"Oxytocin has a very powerful effect," says Dr. Baumgartner of the University of Zurich. Oxytocin lowers activity in the amygdala, a region linked with fear and danger. The same brain circuits play a role in social disorders. Most social phobia sufferers receive talk therapy of some kind but recent studies have shown that oxytocin can speed up the process.

J.K.Rowling sank into a deep depression after completing the final 'Harry Potter' book. She also speaks about the depression that inspired her to write the books.

St. John's wort's action of mood modulation takes place at the synapsomal level where it works to inhibit the reuptake of three of the four known feel-good neurotransmitters. They are serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in certain fish oil preparations, exhibit tremendous mood stabilization effects.

Many dedicated exercisers say they work out not just for their body, but also for their mind. In our high-stress society, slamming tennis balls, shooting hoops or stepping out for a walk are all socially acceptable ways to relieve tension and adjust attitude--just as Grandma knew when she advised taking out your anger on the woodpile.

Dr. Melfi may have all the answers when she's counseling Tony Soprano on the hit HBO series "The Sopranos," but actress Lorraine Bracco admits she was actually depressed when she debuted in the role of the tough-talking therapist.

Over time, and the advent of modern pharmaceutical science, St. John's Wort was nearly forgotten as a medicinal herb. Only recently has St. John's Wort gained a renewed reputation as an effective treatment for all manner of infirmities most notably depression.