Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
If you're experiencing crippling symptoms of depression, you're not alone - and there is hope for you. There are over 280 million people around the world battling depression (and this is just the number of people who have reported it to a doctor). These low feelings can stem from a long list of triggers and could strike anyone at any time.
For many people, it's crucial to seek professional help when in the midst of depression. However, it can be challenging to find the right doctor, and wait times can be long. Fortunately, there are over-the-counter supplements that can work to relieve depression symptoms - and that you can start taking right away.
Sunday, October 6th
Joy-Filled is a mood support supplement meant to calm the mind and body, relieve stress, and increase energy. This depression supplement is made and sold by the company Happy Healthy Hippie. Named appropriately, the company's mission is to use the power of nature and use plant-based supplements to nourish the body and mind. Their other products are geared toward stress relief, reproductive health, help with sleep, lactation support, energy boosts, and more.
Plant packed
Joy-Filled comes in an aesthetically pleasing bottle of 60 veggie capsules. There are only 7 ingredients in this formula, all with a unique way of stabilizing mood. You'll find St. John's Wort which has been used for centuries to boost mood, Gotu Kola for cognitive function, Rhodiola Rosea to decrease cortisol, Ashwagandha to reduce physical and mental tension, Ginkgo Bilbo to alleviate the mind, Lemon Balm Leaf for lessening nervousness, and Eleuthero to help the body better utilize energy.
Experience quick results
There is only one option when it comes to the size of a bottle of Joy-Filled that you can purchase. For a one-time purchase of $29.95 or at a subscription price of $29.69, you can get a 30-day supply. Either way, this product is eligible for free shipping. Each bottle comes with 60 capsules, and you're instructed to take two per day (one in the morning and one at night), preferably with food. The response time for everyone will vary slightly, but Happy Healthy Hippie says you should be able to see benefits anywhere from a day to a week after taking the supplement. This seems pretty fast, so you won't have to wait too long to decide if this is right for you.
Non-refundable
Due to food safety reasons, Joy-Filled is non-returnable. Luckily this supplement isn't too expensive, but if you find that you want to try something different, you'll need to be aware that you probably won't be getting your money back if you're unsatisfied with Joy-Filled (though you're invited to reach out to their customer service team if you're unhappy for some reason). This isn't uncommon for supplements in general, so this isn't a reason to steer away from this depression supplement.
Results speak for themselves
Joy-Filled has been around the block and has ratings from over 13,000 customers. Many of them have found a natural "zen” through using this supplement. We even saw a few customers who went above and beyond in their research to prove that the active ingredients listed are present in the quantities specified. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, so it's reassuring that Joy-Filled is an honest company providing truly powerful supplements. Some people using Joy-Filled saw nearly immediate results and say the key is consistency.
Great natural option
As with any supplement, it's wise to consult a healthcare professional before mixing it with any medications you're taking. However, you're usually better off using something natural and plant-based like we've found in Joy-Filled. We are happy with the price, ingredients, and customer reviews, so we definitely recommend Joy-Filled over other depression supplement options.
Dr. Emil's 5-HTP Plus supplement is one of many in a line of products from Dr. Emil's nutrition store. The brand has supplements to aid gut health, collagen production, focus, sleep, and more. This particular product is formulated to support brain function, mood, and sleep. We like that sleep is included in this, since that's key in supporting overall wellness and feeling good during the day. All of Dr. Emil's products are made in the USA and free from top allergens.
Emphasis on holistic health
Dr. Emil is a professional athlete turned medical doctor. He noticed that in the world of supplements, there is a heavy focus on appearance and performance while ignoring the concern for making holistic health available to everyone. Dr. Emil's line of supplements, including 5-HTP Plus, is designed for long-term use and sustainability in an effort to help people find balanced health.
Save with a 60-day supply
Dr. Emil's 5-HTP Plus comes in either a 30- or 60-day supply. You can choose from a bottle of 60 capsules or 120, depending on how committed you are to the product. Customers are instructed to take 2 capsules per day. At the time of this review, there was a sale going on where the smaller bottle was only $17.01 for a single purchase or $15.31 if you sign up for the 10% off subscribe and save discount. The best deal was for 120 capsules at $30.36 or $27.32 with the subscription. On top of this, 5-HTP Plus is eligible for free shipping. For the sake of customer safety, you can't return 5-HTP, so keep that in mind. However, you can get a refund if the bottle comes damaged or defective.
