and younger adults, and yoga for men and older........

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