Natural Remedies for Depression | Holistic Treatments & Supplements

L-Theanine

Posted by Hermano (Lisbon, Portugal) on 10/16/2006
★★★★★

L-THEANINE is the best for a mild anxiety. also i tried before playing golf and the results are a four or five better score.this site of yours is the most informative and serious that i have found. thank you.

Dancing

Posted by Elise (Irving TX)
★★★★★

I am a manic depressive and i found that dancing gets my mind off of things when I'm feeling down plus it's a good exercise.

Chlorophyll

Posted by Karl (Thibodaux, LA)
★★★★★

I have found chlorophyll to be very helpful in improving mood. I started by taking 60 mg in the morning. I actually found the effect of taking pure chlorophyll to be quite strong, so I switched to taking chlorella, which naturally contains chlorophyll. I take a portion of the suggested dose per day.

The Arts

Posted by Phoebe (USA) on 11/28/2005
★★★★★

I have found journalling and painting really helpful in understanding the roots of my depression, which tends to be seasonal and occasional but severe. Making myself sit in the morning and blurting out whatever comes into my head without any censor (it's quite hard - try it!) is brilliant - as long as you do not show it to anybody - the more private you can make it the better it is for having a good old rant at the world without hurting anyone's feelings!! Also taking loads of rough paper and cheap paint and just doing the same with the paint, using colour and shape to express feelings. Learning to allow 'negativity' and 'mistakes' through these processes, is really helpful for moving through depression. Freestyle dancing is also excellent..Read Gabrielle Roth - 'Sweat Your Prayers' for in-depth information on dancing yourself through many states of mind and finding incredible strength. Good Luck! Oh and don't forget the positive thoughts and affirmations!! Phoebe.

5-HTP

Posted by Karin (Arlington) on 08/29/2005
★★★★★

5HTP has been one great discovery for me and several of my friends. We used to all take Valerian root which worked great but smelled awful. St. Johns wort wasn't bad either, but there was concerns about taking before surgeries. We've been taking 5HTP for over a year now and there is always this significant sense of calm.

5-HTP

Posted by Charlotte (Richboro, PA)
★★★★★

My 6 year old grandson was diagnosed with "Select Mutism" 2 years ago and rather than put him on "Prozac", my daughter did some research and learned about 5HTP and chose to try it first. He started on 50mg every night. His psychologist saw the same results with the 5HTP as children on prescribed drugs. It's been a miracle for him. I have since then also taken it since our family seems to have anxiety problems and ADD runs in the family and it has helped very much with these problems. I usually take 100mg to 200mg daily depending on my stress levels at the time. We are so grateful our little grandson did not have to take Prozac or a similar drug. I would highly recommend it as a first choice to try at least.

5-HTP

Posted by Kellie (Vancouver BC, Canada) on 01/13/2008
★★★★★

Hi I found 5 htp a couple of years ago on the internet, looking for something to help my sadness and depression, so i heard about 5 htp , well i was desprite and i took 2 100 every day , it helped me so so much, I go off it some times because the side effects for me are, it makes me get my period more often , mind you i think that is when i was taking 300 mg . and also it has caused me to get itchy palms of my hand ,and the back of my head . but now that iv gone down on them and taken a break for a few months , im good . but i have to go on them because it helps me so much for depression. i have just discovered the 5 htp with 200 mg L- Ter , wow as far as I'm concerned its a bloody miracle. it changes my whole mood . makes me very happy .but for sure one other side effect I'm not as hungry when im on it . and i dream more vividly. but as far as I'm concerned it's a wonder drug, sorry for the spelling. let's just hope the drug companies don't take them away.

Meditation and Movement Arts

Posted by Ed (West Milford, New Jersey)
★★★★★

I suffered from hereditary clinical depression and I tried getting rid of it with every way possible naturally. I had thoughts of killing myself and thoughts that I didn't matter and no one cared about me. I personally think the best way to cure depression is to meditate and do yoga/some sort of japanese or chinese martial arts. If you sip tea and stare out at the sunrise as well it puts a lot of things into perspective that the world is larger than yourself but you are still a major piece of it. I personally meditated for about 3 hours a day in complete focus of happiness and forced away bad and depressing thoughts. I also tried a therapist but its more of a temporary relief because in actuality they are just in it for the money. I hope this advise helps

Fish Oil

Posted by Colleen (Perry, Florida)
★★★★★

Omega 3 Fish Oils work great for depression!! Be sure to take them on a regular basis. They really work wonders for depression.

St John's Wort

Posted by Catherine (Eureka, MT)
★★★★★

St. John's Wort works well for me, and I definitely benefit from Sunshine (#5)! plus: Movement. It doesn't need to be strenuous exercise. Animals. Being around people increases my anxiety and depression - they wear me out. Animals are great companions; they're honest, clear spirits, and keep your mind in the present. My depression stems from a spinal cord injury - animals don't recoil from my appearance or look down on me. Riding horses provides freedom - I can't run anymore but I can ride well. If animals aren't your cup of tea, try gardening - it helps, too!!

Sunshine

Posted by Anita (Garland, NC)
★★★★★

Go out into the sun for a while. make sure u have on sunsrceen. if it is cold outside, just soak it up through the window. a great natural way to ease depression!

Walking

Posted by Renee (Pontiac, Michigan) on 05/03/2007
★★★★★

When i'm feeling stresssed, irritable, or so sad i want to die, i just drop everything and go for a walk! It's okay to stop thinking about everything all at once! I don't even think about where i'm walking to, i just go. Taking deep breaths along the way and just enjoying the control is the best way to go. I used to suffer from anxiety and bi-polar disorder, but walking, healthy eating, and love for myself and everyone else have cured it!"

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Posted by Lila (London, England) on 02/18/2007
★★★★★

Hi ... I started taking 2 tablespoons of acv mixed with about a quarter of a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda mixed in about 8 floz of wa ter(250 mls) for about a week now.I do not suffer from any illnesses so I'm just taking it for general well being. Verdict: I have a lot more energy and feel less tired towards the end of the day, and I have more regular bowel movements, I have increased saliva production(is this something good?). Also I feel that it has improved my mood as I feel much happier and cheerful now.I dont know maybe its all psychological or maybe it's the acv working.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Berry (Washington,DC) on 08/29/2005
★★★★★

a tablespoon of vinegar in a half glass of warm water is good for calming my emotions. if i drink it when something has gotten on my nerves. It takes effect immediately. Try it.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Tawnya (Ogden, Utah) on 11/23/2005
★★★★★

I have been using ACV for about 2 years. It was around the time I was told that I had cancer. I had suffered a long time with depression, headaches, and 2 premature babies. When I started taking ACV, within weeks I could feel a difference in the way I felt. My headaches were gone, and 5 months later my cancer was in remission. I believe ACV has made a large impact in my life. I now give it to my children and husband, and we are very healthy and happy.