The Best Natural Antidepressant Options That Actually Work

Last Updated on October 2, 2025

I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. After a childhood accident, it often felt impossible to feel good again. By the time I was 15, doctors had me on antidepressants and I’ve tried just about every one you can name.

The problem? None of them truly helped. If anything, the side effects made me feel worse. That’s what started my lifelong search for natural antidepressants that actually work.

I also know I’m not alone in this. A lot of my clients struggle with depression too. Many of them feel burnt out, stressed, overworked, and undervalued. They’re exhausted, and when you’re running on empty, it’s hard to find the motivation to eat well or even think about exercise. That’s why I wanted to create a simple list of strategies that work and can be adapted no matter where you are right now.

 

First Things First: Avoid Depressants

Before we dive in, one quick but important reminder: natural antidepressants can only go so far if you’re counteracting them with actual depressants. Alcohol, recreational drugs, and even too much caffeine can disrupt your nervous system, mess with your microbiome, and make it harder to feel balanced. Avoiding those is step one.

 

1. Support Your Gut Health

Your gut and brain are in constant conversation. In fact, around 90% of serotonin — your happy hormone — is made in the gut. If your digestion is sluggish or your microbiome is out of balance, your mood will likely suffer.

This is why I’m such a big believer in eating for your metabolic type. When you eat foods your body can actually digest and absorb, you feel lighter, clearer, and calmer.

👉 Take the Metabolic Type Quiz here to discover how to eat for your type.

 

2. Move Your Body (Both Cardio & Strength)

Exercise is one of the most powerful natural antidepressants we have access to. Cardio improves circulation and floods your brain with endorphins. Strength training helps balance hormones and builds a resilient body that supports a resilient mind.

That’s why I always weave both into my programs. Together, they create a strong foundation for mental well-being.

👉 Not sure which type of workout is best for you? Take the Program Style Quiz to find out.

 

3. Regulate Your Nervous System with Somatic Exercises

Here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: you can’t feel good when your nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Somatic exercises are gentle, body-based movements that help release stored tension and bring you back into balance.

They’ve been a lifesaver for me, and I’ve seen clients completely transform their mood just by adding these simple practices.

👉 You can sign up to try a (free) sample class from my Magic Moves Somatic Exercise Program.  Sign up for the sample class right here.

 

4. The Best Natural Antidepressant I’ve Found: Saffron

This one might surprise you… saffron, the beautiful red spice often used in cooking, also comes in supplement form. And the research is seriously impressive.

Multiple clinical trials and studies have shown saffron to be just as effective as Prozac (fluoxetine) for improving mood – without the laundry list of side effects.

Of course, quality matters. Not all saffron supplements are created equal. That’s why I recommend ordering through my Fullscript dispensary, where you’ll find my favorite brand and get my practitioner discount. This ensures you’re getting the real deal – not the knock-off garbage you’ll find on Amazon or TikTok shop.  Sign up for Fullscript here to be able to snag the discount and see the saffron I recommend most.

 

5. If You’re Overwhelmed, Start Simple

If overhauling your diet or starting a workout routine feels overwhelming, I get it. That’s exactly why I recommend my 90 Day ULT Program. It’s the simplest way to get started because it does all the heavy lifting for you.

You just drink two superfood shakes a day… plus it comes with gut support, plant-based protein, sleep support, and cleanse that work together to start boosting energy and feeling good quickly. It’s the perfect “easy button” for mood, energy, and metabolism support.

And here’s the best part: for anyone who joins the ULT Program, I include a free case review valued at $300. This is where I dig into the root causes of whatever symptoms you’re struggling with, pinpoint what’s going on in your body, and help you get back to feeling better quickly and naturally – in a way that works best for you.

 

Final Thoughts

Each of these strategies – avoiding depressants, eating for your metabolic type, exercising, regulating your nervous system, and supplementing with saffron – can make a difference on their own. But when you combine them? That’s when the magic really happens.

I’ve spent my entire life searching for ways to feel better naturally, and I genuinely care about sharing what works. Life is too short to feel like crap. You deserve to feel clear, calm, and energized every single day.

If you’re ready, start with the quizzes, try the sample class, and consider saffron. Together, these natural antidepressants might just help you find the positivity and lightness you’ve been searching for.