Antidepressants work by lessening the symptoms such as gloominess, feeling very down and exhausted, etc. It helps make you emotionally stable again. Many resort to antidepressants to overcome restlessness, anxiety, and sleep problems, and to prevent suicidal thoughts.

Experts believe that depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) like serotonin, which means that signals can't be passed along the nerves properly. Antidepressants aim to increase the availability of these chemicals.

Like all medications, antidepressants can have side effects. Examples include dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, restlessness, and sexual problems.

How does homeopathy help with depression?

Dr.Mukesh Batra, a well-known homeopath says 'Homeopathy does not merely look at the symptoms, because no two depressed individuals have similar symptoms. In other words, homeopathy analyzes the overall illness portrait of each individual. It treats the individual, not just the disorder, with a remedy that suits the individual's temperament and requirements best.'

It also aims at diagnosing the unique nature of the person and symptoms experienced during a depressive episode, while analyzing the individual's personality, or responses. In so doing, it goes to the root of the wide-ranging subtleties of depression that appear to be inconsequential in other forms of treatment.

Put simply, homeopathy does not treat depression by masking or suppressing, the symptoms. It targets the 'source' and erases its ugly tentacles from the inside out. This results in tangible, or permanent, resolution of the depressive state or condition he adds. All this is achieved without any side effects 

Homeopathy Antidepressant Remedies

Dr.K.S. Gopi a researcher, academician, practitioner, and author of best seller book Homeopathy Easy Prescriber has identified important remedies for this condition 

Arsenicum album 200 patients express sadness, restlessness, and fear. Anxious, insecure, and perfectionistic people who need this remedy may set high standards for themselves and others and become depressed if their expectations are not met. Depression on account of a hidden feeling or guilt. Worrying about material security sometimes borders on despair. When feeling ill, these people can be demanding and dependent, even suspicious of others, fearing their conditions could be serious. Arsenic patients think that it is useless to take medicines for their depression.

Aurum met.200 is for sensitive, serious people, strongly focussed on work and achievement, who become depressed if they feel they have failed in some way. Nervous breakdown. Thinks of committing suicide but fears death greatly. Disgusted with life and thoughts. Profound despondency. Peevish. Rapid and constant questioning without waiting for answers. Oversensitive to noise. Discouragement, self–reproach, humiliation, and anger can lead to feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. The person may feel worse at night with nightmares or insomnia.

Phosphorus 200 where the person developed depression from the belief that he has an incurable heart disease (hypochondriac). Phosphorus persons have great lowness of spirits, fearful and restless. They are easily offended. They have great weary of life, melancholy, and disinclined to work and study. They want the sympathy of others. Generally, they are oversensitive to external impressions.

Calcarea Carbonica 200 - A dependable, industrious person who becomes overwhelmed by too much worry, work or physical illness may benefit from this remedy. Anxiety, fatigue, confusion, discouragement, self–pity, and a dread of disaster may develop. A person who needs this remedy often feels chilly and sluggish and easily tires on exertion.

Conium Maculatum 200 patients are depressed during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause (climacteric syndrome). Excitement causes mental depression. Timid, weak memory, afraid of being alone.

Causticum 200 - A person who feels depressed because of grief and loss either recent or over time, may benefit from this remedy. Frequent crying or a feeling of mental dullness and forgetfulness with anxious checking to see if the door is locked, if the stove is off, etc. are other indications. They are often deeply sympathetic towards others and having a strong sense of justice, can be deeply discouraged or angry about the world.

Cimicifuga Racemosa 200 - A person who needs this remedy can be energetic and talkative when feeling well, but upset and gloomy when depressed- with exaggerated fears of insanity, of being attacked, of disaster. Along with these painful menstrual periods and headaches that involve the neck are seen.

Helleborus Niger 200- Depression in women during puberty. When menses have not started or are suppressed. A sensation of depression. General muscular weakness. Sinking sensation, worse at 4-8 pm. The mania of a melancholic type. Frequent sighing.

Hypericum Perf. 1X- Depression. Sadness and mood swings. A feeling of exhaustion. Feeling that everything involves too much trouble. Does not want to get up in the morning. Feels as if an icy cold hand was touching his head. Feels as if lifted high in the air. Anxiety. The brain seems compressed and the head feels longer.

