Depression affects millions of people worldwide. Many have heard of the reported benefits of St. John's Wort, but in many cases it just doesn't work. In order to understand why, it's important to understand that depression can stem from hundreds of things, which often makes it difficult to treat.
As with most ailments, accurate diagnosis is the key. Unfortunately, most doctors seem to spend less time looking for the underlying cause of a problem and more time practicing "cookbook" medicine. (They simply compare the observed symptoms with those listed as treatable by various drugs and prescribe the drug that fits best.) In the USA especially, it is common practice to treat only the symptoms. Any doctor that deviates from this approach may be subject to malpractice regulations.
Before resorting to any supplement or drug, problems like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), diabetes, weak adrenal function, and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or pituitary gland should all be ruled out. There are many self-tests that can be used to identify these problems.
Other causes of depression are hormone imbalances, chronic infections, pain, cancer, and vitamin deficiencies. One of the most commonly overlooked contributors to depression is the regular use of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Blood pressure drugs are particularly notorious for causing depression. If you take any meds on a regular basis, be sure to check their side effects.
There are numerous natural remedies that are effective in treating depression. While St. John's Wort is one of the few that have been shown to be just as effective as Prozac, it's not the only alternative.
Log in to the Classified Section for a list of the more commonly known herbs and supplements that have been shown to help or alleviate depression.
