ARE ANTI-DEPRESSANTS THE BEST ANSWER?
Antidepressants were first introduced in the 1950s. Fast forward to 2021–2022, and 1 in 6 Australians filled a mental health-related prescription—that’s 4.7 million people across the country. Of those, 74% were for antidepressants.
When I reflect on these numbers, I think there’s a positive side: more people are aware of their mental health and are seeking support. But it also makes me wonder—are antidepressants always the best answer? Or are we missing deeper conversations about what really causes depression?
Let’s take a closer look.
A Quick Intro to Antidepressants
Antidepressants are believed to work by increasing certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin, though the exact mechanism is still not fully understood.
They’re most commonly prescribed for moderate to severe depression but are also used to treat other conditions, including:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Chronic pain syndromes
While some people report feeling a difference within days, most are told to allow up to six weeks for full effects. For many, antidepressants do bring symptom relief—but they can also come with side effects like emotional numbness, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and withdrawal symptoms when stopping.
Counselling is often recommended alongside medication, and rightly so. But I believe we need to broaden the conversation even further.
Depression Is Different for Everyone
From a naturopathic perspective, depression doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s influenced by a complex web of factors across three core domains:
1. Physical contributors
Genetics (e.g. MTHFR mutations)
2. Psychosocial factors
Financial strain
Relationship difficulties
3. Spiritual wellbeing
This will look different for everyone, but for me as a Christian, things like grace, purpose, forgiveness, connection, and gratitude are central to deep joy and peace.
This is why I believe that, while antidepressants can be helpful (even life-saving) for some people, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. A holistic approach has the power to get to the root of the issue—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Power of Nutritional Therapy
Nutrition is one of the most underrated tools in supporting mental health. Many nutrients play a critical role in the synthesis and regulation of mood-related neurotransmitters. Some key players include:
Folate
Vitamin B6
Vitamin D
Zinc
SAMe
Let’s take folate as an example.
Low folate levels have been linked with depression in numerous studies. Supplementing folate (particularly in active forms such as methylfolate for people with MTHFR variations) has been shown to improve response to antidepressants and, in some cases, reduce the severity of depressive symptoms on its own.
Folate is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis—including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. So it’s not surprising that a deficiency could leave someone feeling flat, unmotivated, moody, or struggling to sleep.
Important note: Please don’t self-prescribe supplements. They’re powerful tools that need to be matched to the individual—what helps one person might worsen symptoms for someone else.
Testing, Testing, Testing
Getting to the root of depression often starts with thorough testing. Here are some of the areas I commonly explore with clients:
Standard blood tests
Folate
Vitamin B12
Iron studies
Thyroid function
Vitamin D
Fasting glucose
Liver function
Hormone panels
Functional and further investigations
MTHFR gene testing
C-reactive protein (inflammation marker)
Coeliac screening or HLA typing
Salivary cortisol (stress hormones)
Mould and mycotoxin testing
Not all of these are necessary for every person. I work with clients to figure out which are most relevant based on their symptoms and history.
Antidepressants May Be Necessary, But What Else?
For some people, antidepressants are part of their journey—and there’s no shame in that. But I also believe we need to ask: What else could help?
Counselling or therapy is a powerful tool to explore past trauma, improve resilience, and develop strategies for emotional regulation.
Naturopathic care can be life-changing—addressing physical imbalances, supporting the nervous system, and promoting long-term healing through personalised herbal and nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and holistic insight.
Ready to Transform Your Mental Health Story?
If you’re struggling with low mood, stress, or emotional overwhelm—please know you’re not alone. Mental health is one of my key areas of clinical focus, and I would love to help you unpack what’s really going on and find a path forward.
📞 Book a consult or reach out for a chat. Let’s start shifting the story.
If you are in crisis or not coping, please reach out to one of these support services:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
SANE Australia – 1800 18 7263
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Black Dog Institute – blackdoginstitute.org.au
Blog AUTHOR: TALITHA
I specialise in gut health (IBS, IBD, microbiome testing), women's health (preconception, fertility, hormone balance), and mental health (depression, stress, anxiety). I am a degree- qualified naturopath who LOVES helping people transform their health stories!!
