What are the best ways to treat anxiety and live a happy, healthy lifestyle?

I think I'm suffering from anxiety and maybe depression. I have not been diagnosed but I have been doing a lot of research into my symptoms such as worry and tension, being irritable and irate, constantly tired, angry one minute and sad the next, feeling like everyone is against me and I'm unloved, feeling edgy, constant headaches to name a few and it all points to anxiety every time. My mum has suffered with extreme depression at times and has tried a number of prescribed medication from the GP but nothing seems to work and for years I have seen her suffer. I have been to my GP once and explained my symptoms and all he did was change my contraceptive pill. Although I'm not sure I would have accepted being put on antidepressants etc if offered anyway. I exercise on a regular basis and this can occasionally make me feel really good, and I know I need to eat healthier too as this will help and I plan on doing so. I just want to live a happy life and be rid of all this so called anxiety. In the past I haven't gone to work as I had no energy or motivation to get out of bed, I turn down offers to see my girlfriends because I just can't be bothered. Whereas I used to be the life and soul of every party. I used to have a big group of girlfriends but I'm drifting from them now and am becoming reclusive, although at times I've blamed them and felt like they've pushed me out even though I am sure that's not the case, just my over active mind. I take everything to heart and can never let the small things go. I argue with my boyfriend over silly things and it's affecting our relationship. I would just like some advice from anyone going through the same thing and what they do to deal with these feelings. It's not what you call intense or extreme at the moment, I do have days when I feel really good about myself and my life and probably have a really bad day at least once a week. It started off about once or twice a month so already I feel like this more and more. I don't see myself lying on a couch talking to a counsellor or psychiatrist like many websites suggest so I'm searching for alternatives before I go down the obvious routes. Thank you for reading this and thanks for any advice you may have.