What is the Best Antidepressant?

Depression is a severe mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide, impairing all aspects of their life. However, timely addressed and accordingly treated, depression symptoms can be reduced or cured. 

There is a variety of depression treatment options available. Some people may better respond to some types of treatment, while others may be receptive to different depression treatment options. 

Most commonly, depression treatment involves antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. If you experience ongoing depression symptoms, you should speak to your doctor to begin the treatment as soon as possible. 

Some people, especially those with mild to moderate depression, opt not to take antidepressant medications, but try other options. They look to natural remedies and herbs to find relief from depression. 

Many of these natural antidepressants have been used for centuries and may help boost your mood when you experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness. 

1. DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is a steroid hormone that your adrenal glands produce. Changes in the levels of this hormone are linked to depression. 

A small number of preliminary studies indicates that DHEA dietary supplements may alleviate depression symptoms as well as signs of anxiety and PTSD. While it is well-tolerated by a majority of people, DHEA may interact with many other drugs, causing various side effects, especially if you use it in high doses or long term. 

You can find DHEA made from wild yam or soy on the market, but this supplement does not affect in treating depression. 

2. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a plant native to Western Asia, Northern Africa, and Europe. St. John’s Wort herbal supplement can help treat mild and moderate depression and other medical conditions because it helps increase the levels of serotonin in the body. However, this natural antidepressant is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression in the United States. St. John’s Wort can interact with medications such as chemotherapy drugs, birth control drugs, blood thinners, or HIV/AIDS medications, causing severe side effects.  

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats found in cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout, nuts, and flax oil. Also, you can find omega-3 fatty acids in supplement form. Research has found that individuals who have low levels of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements may be at higher risk of depression.

While a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for your heart, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating depression. 

4. Saffron

Saffron is a spice derived from a flower in the iris family called crocus. Some studies show that saffron can be useful in treating mild to moderate depression. 

5. Zinc 

Zinc is a mineral that is naturally present in foods such some types of seafood (oysters, lobster and crab), lean red meat, whole grains, dairy products, nuts, sesame and pumpkin seeds, beans, and some other foods. It is also available as a dietary supplement.  

Zinc is found to improve cognitive functions such as learning and memory, boost the immune system, and increasing mood. Some studies show that low levels of zinc in the body are linked to depression. 

Some people will respond well to these natural antidepressants, while others will experience no improvement. Also, because some natural antidepressants may interfere with prescription meds, make sure to talk to your GP before taking any herbal remedies or supplements.