Natural Anti-Depressants?

petstorekitty
petstorekitty Posts: 592 Member
in Motivation and Support
Does anyone know of any good natural vitamins and/or supplements that are helpful for depression?

I think my depression may be seasonal. Even though it isn’t terrible, it’s really bugging me.

There has got to be something people take that is natural to help with the gloom.

I'd really appreciate any info on vitamins/supplements that anyone may have.

Thanks!!

Replies

  • orangelobster
    orangelobster Posts: 151
    Vitamin B12
    St John's wort
  • jesswait
    jesswait Posts: 218 Member
    B complex
    Inositol
  • plynn54
    plynn54 Posts: 912 Member
    there is a light you can get that helps with Seasonal affective disorder aka S.A.D. Ive worked for a psychiatrist for 6 years and have some patients that swear by it. http://northernlighttechnologies.com/
  • kiwifrootkai
    kiwifrootkai Posts: 10 Member
    Vitamin B Complex will give you a natural lift.
    St Johns Wort, as long as you aren' on any antidepressants, and it can also interfere with the contraceptive pill.
  • towardthesunshine
    towardthesunshine Posts: 56
    Hey! I've suffered with it too for about 4 years now, starting from October right around until April-May.

    I did a report on the effects of Vitamin D for treating depression, and from personal experience -- IT WORKS. ITS CHEAP.

    Vitamin D is also known as "the sunshine vitamin" because your body makes it naturally through sunlight. In the summer it's great -- you get lots of sun exposure and you're happier! Then in the winter we hide inside, so less sunlight = less vitamin D.

    Try a supplement. No, it doesn't make EVERYTHING better, but it 100% helps in the amount of days you feel like staying under a blanket all day.
  • NikkiSixGuns
    NikkiSixGuns Posts: 630 Member
    All of the above!

    Also, caffeine is a natural mood enhancer. In small doses it can help you get through really rough patches (like Monday afternoons).
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    All of the above, and EXERCISE!
  • SpleenThief
    SpleenThief Posts: 293 Member
    I've never had luck with the supplements listed above.

    Working out helps. Doesn't get rid of it, but it helps me get through the rough spots.
  • katz22
    katz22 Posts: 116 Member
    Regular exercise. Get enough quality sleep, and eat a balanced diet, spend time outdoors when you can.
  • petstorekitty
    petstorekitty Posts: 592 Member
    Thanks for all the suggestions!
    I will check them out, including the light bulb :)
  • eatathome
    eatathome Posts: 81 Member
    Omega-3s
    Exercise

    I second light therapy.
  • campi_mama
    campi_mama Posts: 350 Member
    All of the above, and EXERCISE!
    Second the EXERCISE!!
  • RiotMTB
    RiotMTB Posts: 91 Member
    Vitamin B
    Vitamin D
    Fish Oil
  • Easywider
    Easywider Posts: 434 Member
    I tried St. John's, mutiple A,B,D, and E vitamins...No dice. :(

    Then I started like...I dunno... baking finely ground, premium grade, marijuana into protein cookies. :D
  • tarag8100
    tarag8100 Posts: 60 Member
    thank you for this post! I'm coming off of my anti-depressants in an effort to decrease medications (to save money, be healthier,, etc) and I believe I can make a go of living all on my own. I'm worried about rough times though. I've been on an anti-depressant for 11 years... I'll have to try some of these suggestions!!
  • anifani4
    anifani4 Posts: 457 Member
    there is a light you can get that helps with Seasonal affective disorder aka S.A.D. Ive worked for a psychiatrist for 6 years and have some patients that swear by it. http://northernlighttechnologies.com/

    This ^^^^^ Definitely worth a try. Brookstone has them.

    http://www.brookstone.com/portable-mood-light?bkiid=SearchResults|CategoryProductList|830061p

    Edit by Ani to add: I have Full Spectrum Light Bulbs in the lamps I use to read as well as kitchen and dining ceiling fixtures. It makes a difference for me.
  • KatieMae75
    KatieMae75 Posts: 391 Member
    If you truly feel that it is seasonal, your best bet is light. You can do some Googling on light therapy for SAD and find that there are kits you can buy for home use treatment. Around here, some of the gyms even have light therapy rooms that you can use with membership. I know a couple of people who swear that going to a tanning bed for *short* periods a couple times a week worked miracles for their SAD. The B vitamins others suggested are a good idea too. That said, if you don't feel like you're getting any relief, or if there is any slight change for the worse in your symptoms, please, please talk to your doctor. Depression is a beast and can quickly spiral out of control. Take care of yourself (((hug)))
  • sunraew
    sunraew Posts: 96 Member
    Definitely Vitamin D, and natural sunlight when you can get it.
    For more details this book is worth a read... you might find a copy in your local library?

    Dr. Marie-Annette Brown Ph.D., R.N, Jo Robinson, "When Your Body Gets The Blues".

    It offers a clinically proven solution through research conducted at University of Washington.
    A simple, drug-free treatment called the LEVITY program (Light, Exercise, and Vitamin Intervention TherapY)
    that can help women think clearly, sleep soundly, cope better with stress, reduce anxiety and depression,
    and lose unwanted pounds.
  • mlh156
    mlh156 Posts: 36 Member
    On my wife's advice (against my own protestations), I went to see a Naturopath about my own "gloom".

