Howdy.  My name is Richard McDonald.  I'm a clinical herbalist form New Mexico,  I have over 16 years experience as an herbalist, and I wanted to share some things which may help your depression.  You may also see my website at http://www.desertbloomherbs.com  
   Many things can contribute towards depression (including the garbage manufacturers put into refined foods, such as preservatives, colorants, and other toxic chemicals.)  Suggested reading about our food supply includes "Diet for a New America" by John Robbins.  Besides changing ones dietary intake to an "all whole, organic foods" one, (and realizing that drugs such as prozac can actually contribute towards depression, instead of alleviating it)... read the P.D.R. (Physicians desk reference)... or ask your pharmacist for a printout of the contra-indications of a psychiatric drug... and then START looking for those, because they likely WILL occur!
  So, for mild to fairly strong depression, a FRESH PLANT extract of Saint Johns wort (Hypericum perfoliatum) will usually be one of the best choices.  This herb works well to alleviate the depression, over a fairly short time span.  The main problem associated with this herb is its tendency to create sun sensitivity, so wear long sleeved shirts, sun screen, sun glasses, and stay out of the sun during the times of most direct exposure (between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm), when using this herb.  
  This herb is best taken as a liquid extract (pills are usually not nearly as effective.. and for saint Johns wort, teas are fairly ineffective too.) The clinical dose for saint Johns wort fresh plant extract is 20 to 30 drops 3 times daily.
  Another herb from the Southwestern U.S. which helps in both depression and bipolar disorder is called Anemone tuberosa, or "desert anemone".  It is very strong and is used in doses of 3 to 10 drops, up to 4 times per day.
  Melissa Officinales (Lemon Balm), a wonderful, lemony herb has an old name... "The Gladdening Herb".  True to its name, several cups of the tea or 60-90 drops of the extract several times each  day in water, can help gently bring up ones mood, and the essential oil of Lavender is relaxing and slightly mood elevating.
   In keeping true to my own views about depression in regards to my wholistic consulting practice, I must also include that other techniques aimed at affecting the mind/body/spirit connection in a positive way, may be very helpful in overcoming lingering depression.  
   One of the most powerful techniques is to sit down and create affirmations for yourself.  These are statements which describe one or more aspects of your own life (usually the most troubling ones)...as they would be in the best of all worlds, where they wer no longer troublesome.  One writes these statements down in detail, and describes them as if they already are perfectly manifested in your life.   (don't make them too lengthy).    Then, using a hand mirror, you read these over to yourself, while looking at your own eyes in the mirror...   Do this for awhile each day in a quiet place, until you reach your goal of believing what you're saying to yourself.  At this point, the statements in your affirmations will begin to manifest themselves in your life.  It is a remarkable, non-medical tool which can help bring positive change to any aspect of ones life. This affirmation technique is one described by Louise Hayes in her book "You can Heal Your Life", which a jewel of a book.
   I believe in your search for an answer to your depression, you will see the best results by integrating several of these possibilities into a personal protocol for yourself.  I hope what I've said has been helpful to you.  :-)

About me.   If I am stressed I take Valerian root. It's wonderful herb.

If your depression or stress are temporary try Valerian 530 mg. GNC store does not carry 530 mg. You can find it in online store like PuritanPride.com and such.

But if your depression seems to never end you need more help -  prescrïption medication like Effexor.