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Does anyone know of any natural supplements for anxiety and depression? I already exercise regularly and am a vegetarian and I don't think being fully vegan can fit into my lifestyle just yet, though I am working on being vegan a few days a week.
i was taking St. john's Wort and it worked really, really well for me BUT it made it very difficult for me to, um, get off. So i quit taking it. Everything affects people different ways. When i did online research it didn't appear to do that to anyone else but some of the other one's did. It might work for you.
Hmm would you recommend taking it? Were you taking it for anxiety, depression, or both?
I'm not sure if I should take anything just yet or if I should just hope my problem improves with exercise and a good diet? I don't want to risk the chance of negative side effects. My symptoms have just recently become worse because I just had transfer to a new job that makes me really unhappy. And I got off my birth control a month ago so I think that is also screwing with my hormones. But I've always had pretty bad anxiety and occasionally depression so maybe I should take something? Ugh trying to figure out whether to take something or not is just causing me more stress haha.
But thank you for your suggestion Michelle! I'll definitely be considering st. Johns Wort.
When I tried St. John's Wort years ago, it made me worse. Rescue Remedy can help with anxiety; maybe acupuncture is worth trying. You're on a great track with exercise--daily? I think daily helps most--& a, hopefully healthy, vegetarian diet. Consider finding a therapist that can help you identify triggers & get to the root of your issues--this was crucial for me, especially because I did not want to be on meds, natural or prescription. Explore outlets--activities & interests that you are passionate about--things that help you relieve stress (whether it's yoga, meditation, kickboxing...find what works for you.) Keep a mood journal. Surround yourself with UPLIFTING PEOPLE ONLY. These are only a few of the things I did; I've been off antidepressants/anxiety for about 5 years now. Send me a private message if you want more specific details. Supplements can have their place, but it's more crucial to address what is going on (which I know can be extremely difficult) & learn to overcome it through your everday LIVING.
I agree with Allie. because herbs really are still drugs. Cocaine comes from a plant after all and tobacco, too. But if you feel like you really need something then ,and only then, would I try anything. By the way i am not taking anything now.
Hi all,
We all know people who exercise like maniacs. They may say they do it to be healthy and slim but we know they are addicted. Thats why they can't miss a day if it's snowing or they are injured. When they are forced to stop they are miserable.
These people learned how to manage their emotional imbalance with exercise. It is a very powerful method. It has a strong normalizing effect on those emotions that can get out of balance causing suffering.
Unfortunately the effects are temporary in nature. You have to do it every day. It is hard to get started when you already feel poorly and not everyone's body can take the strain.
On the positive side it really does work well and has excellent side effects (you get yourself in excellent shape).
I am an acupuncturist and herbalist but would not consider prescribing St. John's Wort due to it's common side effects, and am cautious about the use of herbs for these sorts of conditions that may be a matter of balance.
Our foods have the single biggest impact on mental and emotional balance and the superhero plan is a great way to get started.
Caffeine and sugar are difficult to consume and maintain balance.
Yeah thats what scares me about the excercising.. I've had the problem before where I am exercising everyday and then I get sick or too busy with work and such and I feel completely miserable. I think I've already decided against any supplements because they make me nervous. I don't consume caffeine and I will try to work on not having any sugar.
Thanks for the awesome advice!
Valerian root for anxiety and St John's Wort for depression. The valerian can cause sleepiness so keep that in mind.
Maybe talking to someone like a therapist or trusted doctor before resorting to supplements (drugs). I used to try to fix my problems myself usually making it worse so I found a therapist I loved (it took a few to find one I gelled with) and it helped so much. Having someone from "outside" look in, they can see things more rationally. I also began practicing yoga, not just poses, but the whole philosophy. I managed to get off prescription depression meds (after being on them for 9 years), and have no more depression. Yoga gave me tools to handle difficult situations. No more therapist either, though I wouldn't hesitate to see her again if I needed to. Slow down, and don't be too hard on yourself.
i have been on anti-depressants for a while, and decided to go a more natural route. I have taken St John's Wort before, and it worked for me. What I have found lately that has worked really well is SAMe and 5-HTP. I have been taking them for about 2 mos. and find that they work better than the Rx anti-depressants I was on. I have more energy for the other things that help with depression, i.e. eating well and exercising regularly. No side effects for me. The SAMe also has helped me with joint pain, which is a plus.
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