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Well done on getting clean and sober. I have a long-standing history of clinical depression which was made worse while drinking and taking pills (benzos). I've been clean and sober for nearly 3 years now and still suffer from depression, although for the most part it's managed through regular sleep, medication, f2f support, prayer, meditation, etc. You get the picture.
During those brief periods when I wasn't taking meds for depression, I did try St. John's Wort with some success. I don't remember specifically why I stopped taking it. It could have been because of the lack of research on the long-term effects, as yours was, but I can't say for sure.
You were using a lot of drugs - a lot of uppers. It makes sense to me, regardless of how often you were using them, that you would experience real lows when you are getting clean from them. It takes some time for them to entirely leave your system.
If the SJW is helping you right now, why not continue with it? As long as you taking it as needed, and as directed, I wouldn't worry too much.
Do you have a support system such as a program or an addictionologist? For me, I needed a 12-Step program, a doctor well-versed in recovery, and lots of face to face support.
I still have some significant depressive periods today, but they always pass, and I don't need to drink or pop pills to deal with them. If my body is tired, I rest. The cleaning and shopping etc can wait or I can ask someone for help.
I hope this was somewhat helpful to you, and not too long-winded.
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