High in B vitamins
The most concentrated ingredient in 5-HTP Plus is vitamin B6. With each dose, you'll get 588% of your daily value. This is an important vitamin in any depression supplement, since B vitamins can play a vital role in managing symptoms. The other two main ingredients are 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine). The pills are gluten-free, hormone-free and non-GMO.
Customers report success
Dr. Emil's Nutrition does not have a rating from the Better Business Bureau. Our best gauge of how well this brand's supplements perform is hearing it straight from customers themselves. 5-HTP Plus has over 24,000 reviews, most of which are extremely positive. People are thrilled with the cost and say that the supplements are especially helpful when it comes to sleep. Many customers have implemented 5-HTP Plus into their daily supplement regimen and some have even been able to wean off of medications because of it. Everyone should expect slightly different results, but for many, 5-HTP Plus has easily been worth the cost and shown great results.
Safe and effective
Although Dr. Emil's Nutrition isn't as popular or well-known as other supplement brands, we feel confident that 5-HTP Plus is not only safe, but will prove effective for many people as well. This depression supplement has earned a strong recommendation from us.
MindSoothe is a product of Native Remedies, a natural supplement company that began in 2002. Native Remedies was born out of a search for better ways to mitigate symptoms and support long-term health. Experts in homeopathy, naturopathy, and other wellness disciplines were gathered to team up to deliver products that were safer and free of negative side effects. They now have over 200 herbal and homeopathic remedies available.
Benefits for everyone
MindSoothe was formulated to aid in a number of ways to improve mental health. It has been shown to support emotional well-being, support positive self-esteem, reduce excessive tearfulness, support normal sleep patterns, maintain healthy libido, lessen fatigue, and support rational emotional responses to feelings of anger and irritation. Sounds like something we could all use a healthy dose of, right?
Simple formula
So what is in this seemingly magical formula? Not much. MindSoothe is simply made up of St. John's Wort and passion flower. St. John's Wort has been used for centuries to maintain mental wellness and equilibrium. It has long been known for its ability to "lift darkness from the spirit.” Passion flower includes a combination of flavonoids and alkaloids that fight imbalances of the nervous system including headaches, sleeplessness, and nervous tension.
Dosing based on age
The MindSoothe formula is safe for adults and children over the age of 12. It comes in a 2 fl oz dropper bottle and depending on your age, the dosage recommendations differ slightly. Adults should take 1 mL 3 times daily for 4-6 weeks and then reduce the dosage to 1 mL 2 times daily. We recommend reviewing the dosing information on Native Remedies' website before taking MindSoothe to make sure that you're taking the appropriate amount. For kids between the ages of 4-11, there is MindSoothe Jr., a formula meant for younger children that provides similar benefits.
Consistency is key
Native Remedies reports that the effects of passion flower in MindSoothe will start working right away. However, St. John's Wort can take 3-5 weeks to fully take effect. It's recommended that you use MindSoothe for a minimum of 6 months to decide if it's providing the support you need. It's non-addictive and comes with a one year money-back guarantee if you decide it isn't helping.
Lots of discount options
If you subscribe to Native Remedies' emails, you can get up to 40% off your next order plus free shipping. If you are trying out MindSoothe and find that Native Remedies has other supplements that could benefit you, this discount would definitely be worth it. In addition, Native Remedies offers a buy 2, get 1 free, so that's a good incentive to stock up. One bottle of MindSoothe will last 15-30 days depending on dosage and costs $39.95. This is more than some other supplements we have included in this review, but it helps that it comes with a money-back guarantee.
Solid brand reputation
We wish there was more feedback about the effectiveness of MindSoothe. There are only a few reviews about the product, but all of them are incredibly positive. People report that teenagers feel and act much differently after using this remedy and adults say it helps keep negative, intrusive thoughts at bay. Overall, Native Remedies has glowing reviews from customers, so we have a lot of trust in the brand.
Worth the cost
Since Native Remedies is such a well-liked brand and their products are safe and natural, this is a good option to try for balancing mood and reducing symptoms of depression. It is going to cost more than some alternatives, but if it does the trick, it will be well worth it. MindSoothe is one of our higher-rated depression supplement options.
Nature's Trove SAMe is a supplement for mood and joint support. Nature's Trove has been in the vitamin manufacturing business for over 20 years. In this time they've developed a long A-Z list of supplements to boost all areas of both human and pet health. They take great pride in affordability so that everyone has access to high quality vitamins.
Unique formula
SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) is quite a different formula compared to other depression supplements we're discussing. It's actually a natural derivative of baker's yeast. SAMe is an amino acid that the body naturally produces. However, over time it naturally decreases due to age, diet, and other lifestyle factors. The point of over-the-counter SAMe is to help replenish this important amino acid in the body. Nature's Trove claims that this particular product contains the highest levels of S,S Isomer (the active component) available on the market today.
