St. John's Wort helped me but I had to quit taking it because I became very sensitive to the sun. Not only skin but my eyes were bothered. It also thins the blood so you have to be careful with it.
I read Lemon Balm helped some people, it didn't make much a difference for me.
What has really helped me is a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and physical exercise. One gives nourishment and strength to the soul and spirit, the other has a natural mood lifting benefit as you get your body in shape.

Since your depression sounds as though it was created by a situation rather than a medical condition, I would look for a non-medical, non-herbal solution for it. And I believe you answered yourself in a way in your last sentence. I would suggest that the simple act of gardening may bring you the solace you are looking for. The simple tending and caring for living beings that respond positively to your care is healing. Not to mention the enjoyment the plants/blooms and the other life that they attract is. (I enjoy bumblebees as much as butterflies!) Gardens have down through the ages been places of peace, meditation, healing and sanctuary as well as places to get healing and nutritive botanicals.

Some words to consider by people far more skilled than I...

"Earth laughs in flower."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends." -- Kozuko Okakura

"I have never had so many good ideas day after day as when I worked in the garden." --John Erskine

"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders." -- Henry David Thoreau

"Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul." -- The Koran

"All my hurts my garden spade can heal."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

FataMorgana

Depression is one issue that you should not ignore. Yes, medications can work very well, provided you have a good doctor that can determine the type of medication you need for the depression. Deperession has many symptoms and controls. Herbal remedies are fine for some, and St. Johns wort had little effect on me. Currently I take Celexa, which has helped me quite a bit. Taking 15 different medications daily isn't an easy task, but necessary in my case. Herbal remedies cannot control the health issues I have, and they are at best limited to small dosages, that can get quite expensive, if I had to take maybe 10 of one herbal remedy comparted to sngle prescription med. As we get older its a fact of life that we do need to be careful of side effects too.

You must bear in mind that herbs are medicines, just as much and in the same way that the prescription products your doctor may describe are medicines. They should be used with the same cautions, too. Many 'conventional' medications are derived from plant sources, or are copies of plant components.

I do not recommend St. John's Wort for severe or chronic depression, where it is contraindicated. While it can be useful in mild, passing cases, it has so many side-effects and interferes with so many other substances, that it often causes more problems than it solves.

Severe depression is a serious medical condition and you really should consult a doctor about it. Whether or not he prescribes medication will depend on the severity, and to some extent, the causes. If he does prescribe Something, then take it. It's possible he will prescribe a herb or herb-derivative - such as valerian, scullcap, catnip or chamomile. Certainly, you should never take any herbal remedy without consulting an expert first. 'Natural' does not always mean 'safe' in all circumstances with all people, you know!

Why not gather up a bunch of lavender flowers and put them in your bedroom (or elsewhere)? You could burn the essential oil, too, or put some into a relaxing bath, or sprinkle some over your pillow and sheets - just a drop or two is enough. Lavender has a wonderfully calming, relaxing effect. Remember the old saying, 'Stop to smell the roses'? The smell of roses has a similar medicinal effect.

You could also consider the Bach Rescue Remedy. It contains Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum (all combined). Very helpful in a crisis.

nchomemaker,
I go to church and have a very close relationship with my pastor. He's actually one of my best friends. :) He knows all about what I'm going through right now. He's helped a lot.
fatamorgana,
The depression is most likely caused by my situation. I'm not sad everyday, but certain sights, sounds, or smells can be a trigger. Thanks for the quotes, btw. :)
ksrogers,
My doc prescribed Cymbalta, which I took for awhile. We're tight for cash right now and can't afford it though. It seemed to help, but I don't like taking prescription meds for my mental health. I realize its necessary in some cases though.
daisyduckworth,
I'll try what you suggested. Having flowers in my room sounds like a good idea. :)

Abby

In use of herbs I have to recommend you not use lemon balm if you have any thyroid problems. It interferes with thyroid medication. I grow it, love the smell but can't use it myself for that reason.
Jackie

Parsley is damaging to my kidneys, and the oils from Rosemary are also not good for kidney issues.

Abby, it sounds like you have a good handle on things. You may want to look into a formula David Winston has that is called "Grief Releaf", yes spelled like that as it uses herbs. It is equal amounts of the following tinctures: Rose, Hawthorne and Albizia. I have made my own and it was very helpful after my siblings passed away - a situational mild depression. It won't make you groggy, have a "hangover" or make you giddy. It simply helps lighten your mood somewhat as you deal with your grief in a responsible manner. I agree with fatamorgana that exercise in the garden is a good remedy. It is very healing to the soul and body. Best of luck to you.

vic01,
I do have thyroid problems. Thanks for the heads up!

ksrogers,
I didn't know Parsley and Rosemary could aggrevate kidney issues! That may be what's wrong with my dad. I'll tell him about that.

herbalbetty,
I'll look into that formula. I have some Rose tincture at the house somewhere but no Hawthorne or Albizia (never heard of it!).

Abby