Hello everyone..I have not been here for a visit for a long time..but so glad I came today..I too thought I was going bonkers...I have been so down and depressed and cry all the time..came here today and saw how peri can cause depression and these things....I hate feeling this way...those of you have commented to not take depression meds..which I don't want to anyway..but are there any natural supplements to help with sadness and depression out there?I hate feeling down..it brings my family down and makes them worry about me...I want to shake this...it too for me comes on quickly and goes away quickly. ANy suggestions on supplements would be awesome..thanks

Hi,
I was told to take DHEA, but it didn't do much if anything for me. Soymilk did help me.

Prayer, venting and laughter have helped me the most. When I posted about forgetfullness, the replies made me laugh so hard, that I was in a better mood instantly.

I've been in your shoes (probably kinda still am) I'm sorry your are struggling with this. However, I wouldn't necessarily discount using an AD. It is a personal decision for each person. If this is a new thing for you than of course try the natural route if you are more comfortable with that. I have heard that Sam-E helps with moods as well as St. Johns Wort. As with everything it works for some not for others just as AD's work for some and not for others. Personally, I am on Lexapro and I guess it is helping but it's only been about 2-3 weeks since I have been on it. I have not had any bad side effects so that is good. I have tried several that didn't work for me which was discouraging. Like you I was fearful of AD's and all the stuff I heard about them. But, for me I had to try again. So, I take Lexapro and Xanax for any break through anxiety. Can't say I'm 100% but it's better than it was. I hope you find something that helps you feel better. Keep coming back here you will get a lot of support. Take care, Mich

There is a good book by psychologist Stephen Ilardi called the Depression Cure that I have posted about before. He has put together a lifestyle program as part of a university research project which has had a good success rate. He recommends a combination of Omega3 supplements, bright light therapy, exercise, sleep regulation, anti rumination strategies, and social support. If you want to read more about it here are a couple of links

http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cac...hl=en&gl=ca
http://www.psych.ku.edu/tlc/index.htm

Don't know if you have tried HRT or not, but estrogen has been shown to be effective for perimenopausal depression.