One a day
This supplement comes in blister packs and is vegan, kosher, soy-free, and gluten-free. In addition to improving overall well-being, SAMe was created to maintain joint mobility and support healthy liver function. Customers are instructed to take one caplet per day, preferably on an empty stomach. In some cases, additional supplementation may be helpful, so over time you might adjust your dose as you feel necessary.
Not safe for everyone
There is quite a list of ingredients included in SAMe, but not all of them are explained. We can't be sure exactly what function each ingredient plays, but it's important to note that people who suffer from bipolar disorder or manic depression should not use this product. It's also recommended that those on antidepressants and women who are pregnant or lactating consult their physician before taking this supplement.
Fantastic pricing
You can choose to purchase SAMe in packs of 30, 60, or 90. You get a slightly better deal depending on how much you buy. A 30 count pack is only $17.49, a 60 pack is $28.21, and a 90 pack is $37.86. This is extremely affordable and also qualifies for free shipping. Like most other supplements, SAMe is non-returnable due to food safety issues.
Tried and true
SAMe has been tried and tested with over 11,500 reviews from customers. We have to admit that we were slightly surprised to see how well it fared among users. Most people said that the potency and efficacy was just as good as more expensive brands, so they've saved quite a bit of money with the Nature's Trove brand. Some say they can't live without them as it has revolutionized their mental health and helped get their depression under control. You can read quite a few long, passionate stories from people who are thrilled with this product.
Thumbs up
It's great to see that such an inexpensive product has changed so many people's lives. We like that SAMe is an amino acid that our bodies already produce. We realize that not every case of depression qualifies for safely using this product and you'll want to check the ingredient list to make sure you're comfortable with it. But for the reported effectiveness and cost, we couldn't help but give SAMe a high rating.
St. John's Wort is a depression supplement comprised of exactly what it's named after. This plant is often included in mood boosting supplements and has been used for centuries because of its positive effects on mood disorders. It has also historically been used for helping with kidney and lung ailments, insomnia, and wound healing. If you were to see St. John's Wort in the wild, it would appear as a yellow flower that blooms around late June. This particular supplement uses nothing but the power of St. John's Wort to help customers relax and calm their minds.
2-month supply
St. John's Wort comes in vegetable capsule form and you're instructed to take two per day. There are 120 in the bottle, so it will last two months. This is pretty good considering the price of St. John's Wort is $24.99. That means it's really only about $12.50 per month. One of their other selling points is that the supplement bottle is black to protect ingredients that may be affected by light.
Save with a subscription
In addition to being highly affordable, St. John's Wort is eligible for free shipping. If you plan to use this depression supplement long-term, you can save a bit of money by subscribing to auto-deliveries set at your own schedule. That will bring the price of each bottle to $22.49 instead of $24.99. You also won't have to worry about remembering to reorder, which is a perk. Keep in mind that this supplement is non-returnable, so you'll be keeping anything you pay for.
Minimal ingredients
The only three ingredients that make up St. John's Wort are St. John's Wort (flower and stem), the vegetable capsule, and rice flour. There is 900 mg of St. John's Wort in each serving and 0.3% hypericin. Hypericin is a naturally occurring substance that's found in St. John's Wort that's believed to be antiviral and act as an antibiotic. There are no warnings or recommendations to check with a healthcare professional before taking this product, but St. John's Wort has been known to interact with certain drugs, so it is probably safest to cover your bases.
Positive reviews
You'll notice that St. John's Wort is an ingredient found in many different depression supplements. If you just want a good dose of nothing but this potent ingredient, you can join the others who happily buy this product. There are over 500 people who have left feedback about their experience with St. John's Wort, most of whom say it is well worth the money. We have read stories from people who felt relief from extreme fatigue, seasonal depression, general anxiety, nervousness, and more. Some have been using this for years, since they prefer a natural alternative to the side effects of medications.
Give it a try
St. John's Wort is one of those natural supplements that can't hurt to try. When it has benefited so many, there's a good chance it could help you too. Since it's well priced, you don't have much to lose. We can't be sure how quickly you'll see results, but we assume that testing out one bottle will give you a good idea. We recommend giving St. John's Wort a try.
LES Labs began their journey in 2009 with a commitment to revolutionize the supplement industry by using cutting-edge science to develop target formulas that allow people to achieve their health goals. In addition to their stress and anxiety-reducing supplement Mood Boost, LES Labs has options for sinus support, detoxing, male health, thyroid support, cortisol levels, inflammation, hair health, and more.
