Feeling Low? Natural Remedies for Depression, Anxiety, and Emotional Healing
Feeling Low, Overwhelmed or Emotionally Drained? You’re Not Alone
Let’s talk about something real-those days when everything feels heavy, flat, or just too much.
Whether it’s emotional burnout, seasonal depression, hormonal mood swings, or just a rough patch… I get it. I’m actually in one of those phases right now.
And instead of brushing it under the rug, I’m sharing it-because women over 40 deserve honest, open conversations about emotional health, menopause, and mental wellbeing.
Recognising the Signs of Emotional Overload
Emotional overwhelm doesn’t always announce itself.
One day you’re fine… the next you feel:
Anxious or teary for no clear reason
Mentally exhausted and foggy
Low, flat, or unmotivated
Easily triggered or overwhelmed
For many of us, perimenopause and menopause amplify everything. Hormonal shifts, life stress, relationships, and even sleep disruption can throw your emotional balance completely off.
That’s usually my cue to pause-and go back to my natural emotional support toolkit.
Emotional Eating & The Chocolate Habit (Yes, It’s Real)
Let’s be honest-emotional eating is a thing.
Recently, I found myself reaching for a Hu chocolate bar every single afternoon. It started as comfort… but quickly turned into habit.
And while I believe in balance, I knew I needed a reset.
So I swapped it for something more nourishing:
A warm chicory root drink with raw organic milk and a touch of stevia
It still feels comforting-but without the sugar crash or dependency.
You just have to find something that gives you pleasure to replace the bad habit that’s crept up (out of nowhere I swear!) but is not harmful and still comforting. It HAS to be comforting.
Simple Tip:
Replace emotional eating triggers with healthier rituals like:
Herbal teas- find a mix you really like
Adaptogen drinks or a chia pudding
A short walk outside-wouldn’t work for me but works for some.
Breathwork or a quiet moment- listen to a self hypnosis audio. It’s fantastic! Some are short if pressed for time.
It’s not about restriction-it’s about support by swapping for something else.
Step One (for me): Emotional Reset with Flower Essences
Before supplements. Before diet changes. Before anything else…
I always start with flower essences.
They’re my go-to for natural mood support, emotional balance, and stress relief.
Unlike herbs or medications, they work on an energetic level-gently shifting emotional patterns without side effects. I know that 1 or 2 days later I can think again.
My Go-To Flower Remedies. Several brands sell them.
Willow (Bach Flower)
For resentment, frustration, or feeling stuck in “why me?”
Rescue Remedy
A powerful blend for stress, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and shock.
What’s Inside Rescue Remedy?
Rock Rose – panic and fear
Impatiens – irritability
Clematis – brain fog and disconnection
Star of Bethlehem – emotional trauma
Cherry Plum – fear of losing control
How to Use Flower Essences for Anxiety & Low Mood
Add 4 drops of Rescue Remedy + 2 drops of Willow to water
Sip throughout the day
Use daily until you feel balanced
I usually notice a shift within 1–2 days - but I’ll continue for a week or longer during stressful periods.
And here’s the best part:
-If you choose the wrong one, no harm done
-If you choose the right one, you feel it
Why Flower Essences Work (Even If You’re Skeptical)
Work on emotional energy patterns
No side effects or drug interactions
Safe for long-term use
Used for children, animals-some farmers use it on their flock when lambing.
They’re subtle-but powerful when matched correctly to your emotional state.
Best Supplements for Depression, Anxiety & Emotional Balance
B-Complex Vitamins: Natural Mood Boosters
A high-quality B-complex is essential for midlife mental health.
Benefits:
Supports serotonin, dopamine & GABA
Reduces stress and cortisol
Boosts energy and motivation
Supports hormonal mood balance
Key nutrients:
B6, B9, B12 → mood & brain function
B1, B3, B5 → energy & stress resilience
B2 → adrenal and metabolic support
Vitamin D3 + K2: The Mood & Brain Duo
Low vitamin D is strongly linked to:
Depression
Anxiety
Brain fog
Why combine D3 + K2?
D3 boosts serotonin and mood
K2 supports brain and heart health
Liposomal forms improve absorption
Suggested intake:
2000–5000 IU Vitamin D3
100–200 mcg K2 (MK-7)
Plus daily sunlight where possible
5-HTP: A Natural Serotonin Booster for Mood & Cravings
5-HTP (from Griffonia simplicifolia) is a direct precursor to serotonin-your brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
Benefits of 5-HTP:
Supports depression and low mood
Reduces anxiety
Improves sleep (via melatonin production)
Helps curb sugar cravings and emotional eating
May support fibromyalgia symptoms
Important Notes:
❌ Do NOT combine with antidepressants
Start low to avoid nausea
Avoid during pregnancy
Best for: menopause mood swings, emotional eating, sleep issues
Best Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress, Hormones & Mood
Adaptogens help your body adapt to stress and rebalance naturally-making them ideal for women over 40.
