Mental Health Crisis and Natural Remedies: When 988 Comes First
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (US) first. What official sources say about natural remedies, depression treatment and prescribed medicines.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
If you are thinking about suicide or are in emotional distress, call or text 988 (US) or chat at 988lifeline.org. In a life-threatening situation, call 911. [1] The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365, and conversations are free and confidential. [2] The Lifeline covers mental health struggles, emotional distress and alcohol or drug use concerns. [2]
If pills, herbs or supplements have been swallowed to cause harm, call 911. Poison Control says that when the intent is self-harm, immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider, usually in an emergency room, is always advised. [3] Veterans can call 988 and then press 1. [4]
Warning signs to take seriously
MedlinePlus lists warning signs that include feeling empty, hopeless or trapped, feeling there is no reason to live, unbearable pain, talking about being a burden, more alcohol or drug use, withdrawing from others, extreme mood swings and saying goodbye to loved ones. [4] It also lists stockpiling pills as a warning sign. [4] It says to get help right away, especially if there is a change in behavior. [4]
If you are worried about someone, MedlinePlus suggests asking them directly whether they are thinking about killing themselves, keeping them safe, being there and listening, and connecting them with 988. [4]
Where natural remedies fit, and where they do not
In a crisis, a natural remedy is not the right first step. Reaching 988, 911 or a clinician comes first.
For depression more broadly, here is what the official sources say.
| Question | What the source says | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Is any natural product approved for depression? | NIMH (US): "The FDA has not approved any natural products for treating depression." [5] | Regulator statement as reported by NIMH |
| Do people report benefit? | NIMH says some people report that vitamin D and St. John's wort helped, but findings are inconsistent and rigorous studies are needed. [5] | Mixed |
| St. John's wort | NCCIH says it may be helpful for mild or moderate depression, and that it is uncertain whether this is true for severe depression or for periods longer than 12 weeks. [6] | Promising but limited |
| SAMe | NCCIH says the evidence that SAMe supplements might help depression is not conclusive, and information on long-term safety is limited. [7] | Insufficient evidence |
| Risks | NIMH says these products can carry risks, including interactions with prescription medicines. [5] | Documented |
Never in place of care
NCCIH's advice is direct: "Don't use a complementary health approach to replace conventional care or to postpone seeing a health care provider about depression." [7] NCCIH notes that depression can be treated with conventional medicine, including antidepressants and certain types of psychotherapy. [7] NIMH asks people not to use vitamin D, St. John's wort or other supplements without first talking to a health care provider. [5]
Prescribed medicines
Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own. MedlinePlus says: "Don't stop taking your medicine without first talking with your provider." [8] NIMH says to talk to a health care provider before starting or stopping any medication. [5] If you are worried about side effects, ask the prescriber or pharmacist.
Mixing supplements with antidepressants can be dangerous. NCCIH says St. John's wort can weaken many medicines and can add to serotonin-related side effects. [6] See Serotonin syndrome and other dangerous reactions and Supplements and antidepressants.
Next steps when the crisis has eased
- Make an appointment with a primary care doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist. NIMH suggests taking notes about symptoms before the visit. [5]
- Bring a list of every herb and supplement you use. See Talking with a health professional.
- For how stress, anxiety and depression differ, see Stress, anxiety, burnout and depression. For adding support alongside treatment, see Integrative care and mental health conditions.
- For a plant-versus-medicine comparison, see St. John's wort vs prescription antidepressants.
Staying in touch after a crisis can make a difference, according to MedlinePlus. [4]
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call in a mental health crisis in the US?
Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations call 911. [1]
Is it free and private?
The 988 Lifeline says conversations are free and confidential, 24/7/365. [2]
Can a natural remedy replace my antidepressant?
NCCIH says not to use a complementary approach to replace conventional care. [7] Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own; talk with your provider first. [8]
Is St. John's wort approved for depression in the US?
NIMH says the FDA has not approved any natural products for treating depression. [5]
What if I took too many pills or supplements on purpose?
Call 911. Poison Control says immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider, usually in an emergency room, is always advised when the intent is self-harm. [3]
References
- NIMH (US), Suicide Prevention (last reviewed August 2026). Read 2026-10-23.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US), home page. Read 2026-10-23.
- Poison Control (poison.org, US), Need immediate assistance. Read 2026-10-23.
- MedlinePlus, Suicide health topic (US NLM). Read 2026-10-23.
- NIMH (US), Depression. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US), St. John's Wort: Usefulness and Safety (last updated May 2025). Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US), Depression (last updated February 2020). Read 2026-10-23.
- MedlinePlus, Depression health topic (US NLM). Read 2026-10-23.