    She recommended "Remotiv" (active ingredient = St. John's Wort), Zinc and Vitamin B (particularly B6). She also sent me a test for Pyroluria - a fairly common (apparently) condition in which your body blocks the absorption of Zinc & B6, leading to bleak moods, anxiety etc. I never got around to doing the test, but I'm taking the supplements, in addition to Remotiv and Fish Oil, and have to admit I'm feeling much more positive about life right now.
  • petstorekitty
    petstorekitty Posts: 592 Member
    thank you for this post! I'm coming off of my anti-depressants in an effort to decrease medications (to save money, be healthier,, etc) and I believe I can make a go of living all on my own. I'm worried about rough times though. I've been on an anti-depressant for 11 years... I'll have to try some of these suggestions!!

    I'm glad I did too then I've been on meds for many years too but can't take the side effects anymore.
    Since I do eat properly most of the time, get my sleep and exercise regularly I am OK most of the time but it is still hard.

    Now I remember that when I was little (about 9yrs old) my doctor recommended B-Complex to my parents for me and my mood and depression issues.
  • petstorekitty
    petstorekitty Posts: 592 Member
    Definitely Vitamin D, and natural sunlight when you can get it.
    For more details this book is worth a read... you might find a copy in your local library?

    Dr. Marie-Annette Brown Ph.D., R.N, Jo Robinson, "When Your Body Gets The Blues".

    It offers a clinically proven solution through research conducted at University of Washington.
    A simple, drug-free treatment called the LEVITY program (Light, Exercise, and Vitamin Intervention TherapY)
    that can help women think clearly, sleep soundly, cope better with stress, reduce anxiety and depression,
    and lose unwanted pounds.

    I'm indoors so much because of work but I do in fact go to the library at lunch. It's well gloomy here in the winter and in June - which is when this particular bout started.

    I will look for the book. I miss the sun... *sad face*
    I can see how little I get compared to pre-June
  • petstorekitty
    petstorekitty Posts: 592 Member
    there is a light you can get that helps with Seasonal affective disorder aka S.A.D. Ive worked for a psychiatrist for 6 years and have some patients that swear by it. http://northernlighttechnologies.com/

    This ^^^^^ Definitely worth a try. Brookstone has them.

    http://www.brookstone.com/portable-mood-light?bkiid=SearchResults|CategoryProductList|830061p

    Edit by Ani to add: I have Full Spectrum Light Bulbs in the lamps I use to read as well as kitchen and dining ceiling fixtures. It makes a difference for me.

    Cool ~ my boyfriend just changed all my lightbuls to full spectrum bulbs for me actually. I like having lots of lights on at home...
  • Rum_Runner
    Rum_Runner Posts: 617 Member
    I had post partim after my son was born- I didn't want to get on anything if I didn't have too so I researched natural herbs to help-

    St Johns Wort

    I take two every morning! If I feel edgy in the afternoon I might take another two to help calm my nerves! I also drink Tension Tamer tea some nights before bed! Very calming and helps me sleep too!
  • petstorekitty
    petstorekitty Posts: 592 Member
    I tried St. John's, mutiple A,B,D, and E vitamins...No dice. :(

    Then I started like...I dunno... baking finely ground, premium grade, marijuana into protein cookies. :D

    Lol. Delicious butter. Makes me so sleepy though! I'm in Cali so I've seriously considered a perscription, but not sure if I want to go that route or if it's best for me. I think I'd want to eat like 10 cookies and watch TV all day instead :D
  • MMark2012
    MMark2012 Posts: 143 Member
    I have Seasonal Affective Disorder(S.A.D the name for real) It runs in my family. My blood/ancestry is from the Mediterranean and the sun, mild yearly temperatures, etc. Vitamin D helps many with this disorder, but I have adverse reaction to even normal doses of Vitamin D. Omega 3 Fish oil is also good for everyone, but especially for people with this disorder. Eating right and mostly veggies /fruits/ lowfat meats/fish/whole grain foods, and getting regular exercise will also help. Something that is not a food is a light box. People use such a device for 15 minutes every day of bright light. This help ward off the symptoms of S.A.D.:smile:
  • caribear1984
    caribear1984 Posts: 203
    I started taking 5-HTP and it does wonders for me, helped me deal with the side effects of quitting cymbalta. It also helps with my carb cravings.
  • mnolbld
    mnolbld Posts: 1
    I have heard of something called SAM-E on the doctors. I am trying it now. I have only taken it for a week so far
  • JenRN_77
    JenRN_77 Posts: 4 Member
    Regular exercise. Get enough quality sleep, and eat a balanced diet, spend time outdoors when you can.

    This for sure, plus a good multivitamin and this is the essential: 4800mg of a complete EFA (omegas 3, 6 and 9) Trader Joe's has a good one 1200mg tabs.....take 4 daily. Meditation/spirituality/faith centering. Good luck. I am sending positive energy your way! :>)

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