<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> 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