Can anyone recommend something for depression?

Question

Does anyone have any experience with herbal supplements or remedies for mild depression or anxiety? Please share your personnel experience. Thank You

Answer 1

Lots of people try St Johns Wort, but there are other solutions.

A high EPA supplement is thought to be beneficial...look for a supplement with at least 7x the amount of EPA to DHA, as DHA is found to reduce the effectiveness of the EPA. Try to avoid supplements with other oils in (such as evening primrose), as you then end up with lots of fat which isn't useful.

You could also try acupuncture...there is a large piece of research being done in the UK at the moment into its effectiveness. I've tried it with moderate success.

If the are worse in winter, then try a SAD light box, or a dawn simulation lamp, as these have been found to be quite effective.

Hope these help...if you are really interested then have a look at the book "Healing without Freud or Prozac", or check out the link to the authors site...

http://www.instincttoheal.org/

Answer 2

This may or may not be the answer, but I have found that depression often occurs when you feel you have little or no control of your life, or a situation, or a relationship. Understand that events and circumstance often conspire to put us in this position, and further understand that most of us are lazy. Often we would rather suffer something than exert the energy to constructively change it. Try and identify any factors in your life that might be causing your depression, then develop a plan to deal with it. Just this positive step may be enough to relieve mild depression. Also keep in mind that fear is often at the root of our problems. We don't necessarily recognize it as such, as it often manifests itself as anger which we suppress and interpret as anxiety. Physical exercise is also very effective in relieving stress, and is a double positive. I've found walking to be the best, and it can be incorporated simply by parking out in the vast uninhabited spots away from the store or the mall or whatever. Don't overlook the environments you may be spending a lot of time in. Some types of lighting can affect you adversely, as well as noise or airborne pollutants. You might look into you diet while you're at it. Eliminate as many prepared things as you can, and things with artificial sweeteners. Something may just be rubbing you the wrong way. I would try these things before resorting to supplements.

Answer 3

Any supplements and herbals should be discussed with your doctor if you are taking any other medications because of possible interactions. That said, there is an herbal remedy that works for many people called St. John's Wort (hypericum herb, klamath weed, goat weed). Here is information about it:

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/

What It Is Used For
St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain.
In ancient times, herbalists wrote about its use as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites.
Today, St. John's wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.

How It Is Used
The flowering tops of St. John's wort are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts.

I hope you feel better soon. It did work for me until my need became more than what this herbal was able to do.

Answer 4

A lack of vitamin D can cause Depression. Have you ever noticed how a bright sunny, warm day makes you feel Great? Its the Rays from the sun, not the harmful ones, but the Vitaimin D that is passed through to our skin. Try taking some Vitamin D pills and treat yourself to a few tans, at a tanning salon. Believe me, you will feel much better. You will get a lil tan and some vitamin D in ya, in no time!

Answer 5

yeah I can recommend something, exercise, it really and eating properly and reading a good book or going out and doing some activities you might enjoy with some friends, but exercise works really well for helping with depression, I don't know of any herbal supplements other than st. johns wart but I was never able to take it because supposedly it can cause seizures with people who have epilepsy so anyways best of luck to you and I hope this helps

Answer 6

have sought medical advice, and taken medication. takes a couple weeks sometimes to notice improvement. medicine by itself cannot be expected to cure, i have found better to try and cope while being involved with positive outreach and involvememnt with other people. change environment if this is reason for depression. have not tried herbal remedies. find i need med for anxiety as i don't know what causes the attacks---don't like taking meds, but have gotten off those i can manage without-so i can function--good luck

Answer 7

I took a few that helped me a little. Try taking GABBA and HTP-50. That combination helps some. I took them when I was having withdrawals from an anti-depressant so my body was all out of whack. The other thing I can really, really recommend is exercise. That helps sooo much with both. It releases positive endorphins. Make time for it. It really can be a lifesaver. Good luck!

Answer 8

I was on Paxil for a while, but it zombified me. I started going to an acupuncturist for anxiety control and it really helped me a lot. She also gave me Chinese herbs for certain things and I took them and they made me feel better. I've been off of Paxil for almost 3 years. I had the acupuncture for a year and have been off of that for almost 2 years. Feeling great! And I know I can go back for the acupuncture at any time if that tight chest/can't breathe thing comes back. I hate having anxiety disorder, but the acupuncture makes it bearable.

Answer 9

There is NO "natural" or "herbal" substance that will treat anxiety or depression - not even St. John's Wort.....its all been proven to be shite and useless the only way it works is psychological - placebo effect. I found that vigorous exercise seems to help and sure doesn't hurt though it is hard to get started.

Answer 10

Try Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis). I have used it occasionally. I recommend drinking Jasmine Green tea (use a good brand like Triple Leaf which is very mild). It is a very comforting beverage.
Good luck!