8 Herbs That Help with Depression & Anxiety

Anxiety and depression are ubiquitous conditions that impair your ability to think clearly and function effectively in everyday life. Almost 1/3 of the country’s mental health expenditure goes towards treating anxiety disorders, which cost over $42 billion each year. With over 40 million people affected, anxiety is an epidemic in the United States and depression isn’t far behind. As of 2015, an estimated 16 million adults had at least one major depressive episode over the course of the previous year. That’s 6.7% of US citizens. Not only are anxiety and depression independently prevalent, they are also correlated.

Those who suffer from depression are more likely to have an anxiety disorder, and vice versa. Nearly 50% of those with depression also suffer from anxiety.
Millions of Americans who struggle with anxiety or depression feel compelled to navigate the potentially treacherous pharmaceutical industry’s path towards mental health, taking antidepressant drugs that often have negative side effects. Millions of prescriptions for anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications are written each year.

Benzodiazepines, including Xanax and Ativan, are among the most frequently prescribed medications and come with a laundry list of potential side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, mental cloudiness, irritability, and sleep disruption. These drugs are intended for short-term use and, taken long-term, can increase your risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia but they are, unfortunately, highly addictive. Like most addictive substances, the body acclimates to them within a few months and they are no longer effective unless the dose is increased. Quitting these drugs is incredibly difficult.

See page 2 for all 8 herbs that help with depression and anxiety.