2 month supply
In addition to reducing occasional anxiety and stress, Mood Boost helps to support a positive mood and sleep quality. It comes bottled with 60 capsules, so it will last you up to 2 months per bottle since the serving size is just one capsule. For those needing a little extra, LES Labs says you can take up to two per day.
Consult a physician
Mood Boost isn't for children. It's also recommended by LES Labs that pregnant or lactating women or those on antidepressant medications consult their doctor before taking this supplement. This is usually out of an abundance of caution, but since there are quite a few ingredients in the Mood Boost formula, it's best to double check.
Strong ingredient blend
In addition to vitamin B6 and magnesium, there are 9 other natural ingredients that play a role in the mental stabilizing effects of Mood Boost. As part of the formula, you'll find L-Tyrosine, Ashwagandha Root Extract, 5-HTP, Passionflower extract, GABA, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Root Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, and Lemon Balm Herb Extract. This blend of ingredients helps with serotonin levels, reduces mental and physical stress, can decrease nervousness, and uplifts your mood.
Happiness guarantee
LES Labs guarantees that you'll be happy with your supplements, or they'll give your money back... sort of. Refunds are limited to one opened bottle per order and all sealed supplement bottles. For each sealed bottle you return, you'll need to pay a $5 restocking fee and you'll be responsible for return shipping. This is better than nothing, but you should probably test out Mood Boost before buying it in bulk just in case.
Buy more, save more
One bottle of Mood Boost sells for $29.99. You can buy up to 5 packs at a time, which reduces the cost overall. With each additional bottle, you save a bit more. For example, if you choose to buy 5 bottles at a time, you'll end up paying $23.99 per bottle. On orders over $50, you'll get free 2-day shipping, so all it would take is two bottles to qualify for this. You could also snag 10% off your order if you provide your email address for market purposes. It can't hurt.
Weak customer feedback
It's unclear exactly how long you might expect to wait for results from using Mood Boost. Their customer reviews on their website are all 5-stars and appear to be posted by the company itself, so they aren't something we would rely on. In addition, they haven't been updated in over a year. A company that strongly believes in their product should allow unfiltered reviews on their site.
Average supplement
Overall we like the idea of Mood Boost and are familiar with the beneficial ingredients it contains. However, LES Labs isn't as well-known of a company and there isn't a lot of customer feedback out there about their legitimacy. Most of what you'll find is self-reported by the company itself. Because of this, we've given Mood Boost an average rating.
Positive Mood and Energy is a supplement created by Nature Made. This is a brand you're likely to see on the grocery store aisles, so you're probably familiar with it. They also claim to be the #1 pharmacist recommended vitamin and supplement brand. This particular supplement is made to do exactly as its name suggests: uplift your mind and body.
3-in-1 blend
Positive Mood and Energy is made up of a 3-in-1 blend using ginseng (an adaptogen used to increase energy and resistance to stress), 5-HTP (an amino acid for a healthy mood), and B vitamins (to convert food into cellular energy). You'll also find Thiamin, Niacin, and Pantothenic Acid on the ingredient list. Together these ingredients are formulated to help you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically uplifted.
Lower than low pricing
Adults should take 1 Positive Mood and Energy softgel daily with water and a meal. Oddly there are only 24 softgels, so one bottle won't quite last a whole month. On the bright side, this is one of the least expensive supplements we've found, coming in at only $9.99 a bottle. So even purchasing 2 of these a month shouldn't break the bank if it is helping with your depression symptoms. Positive Mood and Energy is eligible for free shipping as well. Keep in mind that this falls into the "food category” from the retailer, which means it is non-returnable for safety reasons.
Read the fine print
As with most depression supplements, Positive Mood and Energy comes with a warning that those who are pregnant, lactating, have a medical condition, are taking antidepressants, or are taking other supplements with 5-HTP or L-Tryptophan should consult their physician before using the product. It is promised to be non-habit forming, does not include any artificial sweeteners or flavors, and is gluten-free.
Unclear benefit timeline
One thing we wish Nature Made was more clear about is how soon you should expect to feel results from using Positive Mood and Energy. It would guide customers to keep trying a little longer if they weren't seeing benefits right away or let them know to try something different if this isn't the right supplement for them. Some people left reviews about the product saying that they didn't feel like one bottle did much for them, so it may take a little over a month or so to get the full benefit.
