FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Recovery Club

Supplements that may aid in improving your mental health (depression, anxiety etc) Feel free to add to the list

Supplements that may aid in improving your mental health (depression, anxiety etc) Feel free to add to the list

From my experience, magnesium glycinate and B vitamins, as well as fish oil seemed to help the most. It is also in addition to therapy, meditation, exercise, healthy diet with fruits and vegetables etc. Ashwagandha didn't work for me but I know a lot of people who said it worked wonders for their anxiety

It's important to understand that supplements should complement, not replace, a healthy lifestyle and professional mental health care. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you're taking medications or have underlying health conditions.



That being said, here are some supplements that research suggests may support mental health:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

  • Benefits:
    • May help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
    • Supports brain health and cognitive function.
  • Sources: Fish oil, krill oil, flaxseed oil.
  • Considerations: Look for high-quality supplements with adequate EPA and DHA.

2. Vitamin 😧

  • Benefits:
    • Plays a role in mood regulation.
    • Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of depression.
  • Sources: Sunlight, fatty fish, fortified foods, supplements.
  • Considerations: Many people are deficient in vitamin D, especially those living in areas with limited sunlight. Getting your vitamin D levels checked by a doctor is recommended.
    3. B Vitamins:

    • Benefits:
      • Essential for brain function and nerve health.
      • May help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
    • Sources: Whole grains, leafy greens, meat, dairy, supplements (B complex).
    • Considerations: B vitamins work synergistically, so a B complex supplement is often recommended.
    4. Magnesium:

    • Benefits:
      • Plays a role in nerve function and stress response.
      • May help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
    • Sources: Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, supplements.
    • Considerations: Different forms of magnesium have different absorption rates.
    5. Probiotics:

    • Benefits:
      • Emerging research suggests a link between gut health and mental health (the gut-brain axis).
      • May help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
    • Sources: Fermented foods, yogurt, supplements.

    • Considerations: Choose a high-quality probiotic with diverse strains.







2 replies

1 - 2 of 2

In response to: Supplements that may aid in improving your mental health (depression, anxiety etc) Feel free to add to the list

Re: Supplements that may aid in improving your mental health (depression, anxiety etc) Feel free to add to the list

thanks for sharing @ilovebenching !! big on the vitamin D as well, especially if people aren't able to get some sun. i do also recommend getting blood work done to see if there's any deficiencies - when i had low iron and vitamin D, i realised it was impacting my energy levels and sleep routine severely.

also wanted to note that its probably best to talk to a pharmacist/GP before starting certain supplements as some vitamins may require you to take another type of vitamin simultaneously for better absorption and/or effectiveness (e.g. sometimes Vitamin C is recommended to be taken with iron so that iron can be better absorbed, sometimes Vitamin K should be taken with Vitamin D for better calcium absorption, etc).

In response to: Re: Supplements that may aid in improving your mental health (depression, anxiety etc) Feel free to add to the list

Re: Supplements that may aid in improving your mental health (depression, anxiety etc) Feel free to add to the list

I absolutely agree that getting blood work done is crucial. It actually saved my life, I was low on iron, and had low testosterone as well which was why my symptoms of anxiety and depression were bad. Once I got my hormone levels in check I noticed significant improvement.

Always consult GP or professionals, for sure, thanks for the good input.

1 - 2 of 2