MIAMI, Fla. -- Depression and anxiety are the two most common mental health disorders. Together, they affect more than 60 million Americans. But, one man who battled his own depression after a stroke found help in an unlikely place.

Dr. Jose Rosell spent his life in medicine. He became a patient after suffering a stroke last May.

"It was terrifying," said Dr. Rosell. "I was very depressed, extremely depressed, and I went to see a psychiatrist."

Stimulating Depression

Instead of talk therapy or medication, Jose found help with something called microcurrent electrical stimulation.

"It's really about increasing the ability of the body to function as it was designed," said Dr. Janet Konefal of the University of Miami.

More than 100 studies show it helps depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and even pain. Electrical currents travel through electrodes and activate nerve cells in the brainstem, producing feel-good chemicals like serotonin and acetylcholine.

"It's not just for people who find themselves depressed or anxious, but it's for people who live a high stressful lifestyle and want to be able to keep doing it," said Dr. Konefal.

As a doctor, Rosell was skeptical, but he bought his own system and has been using it every day.

"I felt good from the first treatment," said Dr. Rosell. "From the very first day, I felt very relaxed."

His depression is gone, and his balance has improved so that he can walk without a cane. The treatment keeps his mind sharp and his spirits up.

The therapy is approved by the F.D.A. though it's generally not covered by insurance.

The system can be bought for about $500 for home use or patients can use it in a clinic for less.

Doctor Konefal thinks it should be tried before turning to meds.