Life is too short to let any of it be stolen by depression, so I’m a big advocate of doing whatever you need to do to get rid of it.
You want natural? Depression is natural. So is pneumonia. That doesn’t mean you should pretend they don’t matter, or that taking a pill to feel better is a bad thing to do.
I haven’t heard of anything other than St. John’s Wort to deal with depression naturally — and believe me, I’ve done the research.
What they say about antidepressants is true — everyone reacts to them differently, so what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another.
Calcium/magnesium has helped me sleep — taken right before bedtime. (The magnesium is important for the absorption of the calcium.)
5HTP helps some people sleep. I took it and it was wonderful for about a week and then it seemed to keep me awake. So I took two and it was wonderful for one night and then it seemed to keep me awake… I’m going to try upping the dose again, but only on nights when I don’t have to work the next day. I suspect it’s not going to be helpful, ultimately; however, I have a few friends who swear by it.
I take Wellbutrin too. Yes, it affects my sleep some, though not as badly as at first.
Sometimes a doctor will prescribe a tiny bit of one of the old-style antidepressants to help you sleep. Pamelor has worked very well for me, and one other, whose name escapes me at the moment. They’re not habit-forming.
Depression that is not chronic usually lasts 6 months to 3 years. That at least was what the textbooks said when I was studying, which was ten years ago… Antidepressants can speed up the process and make you feel better.
Finally, if you’re feeling suicidal, please go to an MD. Don’t mess around with a life-threatening situation, and don’t pay attention to anyone who criticizes you for taking pills. Don’t risk your life because of people who want you to take vitamins and exercise or look on the bright side. Depression is a serious illness.
Christy