Natural Supplements to Battle Holiday Depression

There are so many people who suffer the holiday blues, I'm one of them. I'm just not a big holiday person, and I get "down in the dumps," as my mother calls it, every year come Thanksgiving all the way till the new year. I know that I'm not the only one, but I am the only one in my family who suffers holiday depression, which makes it even harder to deal with because no one understands.

If you suffer the holiday blues, it's not easy, but I've got a few supplements and natural remedies to help you make it through the season.

I have not tried these, but you can bet I'm trying something this year, especially now that I know there is an alternative to feeling down during the holidays.

No matter what causes your holiday depression, whether it be because of relationships, finances, or basic physical demands, you can battle the holiday blues.

A few simple suggestions include:

• Exercise more
• Lay off the eggnog
• Donate your time to a food bank
• Try something different
  
• Don't sit at home and stew
• Find a support group consisting of others who suffer the holiday blues
  

If you know that you're going to suffer the holiday depression, you'll want to get on it early, as most supplements will take at least six weeks to fully get into your body and start working.

• St. Johns Wort- popular supplement for depression
• SAM-e (S-adenoslmethionine)- important for biochemical reactions, including the manufacture of neurotransmitters in the brain
• Flaxseed oil- provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which is thought to boost low levels of EFA's thought to be a cause of depression
  
• Selenium- a trace mineral and is an antioxidant
• Kava Kava- promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, relieve depression
• B-complex vitamin- deficiencies in B vitamins can cause depression; B6, 9, and 12 are essential to help reduce depression
  
• Magnesium- mineral necessary for numerous biochemical reactions in the body

Before you take any supplement, you want to consult with your general physician, as you want to make sure that there isn't going to be any side effects or complications with any current prescriptions you may be on. Plus, it's a good idea to make sure that you know the proper dosage.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that the advice in this article should in no way replace that of a licensed physician. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor so that you can determine your diagnosis and the best treatment.