Mood & Anxiety

Naturopathic doctors can be powerful allies in managing anxiety and depression—especially when you’re looking for a more personalized, whole-person approach. We take the time to understand the why behind what you’re feeling by looking at the full picture: sleep, nutrition, hormones, stress, trauma, gut health, and more. From there, we build a care plan that fits your life. That might include calming routines, nutritional tweaks, targeted natural therapies like botanical medicines or amino acids, mind-body practices, or prescription medications when needed (yes, we can prescribe).

We often start with the gentlest effective approach and build step by step, giving you real options—never one-size-fits-all. We also collaborate with your broader care team when needed, because managing your mental health shouldn’t happen in a vacuum.

You’re not a diagnosis—you’re a whole person. And we’ll meet you there.

Everybody gets stuck under a raincloud now and then—work stress, relationship turmoil, or your hockey team’s latest loss. But when that “rough patch” sticks around for most days, lasts two weeks or more, weighs you down with things like constant sadness, irritability, hopelessness, sleep problems, low energy, trouble enjoying life’s little wins, or thoughts you’d be better off gone—that’s your cue to call in reinforcements.

Evidence (from clinical guidelines and psychiatric studies) says:

• If your mood messes with sleep, appetite, relationships, school, or work,
• If you feel persistently worthless, guilty, anxious, or just “not yourself,”
• Or if you’re thinking about self-harm or not wanting to go on,

...then it’s time for a chat with a doctor or mental health pro. 

Reaching out isn’t overreacting—it’s smart self-care, and early help leads to better, brighter outcomes nearly every time. Just like you’d see your doc for chest pain or a sore knee that won’t quit, mental health deserves the same top-shelf attention!

The gold-medal treatment plan usually combines several teammates:

• Therapy (especially cognitive-behavioural therapy): Clinically proven to ease both depression and anxiety, and can work as well as—or even better than—meds for many people.
• Medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, mood stabilizers, etc.): Highly effective for moderate to severe symptoms or when talk therapy alone doesn’t cut it.
• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, structured routines, good sleep, and meaningful connections all help your brain chemistry bounce back.
• Adjuncts: Light therapy (especially for seasonal blues), strong social support, mindfulness meditation, and practices like yoga or gratitude journaling can give your mood an extra boost.
• Supportive supplements: Evidence-backed options like omega-3s, vitamin D, saffron, lavender, L-theanine, and (for select folks) St. John’s wort or inositol can enhance outcomes and nudge mood or anxiety in the right direction—ideally with a clinician’s guidance, since “natural” doesn’t always mean risk-free.

Best outcomes come when these elements are mixed and matched—no “one-size-fits-all” potion here, just a thoughtful recipe tailored to you!

Absolutely—think of these as mental health’s daily multivitamins:

• Diet: Mediterranean-style eating (think veggies, whole grains, good fats, and fish) is linked in studies to better mood and less anxiety—junk food, not so much.
• Exercise: Just 30 minutes of moderate activity (walking, biking, dancing) most days can boost mood as much as low-dose antidepressants for mild cases—endorphins are powerful.
• Sleep: Prioritize quality rest—insomnia and night owl habits make everything worse (and can even trigger relapses).

Supplements:

