Footloose and Medication-Free.

Not happy at work? Try Prozac. Marriage falling apart? A little Zoloft should do the trick. Self-conscious? Paxil, definitely Paxil.

Forget working at things, addressing the root of a problem or living with any sort of emotional discomfort. You can be happy without lifting a finger—just take a pill.

If only it were that easy.

Anti-depressant meds are known to have unpleasant side effects, withdrawal effects (and hence, dependence) and who knows what else down the line. For more extreme cases of depression, the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. But if you don’t fit into this category, know that there are other options.

You can help keep the blues away without medication by doing things like getting regular exercise, eating and sleeping well, limiting alcohol and connecting with others. For details, go to EverydayHealth.com.

If it doesn’t work, fine. But at least you gave it the old college try.