Many of us know of certain families where depression is rampant. Family members suffer from chronic low mood, and there is a prevalence of interpersonal conflict, as well as a propensity for substance abuse with alcohol, coffee, tobacco, or certain drugs. Depression can also occur due to a particularly stressful life event such as divorce, accident, death in the family, and so on. This is called reactive depression and can often last for months or years. Other types of depressive disorders include dysthymia and chronic pain disorders.
Dysthymia is a mild form of depression that is extremely common.
St. John's wort could possibly benefit this group of individuals. Many women also experience low mood during their premenstrual phase. Premenstrual syndrome starts about 10 days before a period with moodiness, bloating, irritability, anxiety and tiredness. The benefits of St. John's wort for this condition have not been fully studied. Many women do notice benefits with pregnenolone.