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Healthy Supplements for Severe Depression Without Drugs

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. People who suffer from depression often neglect their diet and do not pay attention to the signs of poor nutrition. Nutrition plays an extremely important role in the regulation of our moods. If individuals desire to avoid medication, healthy supplements are available to help with severe depression.

  1. Nutrition and Supplements

    • People who live with severe depression and opt out when it comes to traditional medication are more prone to vitamin deficiencies. They need to be more aware of nutritional intake and adding supplements to augment good nutrition. The available supplements are varied, and an individual should choose supplements that help to increase neurotransmitters in the brain.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Omega-3 fatty acids help to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that play an important role in regulating a person's mood. A good Omega-3 product contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which help to provide maximum benefits for mood regulation. A usual dose of omega-3 is 1200 mg daily, best taken in the capsule form. Omega-3 plays a major role in balancing cholesterol levels as well.

    St. John's Wort

    • One of the more popular and well known of the supplements for depression is St. John's wort. This herbal supplement helps lift an individual's mood. It comes in extract, oil, capsules and tablets. Capsules and tablets are the most common forms. The normal dose for St. John's wort is 600-900 mg daily and, if deemed necessary, the dose can be increased to 900-1800 mg daily. St. John's wort has very few side effects, such as stomach upset. The supplement takes about two weeks to take effect and provide relief from depression symptoms.

    When to Seek Professional Help

    • Although supplements are an excellent natural way to increase levels of neurotransmitters, they may not take care of the underlying cause of the depression. If your mood should get worse, or you start to feel hopeless and lack the desire to complete daily tasks, then it might be time to consult your doctor. If thoughts of harming yourself or others occur, call 911 immediately.

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