Talk of the second wave of COVID-19 has been looming over New York. According to the CDC, 40% of adults in the U.S. reported struggling with mental health or substance abuse in June, just three months into the pandemic. We are now in January, the days are getting dark before 5 PM and people haven’t been able to see their loved ones for the holidays. All of this is just waiting for depression with open arms.

While a lot of Americans don’t have access to proper healthcare (which in turn means they don’t have access to mental health services), there are some vitamin supplements you can take to ensure your body is receiving the right nutrients to function in a way that combats depression.

1. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a popular holistic alternative to antidepressant medicine in Europe, but it is not currently approved by the FDA as an alternative here in the United States. There are many mixed studies about the herbal supplement with some claiming that it worked better than the placebo and others claiming it didn’t do much more than the placebo. St. John’s Wort also provides the fewer unwanted side effects that can be found in antidepressants. That being said, it is recommended that people with mild to moderate depression take this supplement, but if you have moderate to severe depression, this supplement may not be the solution for you.

2. Omega-3

The brain can’t produce Omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so taking these supplements help with general brain function. While there are not enough studies to say that this supplement works for certain, it doesn’t hurt to take something that essentially aids in the health of your heart and brain.

3. Vitamin D

Known more commonly as the “sunshine vitamin”, Vitamin D is extremely helpful increasing your mood throughout the day. It is suggested that you take doses between 400 and 800 IU daily, and if you feel that you need a higher dosage, please consult your doctor. According to a study, maintaining steady Vitamin D levels may help to reduce the effects of depression.