Rhodiola Rosea – Energy & Depression Support
Improves athletic performance, mood, and cognition; increasing energy; and reducing stress.
Ashwagandha – Stress & Anxiety Relief
Lowers cortisol, calms the nervous system
Ideal for hormonal stress and sleep issues
Holy Basil (Tulsi) – Gentle Mood Support
Supports emotional balance and clarity
Great for sensitivity and brain fog
Eleuthero – Burnout & Low Motivation
Improves stamina and mental performance
Perfect for exhaustion-based depression
Maca Root – Hormonal Mood Balance
Balances estrogen and progesterone
Supports libido, mood, and menopause symptoms
Two Powerful Non-Adaptogenic Mood Herbs
Saffron: A Natural Antidepressant
Saffron isn’t just culinary-it’s a science-backed mood booster.
Benefits:
Increases serotonin
Comparable to SSRIs for mild depression
Helps PMS and hormonal mood swings
Reduces anxiety and improves sleep
Typical dose: ~30 mg/day
St. John’s Wort: Natural but Powerful
Pros:
Effective for mild to moderate depression
Boosts serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine
Improves motivation and mood
Cons:
⚠️ Interacts with many medications
⚠️ Can increase sun sensitivity
⚠️ Not suitable for severe depression
Natural Support for Emotional Health After 40
Low mood, emotional overwhelm, and hormonal ups and downs are part of life-but staying stuck doesn’t have to be.
With the right support, you can gently shift how you feel.
Whether it’s:
Flower essences
Nutritional supplements
Adaptogenic or non adaptogenic herbs
Or simple daily rituals
These tools can help you rebalance your mood, calm your mind, and feel like yourself again.
And speaking from experience-they really do work.
Want to learn which flower essence matches your current emotion?
Here’s a quick description of each Bach flower remedy and the emotions they help with:
Agrimony – For those who hide worries behind a cheerful mask; helps with inner peace.
Aspen – For vague, unknown fears and anxiety; brings inner security.
Beech – For critical, intolerant attitudes; fosters understanding and compassion.
Centaury – For people-pleasers who struggle to say no; encourages self-assertion.
Cerato – For those who doubt their own judgment; builds inner confidence.
Cherry Plum – For fear of losing control; restores emotional balance.
Chestnut Bud – For repeating mistakes and not learning from experiences; enhances awareness.
Chicory – For overprotective, possessive love; nurtures selfless giving.
Clematis – For dreamers who lack focus in the present; promotes grounded awareness.
Crab Apple – For self-disgust and feeling unclean; aids in self-acceptance.
Elm – For overwhelm from responsibility; restores confidence and capability.
Gentian – For discouragement after setbacks; brings perseverance.
Gorse – For deep hopelessness and despair; renews optimism.
Heather – For self-centeredness and neediness; encourages empathy and connection.
Holly – For jealousy, hatred, and anger; fosters love and understanding.
Honeysuckle – For living in the past and nostalgia; helps embrace the present.
Hornbeam – For mental fatigue and procrastination; boosts energy and motivation.
Impatiens – For irritability and impatience; promotes calm and tolerance.
Larch – For lack of confidence and fear of failure; builds self-assurance.
Mimulus – For known fears (heights, public speaking, etc.); instills courage.
Mustard – For deep, unexplainable sadness; restores inner light and joy.
Oak – For tireless overworkers who never give up; teaches balance and self-care.
Olive – For complete exhaustion and burnout; replenishes vitality.
Pine – For guilt and self-blame; encourages self-forgiveness.
Red Chestnut – For excessive worry about loved ones; fosters trust and calm.
Rock Rose – For terror and panic; instills bravery and calm.
Rock Water – For self-denial and rigidity; promotes flexibility and self-kindness.
Scleranthus – For indecision and uncertainty; enhances clarity and decisiveness.
Star of Bethlehem – For trauma and grief; brings comfort and healing.
Sweet Chestnut – For extreme anguish and despair; restores hope.
Vervain – For overenthusiasm and stress from overcommitment; encourages relaxation.
Vine – For dominant, controlling personalities; nurtures wise leadership.
Walnut – For life transitions and outside influences; strengthens adaptability.
Water Violet – For aloofness and isolation; fosters connection and warmth.
White Chestnut – For racing, obsessive thoughts; brings mental peace.
Wild Oat – For uncertainty about life’s purpose; provides direction and fulfillment.
Wild Rose – For apathy and resignation; restores enthusiasm for life.
Willow – For bitterness and self-pity; cultivates forgiveness and positivity.
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Helpful links:
https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-9-16/tables/1
https://www.natureswish.co.uk/shop/flower-essences