One in four American adults suffers from depression. If you’re part of this statistic, you may wonder what you can do to find relief from your symptoms.
There are many different options for treating depression. There is no one-size-fits-all remedy, though. It takes a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you.
Keep reading to find our list of the best supplements for depression.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s are a great supplement for health, but they can also help treat depression. The two omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid — have very promising results for treating mood disorders.
Omega-3s are a great supplement for pregnant and postpartum women with depressive symptoms. It is safer to take during pregnancy as anti-depressants can impact the growing fetus.
- St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is one of the oldest and best supplements to help treat depression. Studies show it can reduce depressive symptoms for folks with mild to moderate depression. It might not be the best choice for people struggling with severe depression.
Care must be taken if you choose to use St. John’s Wort. It can interfere with the effects of many different prescriptions, including anti-depressants. Combining it with your prescription antidepressant can cause serotonin syndrome.
- Saffron
Saffron is not just a helpful kitchen spice that pairs well with rice and chicken. The saffron flower is chock full of antioxidant compounds that make it a great natural treatment for depression.
Studies show that saffron can boost levels of the mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin. Scientists believe it inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, causing it to stick around in the brain for longer. Some suggest that saffron can fight depression as well as synthetic prescription drugs like Fluoxetine.
- S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
SAMe is a compound that occurs naturally in our bodies. It helps to produce and regulate hormones as well as plays an essential role in proper brain function. A synthetic version of this compound is found in the dietary supplement aisle of most grocery stores.
Studies show that folks with Major Depressive Disorder find improved symptoms when supplementing with SAMe.
As with St. John’s Wort, do not take SAMe with prescription antidepressants or antipsychotic medication.
Why Use Supplements for Depression
Many people like the idea of using natural supplements over chemical formulations made in a lab.
We don’t recommend stopping anti-depressants without first consulting your doctor. While using supplements and herbs for depression over prescriptions is tempting, never quit cold turkey.
Some consider supplements over prescription drugs due to the price of the medication. If cost is what has you considering making the switch, you may want to reconsider.
If your prescription anti-depressants have been working, stay on them. Online pharmacies like PricePro Pharmacy have prescriptions at much lower prices. Check them out to see if you can get your meds at a lower price.
You Have Options
There are so many different medications and supplements for depression. It can take a while to find the one(s) that work best for you, but the wait is so worth it. You deserve to be happy and free of your depression symptoms.
Keep reading our blogs for more informative articles about health and mood disorders.
