What helps "Feeling Low", depression, anxiety, panic attacks other than medication?

[MummyToSteven]

Recent postings have suggested that ADs are suggested too freely on MN. So I thought it may be a good idea to have a thread to redress the balance.

views anyone?

has anyone mentioned writing?

writing every morning is v therapeutic ime

exercise, especially country walks
regular sleep and bedtime routine
balanced healthy diet
cut out/down nicotine, caffeine, alcohol
singing

I always got very down in winter. Was very noticeably seasonal, happy as a pig in "mud" in spring and summer, utterly, utterly miserable in winter. Was a complete sceptic but now have a light box that I use for half an hour in the morning and mid afternoon (on my desk at work)and it works for me. Makes even the worst darkest days (late Jan/Feb) bearable.

I think it's supposed to boost serotonin levels as well, so would fit in with other stuff people are suggesting.