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Thanks to all of you who responded to my question about whether St.
John's Wort affects other people's stomachs--and what other natural
things people are using for depression.  I was really overwhelmed by the
number of responses and the kindness expressed.

A number of people commented and one sent reseach about depression and
celiac disease being related.  Some of the research was clear that it
was dealing with untreated celiacs. One study, however, seemed to show
untreated celiac children having a high level of depression, gluten-free
celiacs having a moderate level--and both groups more depressed than
control subjects.  I would like to have some of this research explained
more fully; it certainly seems to indicate that substances that are
involved in our brains are also somehow involved in our stomachs (and
celiacs have more or less or something different than controls).

So what should we do?  Take St. John's Wort?  Maybe, maybe not.  Some
people tolerate St. John's Wort (and really benefit from it) and some
don't.  It was suggested one try several brands (watch for gluten, of
course), rotate foods to be sure something else isn't causing the
stomach aches, and be sure to take it on a full stomach.  I am doing all
that and am giving up on St John's Wort for the time being.  Maybe some
time I will try a third brand. It was also suggested that perhaps the
stomach problem might go away---as it tends to do with some of the
prescription anti-depressants.

Other natural type helps mentioned:  Taking Omega 3 oils (flaxseed is
example) may help---seemed to help one person and can be taken alone or
along with medications.  Stress Forumla by Nat-rul works for one person
who couldn't tolerate St. John's Wort.  One person has been using 5-htp
(a form of tryptophan) and it works well. She mixes it with kava-kava
("Calm Aid" from Nature's Way) and takes it at night.  (The 5-htp sort
of matches something mentioned in the research; I'm intrigued.)

Of the prescription anti-depressants, Wellbutrin seems to do well for
several people.  It works with the dopamine neurotransmitter in the
brain and helps provide energy (that's what I am looking for). Other
responses: Paxil helps; good for anxiety too (may take a while for
stomach to get used to). Zoloft works ("it's like living on land after
having lived underwater for years") but takes a while for the stomach to
adjust to it. Celexa gives another person great results.  Effexor is
another that worked for someone.  Prozac was mentioned as working for
one.

One long, detailed response warned against the SSRIs (Prozac, Paxil,
Zoloft);said that celiacs, even those who are adhering to the diet, may
have a serotonin imbalance in the body and SSRIs might aggravate the
imbalance leading to problematic mood swings.  St. John's Wort may work
the same way; one person said she had backlash when it dissipated from
her system (became a "mean mommy").  The SSRIs do, however, help with
anxiety and panic, which several mentioned as problems for them. They
made others groggy.

Other suggestions were to see psychiatrist (as opposed to GP) for
prescription for anti-depressants and to see psychologist for
counseling.

I was surprised to see that no one mentioned light therapy.  This is
viable alternative to medication. It seems to work on brain chemicals to
help alleviate depression. Of course being outdoors and exercising are
good too.

Thanks again to everyone who responded.  We are all doing amazing things
for ourselves and each other by participating in this listserv group.
Our knowledge is compounding rapidly. I wish each and every one of you
the best possible health and happiness.

Sue in Maryland