I am an ACOA and have chronic, recurring depression. I am not medicated because I cannot physically tolerate the meds that are available. I have to be careful the kinds of people I allow into my life and the kinds of situations I allow myself to get into. I have to be alert to (check in with myself on) how I am feeling and acting (to know if and when I need to see a physician). I also have seasonal depression and use light therapy and vitamin D to combat it.