Has anyone taken anything for depression that is over the counter? I prefer not to take prescription drugs b/c I like the alternative, natural route, if possible. I know St. John's Wart helps with depression, but I never tried it. Does that work well? Is there anything else you know of that can help? Any herbs? Thank you.
While I don't remember the exact dosage, my therapist recommended Vitamin B for depression.
At least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day has been shown scientifically to work as well as prescription medications for mild to moderate depression.
"SPARK: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain" by John J. Ratey
Well, where do I begin. I have tried many of prescriptive meds and yes they do come with side effects. My best one was Lexapro however it KILLS the sex drive. I have tried L-thenine and Kava from the health food store but was not effective for me. The salesperson mentioned that you must take a large quantity over several months or weeks but still no results. I have found out that quiet time, exercise, and journaling has helped me. Along with glasses of wine. Well I wish you luck and inbox me with any questions!
St John's Wort helped me a lot with my PMS depression symtoms. 5-HTP is also good for anxiety and depression.
Remember though that depression is anger turned inward. The best way to deal with depression is to get out of the house and do something. Exercise in the sunshine will help you more than anything. Find something you enjoy gardening, walking, bike riding, swimming just getting out and feeling the warm sun on your skin and learning to enjoy the simple things like listening to the birds, smelling the flowers will do a lot to lift your mood.
There is a reason they say "Stop and smell the roses".
How about Chinese acupuncture/herbals? Www.ncoaa.org has listing of acupuncturists.
Moderate exercise 3x weekly has also been proven to have similar effects to antidepressants.
My hubs is bipolar, we've tried lots of organic meds from the health food store, none have worked.
Lots of temporary depression is because we have unresolved issues that need to be dealt with and put to rest. Facing the grizzly is the best way to get rid of normal depression.
If you have a mental disorder that causes depression.... well we havent had much luck with any of my hubs prescriptions for that either.
Exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and TIME usually helps it to pass.
