Should I try Natural Supplements for Depression
By Matthew Boyle
Depression is a common and serious mental disorder affecting over 300 million people worldwide.
For someone with depression, even getting out of bed is a daily struggle. Science has not found a cure for depression but they have created medications that may help.
However, for over a third of people with depression, medical treatments do not help them feel normal again.
If this is you, there are natural supplements for depression out there that may be right for you.
Before looking at all the possible natural supplements for depression let’s first learn the basics of natural supplements.
What to Know Before Trying Natural Supplements for Depression?
Natural supplements are not for everyone and are often best for short-term use.
Switching to natural supplements is not a sudden process, it is a slow transition and may never be fully completed.
However, for some people natural supplements feel less intense on the body, have less side effects, and can help combat depression.
The goal for natural supplements is the same as when medicine is prescribed which is to decrease feelings of depression and to create a feeling of mental stability.
Let’s take a look at some of the natural depression treatment options available.
Natural Treatment Options for Depression
Supplements
● St John’s wort: St. John’s wort or Hypericum perforatum is a shrubby herb with yellow flowers. Both the leaves and the flowers are used for medicinal purposes.
This natural vitamin can evoke happy emotions and subside thoughts of depression.
If you’re taking prescription antidepressants, cough suppressants, birth control, or blood thinners, talk to your doctor. In many cases, the herb makes other medications less effective.
● Saffron: Saffron or Crocus sativus is a rare spice made from the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus flower.
Saffron has been used for centuries to strengthen digestion, improve mood, and increase relaxation.
A 2013 study in the Journal of Integrative Medicine Trusted Source found that saffron supplements actually improve mood and reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder more than placebo supplements.
Saffron can be fairly expensive making it a difficult supplement to keep up with daily.
● Vitamin B: Vitamins B-12 and B-6 are particularly significant to brain function. Boosting vitamin B levels may help decrease depression symptoms.
However most daily vitamins include small amounts of vitamin B so adding a large dose of vitamin B on top of a daily supplement could be dangerous.
● Vitamin D: Vitamin D is a product from the sun that can increase serotonin levels, increasing mood and energy level.
However like vitamin B, most daily supplements include some amount of vitamin D and it can be very dangerous having high levels of vitamin D in our system.
● Omega 3 fatty acids: Most commonly known for boosting heart health, Omega-3s can also help relieve symptoms of depression.
These fats are important for neurological development and growth. However, the human body can’t make omega-3s on its own.
Because of this the only way to get these essential acids is from supplements and foods, including fish, some nut oils, and some plants.
While some studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids may help relieve the signs and symptoms of depression, the overall evidence is unclear.
If you are thinking of taking any of these supplements discuss further with your doctor to see if this is the right choice for you.
Brain Health Supplements & Vitamins by
Therapies
● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a common type of therapy in which a clinician or health counselor helps a patient identify, dismantle, and replace unhealthy behaviors and ways of thinking with positive ones.
● Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy: DBT is a type of therapy to help people suffering from issues related to suicidal ideation and borderline personality disorder.
During DBT treatment, patients will learn social skills, how to deal with issues related to stress, and how to have healthier interpersonal relationships.
● Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing: EMDR is a form of psychotherapy treatment that is designed to help patients overcome symptoms and emotional distress that is associated with traumatic memories.
EMDR therapy aims to help the mind heal from past psychological trauma, just as body can heal from physical trauma.
Other Helpful Changes
● Healthy diet: Most of the supplements listed above can be found in fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods that are great to include your daily diet.
● Exercise: Movement can be difficult when struggling with depression but something as simple as a walk around the block or stretching for 5 minutes can help stimulate the mind.
When it comes to depression there is no treatment plan that is right for everyone but it you think there is a form of help you would like to try, have a discussion with a depression specialist or your doctor.
Once again, please speak to your doctor before making any changes to your current depression treatment plan.
Author Bio:
Matthew Boyle is the Chief Operating Officer of Landmark Outpatient Services, a new psychiatric and clinical practice which provides services for mental health in Louisville KY. Matthew graduated from Duke University in 2011 and has worked in the healthcare industry ever since.
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect all or some of our beliefs and policy. Any links on this page does not necessarily mean they have been endorsed by Defying Mental Illness.
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