St John's Wort

[DeeStopia]

Have had a very difficult few weeks and that looks set to continue for a few months. Nothing I can do about the situation, I just have to sit it out (it's a messy divorce.)
I'm not depressed, I don't think- I've had quite bad depression once before and this isn't it- but I can get quite teary and despondent. I feel the need for something to keep me from sliding down iykwim.
Anyone tried St John's Wort or any other natural remedy for low spirits? What are your experiences?

My closest friend has manic chronic depression to the point of having a counsellor on speed-dial. She has been on antid’s for most of her life (around 25 years) and combines them with SJW and meditation & yoga.

I know when she has stopped taking the SJW. She gets on a real downer, not wanting to be here.

She wouldn’t cope without it.

Well done to you for recognising your symptoms

I took it for a bit, I don't know if it really helped or not as I had a lot of issues even then but had to stop shortly after due to interactions with other medications I take.

5-HTP Supplements.

Look up the benefits

I tried it for several months and did not find it particularly helpful, sadly; however, I don't think it would hurt to try unless you're taking other medications that it affects. There is research that it is similar to SSRIs and TCAs which could likely explain why it's something many swear by but also that there are many others who won't get any noticeable response from it. Here has a good rundown of current research and concerns on contraindications to other medications.

I found a good multivitamin and Vitamin D (especially at this time of year) alongside tweaking my diet to have more of a balance of proteins and healthy fats, particularly in the morning, helped me quite a bit alongside other lifestyle changes when in the difficult-teary times of life rather than actual depression/in need of other therapies.

Thanks all. I've ordered soe 5-HTP so thanks Mistress. I've been talking the St John's Wort for a week or so, so maybe a bit early to feel any benefits. I do know what I need to do with regards to lifestyle- Walking and working hard- so hopefully together with supplements, I can prevent myself from slipping further.

I've recently started taking 5-HTP and I really think it helps with my low moods and anxiety. I would definitely recommend trying them. I'd also consider getting a meditation app, I thought it was all bollocks but it is actually effective at calming me down when my anxiety is getting unmanageable and allows me to let go of negative thought patterns temporarily.

Thanks silk - any apps particularly good?

Headspace and Calm are both excellent meditation apps, and I'd definitely say 5-HTP is more helpful than St Johns Wort in my experience, but it's worth trying a range of things. At this time of year, a good vitamin D3 supplement can be really helpful too.

As above, SJW did nothing for me but 5-HTP has helped.