Non prescription antidepressants?

Hi. I've struggled with this from time to time. I was taking 5HTP for a while in undergrad and found it to be really effective. Its just a vitamin supplement. Another supplement that may work is St. John's Wort but let me warn you now it makes some contraceptives less effective when using in combination. I know the last thing you want to do when you are down is to work out. There is a lot of evidence out there that tells us that exercise can decrease your symtoms. Just moving around doing something that you enjoy. Get a skip it or hula hoop that brings you back to a much simpler time and use it during study breaks to recharge. Movement will make you feel much better. You can also practice progressive muscle relaxation in times of high stress which is very effective for managing anxiety and results in better academic performance. Other than that know that if severe depression has be a battle for a long time you need to speak to a doctor and make that decision for yourself. Hormonal imbalances left untreated can cause structural changes to your brain that make treating depression much more difficult down the road. It is very likely that your mom is not aware of this but do the research and/or ask your doctor to explain this further. Also antidepressants will take a few weeks to work so they are not a quick fix. You cannot drink alcohol if you are using them as it intensifies the effects and that may be hard to do in college. Reaching out to friends can also be very helpful in times like these. Best wishes.