Exercise has been shown to be more effctive than SSRIs in a number of depression studies.
Hard work for that which you respect will in itself bring respect upon yourself which demands hard work.
Before I got on meds I exercised, mostly jogging & calisthenics. I liked the endorphin. It also helped allay some of my hypochondria that stalked me between periods of depression.
Finally bit the bullet and the change was amazing.
Love those happy pills. Better living through chemistry!