Natural Antidepressant

Question: natural antidepressant? anyone have any info on good antidepressants. i have really bad depression, occasionally cut (i know its stupid) i need to do something and quick. my depression is only getting worse as days pass. yes i am aware i need some additional help. im currently seeing a counselor, but in a way talking about my problems makes me think about them more, making things more difficult. my depression comes mainly from all my bad relationships...and the biggest one is the fact that my sons mother left me 4 months into her pregnancy because i got fired from my job for being wrongfully accused of theft (long irritating story) just figured id get some outside opinions from you guys...i enjoy the company and the help.

Answer: Ask yourself: "Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life?" (if so, it is probably reactive [situational] depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be indicated, but most of life's adverse situations are resolved within 16 weeks, yet the medical criteria for depression, and the prescription of antidepressants is only 2 weeks!). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types. St. John's wort helps most people; tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither should be relied on as a sole treatment). It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can sometimes work quicker than antidepressants. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I didn't experience any). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor, including the NATURAL PRODUCTS, on page E, in section 2. (1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", & Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don’t follow the typical “normal” reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. (2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes of exercise, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly in daytime, outside. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*.(5.) Initially, at least, some form of psychotherapy or counselling; later, perhaps either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, (a free E course in it is at: http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome ) or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy for, say, 6 months. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Perika, and Kira brands have been recommended as being effective. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).

Question: What is the strongest natural antidepressant? besides physical exercise.. something i can buy online.. thanks!

Answer: st. john's wort. from all the research i have done this is still the most effective natural remedy for mild to moderate depression. it should be used with caution, just because its natural does not mean completely free from risks and side effects. some studies have shown that st. john's wort is as effective (some say MORE effective) in a double blind study, than SSRI's. thats pretty amazing, if you ask me. its worth a try as long as you don't have any suicidal tendencies, or haven't in the past. the risk is some people with depression are suicidal, adding an anti-depressant can sometimes give courage before relief from the thoughts of suicide. beyond that, meditation and yoga is actually one of the very best things for depression. here: http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/c/depression this is always the first place i look because patients actually rate the medicines and treatments they have tried. best of luck! depression is tough! :(

Question: what is a good natural antidepressant? i want a natural alternative to synthetic drugs and minimal side effects. my family is on a limited incom. please help my situation is affecting my relationship with my family and job.

Answer: Zinc- 50 mg daily Chromium Picolinate - 200 mcg. B-6 50mg 3 times daily B-12 500mcg daily Choline - 100 mg 2x daily Inositol - 100 mg 2x daily St. John's Wort - tea - as directed Eat a diet with plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, alcohol, tobacco, sugar and caffeine, and exercise regularly.

Question: What Is The Best Natural Antidepressant/Anti anxiety? So far i am looking into kava kava, Sam-e gingko biloba and st. john's wort. Was wondering which is the best or best combo or if there are better ones out there. Thanks

Answer: you should find an holistic dr the will help u. diet and exercise is a biggy getting plent of nutrients. Also 5htp may help u. Most of the time when we experience depression and anxiety its our body telling us something is wrong. Alot of times it can be overly stressed or sometimes mineral deficiencys . Have a wonderful day.

Question: is any food natural antidepressant? i have depression but i dont' want to take pills. thanks.

Answer: CHOCOLATE !!!!

Question: i have postpartum depression. Do you know anything about the natural antidepressant ameryn from st.johns wort? also i appreciate your stories if you've dealt with postpartum depression and what meds worked for you and how long it took for recovery! Thankyou!

Answer: I dealt with fairly severe post partum depression and anxiety after the birth of my son nine months ago. The most important thing is to see someone who specializes in treating PPD. They can monitor different treatments and make sure they are working effectively. Most importantly... if you are breastfeeding, don't stop!! Even if you need to take a prescription anti-depressant there are ones that are safe. Nursing helps keep your hormones more stable and actually decreases the incidence of PPD. It took about 3 months for me to start feeling totally like myself again but the first month and a half were definitely the worst. Some treatments that worked for me: - taking vitamin B complex capsules - taking fish oil capsules - getting some kind of exercise every day I have heard very good things about the supplements 5-htp, inosotol and L-tyrosine. You can read more about them here: http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=195601 Thomas Hale, RPh, PhD, author of Medications and Mothers' Milk, says that St. John's Wort appears to be relatively safe for nursing mothers, but recommends that caution be used. He suggests that other treatments (Zoloft, Paxil) are probably preferred.