• Saffron: This “sunshine spice” isn’t just for paella—multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses now show saffron supplements (28–30 mg/day) can significantly improve symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression and even rival low-dose antidepressants (SSRIs) in some studies, with fewer side effects. Results usually kick in within 4–6 weeks. It’s well-tolerated; main cautions are rare allergy and using a reputable source to avoid adulteration.
• Lavender: Long used as aromatherapy’s MVP, lavender’s evidence now backs up the hype: oral lavender oil capsules can reduce generalized anxiety as much as low-dose lorazepam in some studies, with solid support for sleep and tension. Effects on depression are milder, and topical/aroma approaches help some but have less rigorous data.
• St. John’s Wort: This herbal classic is one of the best-studied for mild-to-moderate depression, showing real antidepressant effects in dozens of trials—often on par with prescription SSRIs for mild cases. BUT: It’s a metabolic wild child, ramping up the liver enzymes that process lots of medications (antidepressants, birth control, HIV meds, blood thinners, and more)—so dangerous interactions are possible. Evidence for anxiety is much weaker.
• GABA: As the brain’s main “chill-out” chemical, supplemental GABA is hyped for calming nerves. Small studies show modest improvements in subjective relaxation and anxiety, but since GABA struggles to cross the blood-brain barrier, effects are milder and less predictable. Some supplements may hitch a ride with certain amino acids to boost brain entry.
• L-theanine: An amino acid found in green tea, L-theanine helps promote relaxation and improve sleep. Clinical studies show doses around 200–400 mg may reduce anxiety and lower stress, and some data suggest a subtle boost for mood and focus. It appears very safe—even at high doses—with no documented dependency or withdrawal.
• Inositol: This B-vitamin-like compound is a rising star: high doses (12–18g/day) have shown benefit for panic disorder, OCD, and depression in small studies—possibly by fine-tuning serotonin and insulin signaling in the brain. It’s very well-tolerated (main side effect: mild GI upset at higher doses, >4g), but more large studies are needed to confirm its long-term role.

Bottom line: Natural doesn’t mean harmless—while saffron, lavender, St. John’s wort, GABA, L-theanine, and inositol all have real evidence for enhancing mood and easing anxiety, not all are safe for self-medicating (St. John’s wort especially). Team up with us to personalize, optimize, and avoid risky herbal-medicine “plot twists.”

Most common options:

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors):
Examples: Citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine

• Benefits: First-line therapy for most people with depression and/or anxiety—well-studied, effective, and generally safe for long-term use.
• Common side effects: Nausea, sleep changes, sexual dysfunction, mild headache, and sometimes increased anxiety right at first (often resolves in a few weeks).
• Drawbacks: Not instant—typically takes 2–6 weeks for full effect. Some people experience emotional numbness or weight changes. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal.

SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors):
Examples: Venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine

• Benefits: Effective for depression, anxiety, and sometimes chronic pain or nerve pain.
• Side effects: Similar to SSRIs, but also may increase blood pressure or cause sweating and dry mouth.
• Drawbacks: Withdrawal can be uncomfortable if stopped abruptly; full benefits take several weeks.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

• Benefits: Less sexual side effect risk, can help with fatigue and low motivation, may aid in quitting smoking.
• Side effects: Insomnia, dry mouth, mild anxiety, and increased seizure risk if you have certain conditions.
• Drawbacks: May not help anxiety as much as SSRIs/SNRIs; avoided in people with seizure disorders or eating disorders.

Mirtazapine (Remeron):

• Benefits: Improves sleep and appetite—great for folks with depression plus insomnia and weight loss.
• Side effects: Weight gain, drowsiness, dry mouth—sleeping “too well” can be an issue for some.
• Drawbacks: Not ideal if you’re already struggling with weight gain.

Trazodone:

• Benefits: Commonly used at low doses for sleep issues associated with depression/anxiety.
• Side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, rare risk of prolonged erection (men).
• Drawbacks: May cause next-day grogginess in some people.

Bottom line:

As naturopathic doctors in BC, we’re licensed to prescribe a range of medications commonly used to support mood—such as SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, mirtazapine, and trazodone. These medications can be helpful tools, especially when symptoms are more moderate to severe, but they’re not quick fixes. Choosing the right option depends on your unique physiology, symptoms, goals, and values.

What makes our approach different is how we integrate these medications into a broader, whole-person treatment plan—one that may also include therapy, nutrition, movement, sleep support, nervous system regulation, and targeted natural therapies. If a prescription is part of your plan, you won’t be handed a bottle and sent on your way. You’ll be heard, supported, and monitored closely as we work together to find what truly helps you feel better.