Stress-related mental health problems are among the most common and disabling medical conditions in the United States, and they have increased in frequency over the past 100 years. Lifestyle changes such as diet, sleep, activity level and the nature of modern stresses may all play a role in the increasing frequency of depression, and these changes are seen clearly among college students. Treatment for depression falls short when these factors are not addressed and we rely too heavily upon medication and very brief psychotherapy. This article presents a vision of depression as a holistic illness and points towards a more comprehensive and effective approach to its treatment and prevention.