Question: Is there a natural antidepressant that really works? ? Does anyone know this please or have had any good experiences , knowledge, ect? Thank you

Answer: Well most drugs are made from natural substances (plants, herbs ect) anyway. If you mean natural as in 'not a drug', then i don't think there are cures for depressive disorders. The non-drug mood maintainers (sleep, idealisitic diet, water, exercise, laughing) only help people with a healthy mental balance. If you've got a disorder, where the chemicals in your brain are unbalanced, then i think you need the aid of drugs to keep your mood constant. =]

Question: What is the best natural (non-drug) antidepressant?

Answer: sophie is right, st john's wart is great. spending time in natural sunlight can also help, but if you need an extra boost, try valarian root. your local health food store will have both tinctures.

Question: What natural sleep aids can I take with an antidepressant? I take Lexapro. I would like to try something like Valerian or Melatonin. Is it safe to take either of these?

Answer: If valerian or melatonin don't help, you can try good old Benadryl, the antihistamine. Start with one, I take 2 myself.

Question: Is there a natural antidepressant you can use in pregnancy? I used to take prozac every day, but I am now pregnant so have had to stop taking them. I am feeling really depressed at the moment and feel that everything is getting too much and life is pointless. I do virtually all the housework, shopping, cooking & cleaning (my husband just hoovers every other day - he doesn't work so there is no excuse). I feel like I never stop working and looking after my family and get nothing in return. He won't have sex with me for sex's sake. He had it for the sake of having a baby, but he won't purposely give me any pleasure. He usually gives me sex on Valentine's day, but he still hasn't done it yet and it was a few months before then that we had some. This helps me feel less wound up, but you can't make someone have sex with you if they don't want to. I want to feel loved, appreciated & wanted but I feel like my sole purpose is to live a life of hell doing things that I hate. Is there a natural antidepressant that can be taken in pregnancy? I wish I could have lots of sex, but I just said I can't coz my hubby won't have it. It's not just housework - there are more things to it, but not enough room to go into detail here. Prozac did used to help me before. I have tried couselling several times and that doesn't help.

Answer: Hi Tracy ,you are pregnant and you feel tired all the time , its ok to feel tired you are not superwoman but because you are doing it all they let you , dont do it ,take a break , have you told your hubby the way you feel?Ask about tablets to help you , the sex thing goes a bit deeper , he does love you otherwise he wouldnt stay with you , he might be scared of hurting the baby , congrats by the way ,going out for walks with your cavy in the sunshine will be alot better than taking pills a take ,Go see your midwife or talk to friends , think about your precious new baby , i wish i could have another , tomorrows a new day and hopefully you will feel better , my sisters still in the hospital with her twins shes 27 weeks now still leaking water but not alot , the twins are 2 pounds each now xx

Question: Any antidepressant that wont need prescription to buy? any natural antidepressant? something without bad side effects?

Answer: Antidepressant chemicals or drugs produce more side effects than their benefits. These side effects ranges from mild to severe that including Nausea, diarrhea, agitation, headaches, loss of libido, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, sexual problems, skin rash, and weight gain or loss etc etc. I am also an appreciator of natural cure because of their safe and no side effects strategy. 5 HTP, kava kava, ginkgo, st. john worts etc. As you want a natural anti depressant, here I mention a natural supplement that will hopefully help you http://www.herbsmd.com/detail/uplift-30110.htm

