I'd like to share a bit of my own experience with depression and remedies.
I struggle with depression a fair amount. Most of the time it was never to bad, I'd say maybe a 6 out of 10 for intensity (10 being high). Some times it has caused me to lose a day or days to feeling like, "Meh, what's the point of doing anything?" I can usually power though that when I want, and always have when needed, but it really sucks some times. I think I actually have a fairly mild case of bipolar disorder. I know I get depressed, and then there are times I feel like I can do everything. The upside has always been manageable, enjoyable, and productive. The downside is a pain.
I took fish oil for a few years, and it definitely helped, then I added in reishi mushroom, and lions mane, mitake, and tribulus terrestris. It finally got to the point where, I didn't know if the remedies I was taking were doing anything, or they might have possibly been hurting. So I quit everything for a few months. I felt a lot better for a while, but the clouds slowly crept back in.
After reading
this thread, I became interested in these remedies for depression. I figured I'd give NAC and tryptophan a try, as the thread made a good case for these supplements to regulate both dopamine and serotonin. I have been very pleased!
So I am wondering, are there any plant-based sources for either of these chemicals? I would like to try them if there are. Natural remedies tend to be more well-rounded, and easier. Plus, it may be another opportunity to cultivate some new planty relationships!
Another natural remedy I have tried a bit, though not for extended periods of time, is Amanita Muscaria. I know there are some reservations about this mushroom, but the general consensus seems to point to it being safe. I have never had any issues with it myself. It is a great winter time remedy. It warms the body, and provides a sense of motivation. I use dried mushrooms, finely ground, and make a tea out of about a tablespoon. At higher doses, I have gotten a sense of heightened power, like I am the master of my domain. Yeah, I am being a bit over the top, but it really can give a bit of a confidence boost to your outlook on life. After about 3-4 days of repeated low-dose use, the slight euphoric feeling wore off, so it seems to have a bit of a tolerance build up. Because of this, I never took it past 5 days. To me, it is a good once-in-a-while booster, and would pair especially well with a day of skiing or winter-time hiking.
Edit: After a quick search to answer my own question, I found this
wiki page with a nice big list of food-based tryptophan sources. NAC seems to be a harder find, though.
Also, I'd like to point out the benefits of exercise. I think this is one of the main culprits in western society which leads to rising rates of depression. Unfortunately, being a full time student makes it hard to exercise, but I finally got a schedule that allows it, and I feel so much better....mentally at least.... feeling better physically will come in another week or so when my body is used to the extra work!