Mixed feedback
There are over 800 customers who have reviewed Positive Mood and Energy. Most people are generally happy with the supplement, but it's a mixed bag. There are also quite a few people who said they found no success. Overall, the feedback about Positive Mood and Energy is just not as impressive as some of our higher-rated depression supplements. Unsurprisingly, it was not uncommon for customers to be a little confused and annoyed that this supplement only included 24 soft gels. It seems a little silly that it doesn't even come with a one month supply.
Not impressed
Financially speaking, you have little to lose by trying out Positive Mood and Energy. However, Nature Made is not necessarily known for making the highest quality, cleanest vitamins on the market. So if you're looking for something that will work quickly and has little to no health risk, you'll have a better chance if you try out a higher-rated supplement. We aren't "wowed” by Positive Mood and Energy, so they've earned a slightly below-average rating from us.
Hello Happy is a supplement formulated by the company OLLY. The company was founded in 2013 and debuted their first line of products in Target stores. The idea was to create inspiring supplements that focused on end benefits rather than just ingredients. OLLY was acquired by Unilever in 2019 and features a long list of vitamins and supplements for women's health, mood support, beauty, immunity, gut health, and more.
Like a healthy candy
Hello Happy is the type of supplement you'd probably get excited to take every day, not just because the packaging is bright and happy, but because the supplements are made to look and taste like "tropical zing” gummy worms. So you could totally convince yourself that you get to wake up and eat some candy in the morning that's actually good for you.
Unnecessary sugars
In truth, we like the idea of giving positive, bright vibes to the supplement industry, but we aren't ecstatic about all the ingredients. The two main components of Hello Happy are vitamin D (2000 IU) and saffron extract. Saffron is meant to boost serotonin levels, so paired with vitamin D it can help support cellular and brain health, while providing antioxidant benefits. What we didn't love was the 3 grams of added sugar you're getting with each serving. Sugar lowers immunity and is all too common in most diets, which can actually be detrimental to mental health. Adding sugar to these types of supplements is truly unnecessary. You'll find glucose syrup, beet sugar, gelatin, orange juice concentrate, lactic acid, and citric acid in Hello Happy.
Watch out for allergens
If you're concerned about allergies, that might be another reason that Hello Happy isn't your best bet. While some supplements boast about being free from top allergens, Hello Happy warns that it is processed in a facility that may contain soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, and wheat.
Competitive and affordable pricing
Customers are instructed to take two gummy worms each day with or without food and water. You can choose to buy a 60-count bottle (1 month supply), or a 90-count pack (45-day supply). A one-month supply is $18.88 for a one-time purchase or $17.94 if you opt to subscribe for frequent deliveries. A 45-day supply runs at $24.99 for a one-time delivery, or $23.74 if you subscribe. Pricing here is definitely competitive and affordable, so we are happy to see that. However, keep in mind that due to safety regulations, Hello Happy is non-returnable.
Overall great reviews
Despite our hesitations with Hello Happy, thousands of customers have really good things to say about its effectiveness. Some say it's better than Prozac for them, it boosts mood, and they taste great. There are far more positive reviews than negative ones, so it's great to see that Hello Happy has been beneficial for so many.
Not convinced
We want to be excited about Hello Happy, since their marketing is bright and fun. And who doesn't want their supplements to taste like candy? Unfortunately, we are looking for companies who take their ingredient list really seriously and consider the long-term effects of it from every angle. You can easily get a vitamin D supplement and saffron elsewhere without unnecessary added ingredients, so we recommend going with a higher-rated option for a better long-term depression supplement choice.
It's easy to see why buying depression supplements online has become so popular. First, you can shop from the convenience of your home. No more driving from store to store, hunting for a supplement that will alleviate your particular symptoms. Ordering online means the supplements will be delivered straight to your door, no questions asked.
Another benefit to shopping online is the variety of choices you have. You're not limited to a particular stores name-brand supplements, or searching through whatever happens to be in stock when you visit. Online there are many more choices available, plus you can usually read reviews of their effectiveness and return policies.
Depression supplements may not be a cure-all for everyone, but you may find yourself pleasantly surprised (or ecstatic) over what they can do. Sometimes depression can stem from something as simple as a vitamin deficiency or lack of adequate nutrition. Taking supplements alongside positive, healthy lifestyle changes (like exercise, eating whole foods, being in the sunshine, and spending time with loved ones) could drastically improve your symptoms.
You have nothing to lose by testing out a depression supplement, but there are a few important things to consider when deciding which product to go with:
Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best companies that provide depression supplements. We hope this information helps you reclaim feelings of happiness and gives you relief from the symptoms you're experiencing.
Select any 2 Depression Products to compare them head to head