When you are diagnosed with depression it can feel like you are all alone, but it’s important to remember that depression affects millions of people worldwide and while prescriptions may help it does not always fix the problem entirely. Depression is a mental disorder that can affect our daily life and the lives of those around you. With depression you become tired, lack initiative, and act withdrawn. Depression can derive from many things such as stress, health issues and family history.

It’s a tough thing to deal with, but with support from a doctor, family and friends you can enjoy your life in spite of your diagnoses. Here are some supplements that can also help you alleviate the symptoms of your depression. Remember, do not take any of these unless consulting your doctor first as some may interfere with medications you may have been prescribed.

St. Johns Wort

Frequently prescribed in Europe for depression, this miracle plant has fewer side effects than anti-depressants and can alleviate mild symptoms of depression. Many people try St. Johns before a prescription because using an all-natural product is always a preferable option. St. Johns Wort is a flowering plant with yellow flowers and grows in many meadows. Please note that the FDA warns that using St. Johns with some medications can cause severe reactions, so check with your pharmacist before buying. 

Omega-3 Fatty acid

Omega 3 is known to help with heart conditions, arthritis and asthma but is also a great alternative for those with depression.  Our bodies do not produce this supplement so consumption is the only way to receive it. There are wild game and fish that produce it but the easiest way to get your intake of Omega 3 is to eat salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds. Because of all of the benefits of Omega 3 it is a great supplement to try for all of your health needs.

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is shown to help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which occurs when the amount of sunlight decreases during certain times of the years. Because of the lack of time in the sun our bodies lose out on this important vitamin, so supplementing with Vitamin D is very important. It is not only good for depression but can help with ADHD, a low immune system, and is even suggested to help prevent cancer. When at all possible spend time outside to get the full benefits of natural Vitamin D.

While these three are the most commonly taken supplements for depression, there are others. For instance, SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is a molecule that occurs naturally in living cells. It has been known to be effective for severe depression, and studies have shown that it can help with other disorders such as infertility, PMS, and liver disorders. Other people like Blissful Joy, a product that is not heard of often, but is known to calm the mind and soothe the heart and emotions. Two of the main ingredients are arjuna, known for its beneficial effects on the physical heart and emotions, and ashwagandha, which helps reduce stress and increase energy.

Many doctors tell you to exercise at least three times a week if you’ve been diagnosed with depression. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which is basically the body’s own “happy pill” in the most natural form it comes in.  You can also try meditation, which is possible to do with the supplements that ease your mind. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of; it is something that affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. Every day stress levels are higher than ever and people have an enormous amount of pressure to get everything done in a short amount of time. Trying to balance that out with family time and time for yourself can be overwhelming and that type of stress can lead to severe depression. Keep an open communication with your doctor and family so that you can work together to solve any issues and be open to trying new products.

Having an open mind and good support system is the best way to fight depression and relive yourself from the pressures of life. Other than consulting your physician about medications and supplements, you should also let a responsible person in your life know of any medications you may be on. Anti-depressants can have a horrible side effect of inducing suicidal tendencies, so it’s best to let someone know what to look for when you are trying these new medications

 

Many people deal with stress on a daily basis, but if your stress has gone beyond the normal levels, or if you don’t know how to cope with it, you could experience anxiety. Anxiety is a very real medical condition that can affect the entire body. It makes you feel as if your heart is racing, your chest hurts, and you can’t breathe. You could even have fits of sobbing uncontrollably or feel like you can’t move. Anxiety can lead to vomiting and other issues that could have you hospitalized if you are not able to control it. If you deal with stress or anxiety and fear both of these may become out of control for you, you can take supplements to help boost your mood.

B Vitamins

B Vitamins are already in your body in high levels, but they get depleted easily. Studies have shown that people with low B Vitamin levels suffer from depression, dementia, and other psychological disorders. When your mind is already weakened by this deficiency it’s hard to ward off anxiety attacks. Make sure you take a B Vitamin Complex daily to help with anxiety, depression, and general stress.

Other benefits

B1 reduces feelings of irritability and confusion. B3 helps with insomnia, which can help you better deal with daily stresses. B12 helps produce chemicals that make you happy. B5 makes anti-stress hormones for your body. B Vitamins also help boost energy, which makes you happy and helps you to feel better overall.

 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C regulates cortisol secretion in the body, which is them chemical that is raised in stressful situations. It is most commonly called the “fight or flight” feeling you get when you are stressed out. While this feeling is helpful in extreme situations, it can be harmful if you feel it too often because cortisol is released by your adrenal glands and it can send stress signals throughout your body. Once your body calms down and realizes there is no real danger, you begin to feel weak and shaky. This mental stress can harm your brain, and increased bursts of stress can lead to a heart attack. You can also experience a weakened immune system for secreting too much cortisol, and that leads to not being able to deal with stress, so the cycle continues.

Other Benefits:

Vitamin C is also great for boosting the immune system. For years it has been known as a cold fighting ingredient, and whenever you are ill people tell you to drink plenty of orange juice. It also lowers blood pressure, which is great in keeping stress levels down and protecting your heart. It can also help with cataracts and other vision problems. It can also help with cataracts and other vision problems. Vitamin C can be added to your diet by taking supplements, eating Vitamin C rich foods like citrus fruits, or even by smoking cannabis from cheapweed io due to cannabis leaves being high in Vitamin C.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiencies increase anxiety and alter emotional behavior, which is why many people experience Seasonal Depression during winter months when the natural source of Vitamin D- sunlight- is in lower levels. A deficiency of vitamin D also causes people to become emotionally unstable, resulting in mood swings. Vitamin D should be obtained most often through sunlight, but if this is not an option for you then you can take fish oil supplements, vitamin d drops and eat more dairy products.

Other Benefits

Vitamin D is crucial for the maintenance of healthy bones and is essential to the immune system. It also decreases the blood pressure and boosts overall mood.

 

How to take the supplements for stress

It isn’t good enough to just take these supplements when you feel stress or anxiety coming on. You should take them daily for their other benefits and to help prevent anxiety attacks. The more of them you can prevent the better you will feel. Generally one you start experiencing an anxiety attack it is too late to completely stop it.

 

Ways to naturally combat stress without supplements

If you want to help keep stress at bay without taking anymore supplements you should get a good, full night of rest. A tired brain and body cannot deal with stress properly, so it will succumb and give in to anxiety attacks. You can also get these supplements in their natural form in foods. Eat the right foods and you will already have healthy levels of these essential vitamins that help keep you calm and your mood happy. Finally, exercise when you can. Studies have shown that when you exercise your brain releases chemicals that make your body and mind feel happy and focused. The best way to cure anxiety is to prevent it from happening in the first place.