Antidepressant medication is the standard treatment for depression. However, it is possible for you to treat depression without any medication. There are natural antidepressants that you can use.

5-HTP

5-HTP is short for 5-hydroxytryptophan. Studies have shown that it can alter levels of serotonin in the brain. Some studies also suggest that it can be used to alleviate symptoms of depression. There was a 2016 study performed on mice that showed that treatment-resistant depression may respond to 5-HTP supplements.



SAM-e

SAM-e is short for s-adenosylmethionine. It is naturally produced in your body. Several studies have shown that SAM-e is effective for treating depression. A 2009 study showed that people who took SAM-e experienced a greater improvement in their mood than those who just took a placebo. However, it is important to note that SAM-e can interfere with certain medications, so you should consult with your doctor prior to using it.



Omega 3 Fatty Acids

You can get enough omega 3 fatty acids by eating plenty of fish. However, if you don’t like fish, then you can take an omega 3 fatty acid supplement. A large 2009 study showed that omega 3 fatty acids could boost mood and treat depression.

Lavender

People use lavender because it helps them relax. Many also opt to use it before they go to bed so that they can sleep better. It is common for people who have depression to also suffer from sleep issues. Sleep deprivation can also lead to depression. That is why lavender can be used in the place of sleep medication. It is also safe and not likely to cause any side effects.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a popular remedy that many people use in the place of antidepressant medication. Studies have shown that St. John’s Wort can change the way that the body processes dopamine and serotonin. These are chemicals that can control mood. Researchers have also found that St. John’s Work is more effective for treating depression than certain medications.



DHEA

DHEA is short for dehydroepiandrosterone. This is a hormone that is naturally produced by your adrenal glands. There have been studies done to show that DHEA can ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD.

Keep in mind that DHEA can cause some side effects. It may cause changes in menstruation and blood pressure. It may also increase the risk of bleeding. Additionally, it may interact with a wide range of drugs.