I have had depression episodes most years since adolescence around October or November so I believe that there is a strong Seasonal Affective Disorder component to my depression. Although I have been taking Effexor off and on for a dozen years or so, I feel that aerobic exercise at least 4 times a week for 30 minutes or more per session is what keeps my depression under control. I have not had a depression episode that has seriously affected my functionality for about three and a half years.