Now, before you jump on me for being a drug pusher for the pharmaceutical companies whose mind is completely closed to alternative treatments, keep reading.

For one thing, I did take a natural supplement for my depression for a year. It was before I was actually diagnosed with my depression. I thought I had severe PMS, and followed a course of treatment using large doses of L-Tryptophan. It actually did improve my depression during the year I was on it.

The reason I went off it? A tainted batch of L-Tryptophan caused a rare disease in a few individuals and L-Tryptophan was pulled off the market. So in this case, the natural treatment was effective for me, but since supplements are not regulated, it can't be considered completely safe. I personally would rather deal with side effects from antidepressants than contract a rare incurable disease. But maybe that's just me.

Yes, the pharmaceutical companies exist solely to make a buck and they're often too aggressive, as well as deceptive, in marketing their products. But seriously, can anyone say with a straight face that supplement makers are not out to make a buck and are never deceptive?

Also, I want to make it clear that my attitude towards depression treatment has changed in the nearly twenty years since I was diagnosed. Initially, my life was so transformed by antidepressants that I advocated that treatment above others. Now, for several reasons, I support a more holistic approach to treatment.

So with that said, I'll end with the aspect of natural treatment for depression that confounds me completely. I cannot understand the mindset of people who refuse to take antidepressants when they're severely depressed and have tried everything natural, without success. Many of these people wouldn't even think of using a natural treatment for diseases like cancer or diabetes, because they know they're gambling with their lives.

Guess what? Depression is a potentially fatal disease. If you're suicidal and taking it upon yourself to treat your depression with unproven natural treatments, then you're still gambling with your life. Get over your squeamishness about conventional depression treatment and call a doctor. Conventional treatment may not be perfect, but if you've tried the natural route and it isn't working, ask yourself why you are so reluctant to give it a shot.