Supplements for depression

[ilovedogs]

This question is actually for my dh. He has suffered from life long depression. He's not into taking meds and he's not good about taking supplements but he will if I put them in front of him and tell him "TAKE THESE!!!" Anyway, I was wondering which supplements would be best. I'm hoping Chemar comes on here because I know she's had experience with many of the supplements. There is a question about whether my dh is bi-polar according to my therapist but I think it's depression and anxiety and stress that seem to be the ongoing factors. I was going to have him try SAM-e but then I thought maybe 5-HTP would help. He's tried B vitamins, fish oils, and GABA for certain periods of time but only gets temporary relief and he gets frustrated so he then stops taking stuff altogether. Things are really stressful around our house and I'd love to hear other's experience.

 

Thanks,

 

Bonnie

[Chemar]

Bonnie, I would think it important for him to try to get a more finite diagnosis as the supps that help with depression may not be the best things for someone with bipolar.

 

Of all the otc supps for depression, 5HTP or tryptophan seem to have a more dramatic effect, but with that also comes the possibility of negative reaction. Some people just do not tolerate them. Most, but not all people seem to respond well to inositol. samE is great for short periods, but not long term. There is also st John's wort and phenylalanine (the latter can increase dopamine so if any TS, a potential tic increase

 

also, I posted before about the benefits of aromatherapy jasmine oil on easing low moods

 

I have heard of some bipolar patients who are finding relief with homeopathic lithium

 

hth