Natural Treatments (specifically supplements) for depression?

EnglishMajor03 · May 2011

I have struggled with depression since my oldest was born. About 6 weeks ago, I weaned off my anti-depressant, hoping that now my kids are a little older I'd be better (babies are really hard for me). Plus things aren't great in the bedroom department....ifyouknowwhatImean.... I am feeling pretty good most of the time but there are days where all I am barely holding myself together. Does anyone have suggestions of supplements that they've used on "off" days to help them through?

Thanks!

MELuckyInLove · May 2011

I haven't used it personally but my mom used to take St Johns wort for depression.

MeggyJ · May 2011

Ditto to pp. Also B vitamins and omega 3's. I would encourage you to get your iron levels and thyroid checked. There are natural thyroid supplements out there. My depression isn't thyroid related but actual brain chemical issues. I take a supplement I got from my chiro called Total Brain and it along with the omegas has helped.

shaunna&chad · May 2011

I've heard B vitamins, specifically Niacin, are helpful. Have you tried St Johns Wort? I think they would have to be taken daily, not just as a pick me up, but at least they are more of a natural remedy than prescription medication.

Also, have you ever had any hormonal/thyroid imbalances ruled out? I've had some depression issues as well for the last several years. An obgyn did a little testing many years ago, but never followed up. I recently found that I did have a bit of an imbalance, and since beginning natural treatment for it, all of my depression symptoms have gotten better. Just a thought...

EnglishMajor03 · May 2011

shaunna&chad:
I've heard B vitamins, specifically Niacin, are helpful. Have you tried St Johns Wort? I think they would have to be taken daily, not just as a pick me up, but at least they are more of a natural remedy than prescription medication.
Also, have you ever had any hormonal/thyroid imbalances ruled out? I've had some depression issues as well for the last several years. An obgyn did a little testing many years ago, but never followed up. I recently found that I did have a bit of an imbalance, and since beginning natural treatment for it, all of my depression symptoms have gotten better. Just a thought...

You know, my instinct is to say "yes" but I can't remember if mine were checked or Parker's (not for depression but other related medical issues she has). Luckily I have an appointment in a week and a half so I will double check this.

redhead2466 · May 2011

Yes, I second the Omega3's. Your brain needs fat or you will feel it emotionally. You can supplement this easily in pill form, I got a giant bottle of them from Costco. I got it for baby's brain development during pregnancy, but will continue to take it beyond that for my own mental health.

Additionally, I would encourage you to exercise if possible. I know it's hard when you have LOs, but not only will you feel a mental/emotional boost personally, it will help improve things in the bedroom. Exercise (additionally weight training) will increase your testosterone levels which will increase your sex drive. Running, or some such cardio exercise will release endorphins (what people describe as the "runner's high") and this will help combat depression. Honestly, if you do nothing else for yourself, exercise will pay the greatest dividends, IMO.

I struggle with depression (mildly) from time to time, and my regime primarily consists of exercise and diet. Cutting out processed foods, sugars, etc. will also help.

luvlieK · May 2011

I definitely second checking your thyroid levels. This past pregnancy and the following months have been hard, to say the least.

EnglishMajor03 · May 2011

redhead2466:
Yes, I second the Omega3's. Your brain needs fat or you will feel it emotionally. You can supplement this easily in pill form, I got a giant bottle of them from Costco. I got it for baby's brain development during pregnancy, but will continue to take it beyond that for my own mental health.
Additionally, I would encourage you to exercise if possible. I know it's hard when you have LOs, but not only will you feel a mental/emotional boost personally, it will help improve things in the bedroom. Exercise (additionally weight training) will increase your testosterone levels which will increase your sex drive. Running, or some such cardio exercise will release endorphins (what people describe as the "runner's high") and this will help combat depression. Honestly, if you do nothing else for yourself, exercise will pay the greatest dividends, IMO.
I struggle with depression (mildly) from time to time, and my regime primarily consists of exercise and diet. Cutting out processed foods, sugars, etc. will also help.

I totally agree about exercise. In fact, it's my sanity. Three to four days a week- weights included

And I follow a clean eating diet already. Glad to know I'm doing some stuff right

EnglishMajor03 · May 2011

redhead2466:
Yes, I second the Omega3's. Your brain needs fat or you will feel it emotionally. You can supplement this easily in pill form, I got a giant bottle of them from Costco. I got it for baby's brain development during pregnancy, but will continue to take it beyond that for my own mental health.
Additionally, I would encourage you to exercise if possible. I know it's hard when you have LOs, but not only will you feel a mental/emotional boost personally, it will help improve things in the bedroom. Exercise (additionally weight training) will increase your testosterone levels which will increase your sex drive. Running, or some such cardio exercise will release endorphins (what people describe as the "runner's high") and this will help combat depression. Honestly, if you do nothing else for yourself, exercise will pay the greatest dividends, IMO.
I struggle with depression (mildly) from time to time, and my regime primarily consists of exercise and diet. Cutting out processed foods, sugars, etc. will also help.

I totally agree about exercise. In fact, it's my sanity. Three to four days a week- weights included

And I follow a clean eating diet already. Glad to know I'm doing some stuff right

jennterrell · May 2011

i took St. John's wort for a year or so, and it really helped my mild depression. You have to take it regularly like you would a MAOI. Also beware that it causes sun sensitivity.

At a separate stressful time in my life, i used to take Kava Kava as needed. It is more of a "calmer" though, so more for anxiety really.

sunandsurfmama · May 2011

This is by far, IMO, one of the best books I have read on the topic. It goes into detail about many different vitamins and supplements as well as diet. I have loaned it out so much, I am not even sure where it is at the moment.

https://www.moodcure.com/

The book was very helpful to me when I was going through a very challenging time in my life.

Good luck!

Alirebco · May 2011

sunandsurfmama:
This is by far, IMO, one of the best books I have read on the topic. It goes into detail about many different vitamins and supplements as well as diet. I have loaned it out so much, I am not even sure where it is at the moment.
https://www.moodcure.com/
The book was very helpful to me when I was going through a very challenging time in my life.
Good luck!

I also recommend this book. They also talk about which foods are best and amino acids. Definitely check it out.

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