Question: Best Natural Antidepressant? I am looking into taking some natural antidepressants for my depression. Due to my budget, and what's available to me locally, I am looking at 5-HTP, L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine, DL-Phenylalanine and St John's Wort. Can anyone give me a comparison of any of them, give me details of what they do and what/who they're best for, and tell me which they think would be best? Also, any personal experiences of taking any of the above would be useful. Oh and please don't reply saying 'go to a GP' or 'go to a doctor'. Thank you! thanks for all the answers so far, thing is though i already do a lot of excercise:/ i mean i can try doing more, but i already do a lot as it is. and to be perfectly honest jimmy if all you do with your life is sit at a computer telling people to stop feeling so ******* sorry for themselves, i think it's you who needs to get out a bit more, don't you? cheers babe :)

Answer: I have a number of friends that have found success with Amoryn. It's an all-natural supplement designed to help with symptoms of depression. Amoryn's formula contains both 5-HTP and St. John's Wort, among other ingredients. You can learn more about Amoryn at http://www.amoryn.com/advantage.html. This site actually has a lot of great info. If you're looking for a St. John's Wort product. It's my understanding that you need to find one that's been standardized for hyperforin. This is main active component responsible for reducing symptoms of depression. Here's a link to a clinical research study published in a reputable medical journal discussing the topic - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15492771 Another great resource is the Kelly's St. John's Wort Blog - http://www.sjwinfo.org/ Try Google-ing "Natural Depression Supplement" - It seems like there's some good info there about how to naturally overcome depression symptoms without prescription medications. Start there and continue learning about different alternatives. Everyone's different, so the best long-term approach is to continuing to educate yourself and find what works best for you. Hopefully this information is of some help. All the best!

Question: can somebody recommend a good natural antidepressant?

Answer: Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been shown to significantly reduce the symptoms of depression without the unwanted side-effects. The most commonly used as natural remedies for depression are Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) which has been called “nature’s Prozac” and Passiflora which is one of nature's best natural tranquilizers. Many people around the world have now turned to this more natural approach of regaining the subtle balance of brain chemicals and rejuvenating the body and mind for all round natural health. Natural remedies for depression that include homeopathic remedies can also be of great benefit and are free of side effects. You may get additional details over here http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/remedies/d/depression.htm

Question: Has anyone had any luck with SAM-e as a natural antidepressant?

Answer: I did. I took it for a few months, and felt that it did lift my mood a bit. Doctor told me that if I felt some relief from Sam E then it meant I would probably benefit from anti-depressants. Because it just improved my mood slightly I broke down and went on Celexa for about a year. Wow, what a difference!

Question: Im on an antidepressant but I was wondering if anyone knew of anything natural I can take that will be jus? as effective? I'm currently taking Cipralex and I was wanting to something natural and perhaps cheaper that would be just as effective for me. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer: Managing depression can be difficult. Psychotherapeutic drugs have been well tested and their side effects and effectiveness are well known to physicians. There is no "natural" substance that works as well.

Question: Natural antidepressant ameryn from st. johns wort, does it work?

Answer: Below is the "official" answer, here is the information from one who used to suffer from depression. If you have a slight case of the blues, get the St. Johns Wort. If you have a mid to heavy case of depression..like a bone crushing, energy sapping, constantly crying life ain't no fun attitude get to a Mental Health Professional for help. If you need "instant" relief from depression only a qualified professional can direct you to a drug that can help you live a better life. Note the time table for St. Johns Wort to be effective. Can you wait the 4 to 6 weeks for relief? Only you can make that call. Depression is NOT laziness or a sign of weakness, it's a treatable disease. I made it and so can you! St. John's Wort is believed to combat depression by boosting the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain. Like the prescription antidepressant Prozac, it seems to increase the amount of serotonin available to the nervous system. It also tends to promote higher levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine. In some clinical trials, daily doses of 800 to 900 milligrams of St. John's Wort have proven to be as effective as 20 milligrams of Prozac or 75 milligrams of the antidepressant Tofranil. For depression, the typical dosage of standardized extract is 300 milligrams taken 3 times a day. The extract is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. Common brands are made by Celestial Seasonings, Centrum Herbals, Nature's Way, and Schiff. Strengths of commercial preparations may vary. Follow the manufacturer's labeling whenever available. A treatment regimen of 4 to 6 weeks is typically recommended for depression. If you feel no improvement, check with your doctor. You may need a different therapy.