Ignatia Mara 200-Depression in teenagers. Depression due to grief and worry. Sensitive people who suffer grief and disappointment and try to keep the hurt inside may benefit from this remedy. Wanting not to cry or appear too vulnerable to others, they may seem guarded, defensive, and moody. They may also burst out laughing or into tears, for no apparent reason. A feeling of a lump in the throat and heaviness in the chest with frequent sighing or yawning are leading indications of this remedy. Insomnia or excessive sleeping, headaches, and cramping pains in the abdomen and back are also often seen. Ignatia is also effective for seasonal affective depression.

Kali Phosphoricum 200-Mental and physical depression caused by excitement, overwork, worry, and insomnia. If a person feels depressed after working too hard, being physically ill, or going through prolonged emotional stress or excitement this remedy can be helpful. Exhausted, nervous, and jumpy, they may have difficulty working or concentrating and become discouraged and lose confidence. Headaches from mental effort, easy perspiration, sensitivity to cold, anemia, insomnia, and digestion are often seen when this remedy is needed.

Lachesis 200 is an effective remedy for depression that occurs during menopause. Lachesis persons are restless, uneasy, do not want to attend business, and want to be off somewhere all the time. To overcome their depressive feelings they are always talkative, frequently jumping from one subject to another.

Natrum Carbonicum 200 is another effective remedy where the individuals who need this remedy are usually mild, gentle, and selfless-making an effort to be cheerful and avoiding conflict whenever possible. After being hurt or disappointed, they can become depressed, but keep their feelings themselves. Even when feeling lonely, they withdraw to rest or listen to sad music, which can isolate them even more. Nervous and physically sensitive to the sun, weather changes, and many foods especially milk, they may get depressed when feeling weak or ill.

Natrum Muriaticum 200 is excellent for depression where it occurs with hunger. Natrum mur persons are reserved, responsible, and private- yet have stronger inner feelings like grief, romantic attachment, anger or fear of misfortunes, but that they rarely show. Natrum mur covers the effects of grief, disappointed love, fright, and anger. Consolation makes her complaints aggravates. She wants to be alone to cry. Natrum mur persons cannot cry in front of others. Anxiety, brooding about past grievances, migraines, headaches, back pain, and insomnia can be experienced when the person is depressed. Another striking symptom of this remedy is a special craving for salt and tiredness from sun exposure.

Pulsatilla Nig. 200 is one of the best remedies for depression in teenagers due to hormonal changes. Pulsatilla persons are mild, timid, emotional, and tearful. They have a changeable mood and weep easily. When depressed they are sad and tearful, wanting a lot of attention and comfort. They are depressed from fear of the opposite sex and marriage. Crying, fresh air, and gentle exercise usually improve their mood. They are too much depressed in a warm room or in a stuffy room.

Sepia 200 is best for depression during the menopause period. They are nervous, so she wants to hold on to something or she should scream. She says and does strange things. Wants to commit suicide. Nobody knows what she will do next. Anxiousness and fear accompany depression. She has an aversion to family to those loved best sympathy to company, yet dreads to be alone. Depression from loss of sex drive and sexual disorders. She has a feeling of dragging or bearing down sensation as if everything would escape through the vagina.

Source: blog article in ks-gopi dot blog spot dot com

Tip For best results, the medicines should match the indicated symptoms or as advised by your doctor

Note: above medicines are available in 2-dram medicated globules or 30 ml dilutions (sealed unit). 

Dosage: (Pills) Adult and children 2 years of age and older: Dissolve 4 pills under the tongue 3 times a day until relieved or as directed by a physician. (Drops): The usual dosage is 3-4 drops in a teaspoon of water 2-3 times daily. Dosage may vary depending on the conditions. Always consult a Homeopathic Physician before taking medicines

_{Disclaimer: The medicines listed here are solely based on a suggestion made by a doctor on YouTube, Blog whose reference is provided. Homeomart does not provide any medical advice or prescriptions or suggest self-medications. This is a part of the customer education initiative. We suggest you consult your physician before taking any medicines}