Has anyone had relief from major depression by using herbal remedies?are they really strong enough to help?
Hi everyone,Does anybody out there use any type of herbs to treat their depression/anxiety?,does this stuff really work or is it just barely noticeable what if any help/relief they provide,I have used a lot of drugs in my lifetime and I mean A LOT,A-Z you name it I’ve done it,all the benzo’s,opiates,ssri’s are all addictive and only cause me more problems in the long run,I have exhausted everything there is except for herbal remedies,the only thing that has ever helped me is opiates but I just can’t keep on doing the stuff,it takes your life away and leaves you an empty shell,all those drugs like prozac,paxil,wellbutrin,blah blah blah have no effect on me and are completley worthless to me,I need relief from serious dark depression and crippling anxiety but I don’t want to do pills or dope and I hate smoking pot or drinking,there just seems to be no hope at all anymore,does anyone know of any mixture of herbs that has a fast onset that can bring a person some relief without all the addiction side effects?,,I fu****n hate drugs,I used to think that they were the answer but I’m old enough and wise enough to know that they are only adding to the problem which only gets worse day by day,I truly feel I’ve exausted everything,herbs are the only thing left,I should be so happy with my life right now,I’m marrying the girl of my dreams that I knew for sure did not exist,everything I ever wanted to acomplish I pretty much have,I should be so happy but instead I am perpetually in a dark place,I just wish I could feel happiness and enjoy all the things god has blessed me with.Please if you have expierience with taking herbs could you please post what they’ve done for you and how they make you feel,I have such serious doubts as to the power and effectivness of herbal treatments for depression,please if you can shed some light into my corner I am very greatful
I am greatful for all the fast replys,I can relate with everything everyone has said,I do understand the spiritual aspect of dealing with this problem,I was once a very spiritual person,I pray and do ask god for help and guidance,he has pulled me from the fire in some ways that are nothing short of divine providence and I say this with the utmost surety,but I really think I’ve got an issue that is not spiritual but chemical,I am a creative person(or was)I can be in bliss for an hour but then come down so hard that I wish I were dead,everyday is a mind numbing roller coaster ride and I’ve tried every drug there is to try and even myself out,both doctor prescribed and self medicated,when I found out I had a bulging disc in my lower back and was given an open script for opiates instead of them working on the pain they completely leveled me out,for the first time in my life I was able to actually do everyday normal things like everyone else,for the first time in my life I felt free
Everyones answers are all so good and helpful I cannot not choose a best one because they’re all good,I’ve been giving the st johns wort some thought but have my doubts about it’s strengh,I’m going to give it a go tho,I have nothing to lose,I am at that greatly anticipated crossroads in life,the old ways are fading away and all the things I dreamed of are coming true,I always thought I would be so ready and prepared but instead I am worst state of mind I could possibly be in,it’s just so confusing and dis heartening,I would say it’s not fair but I have nothing to weigh it against to say what is fair and what is not,thankyou everyone
God bless you, I’m depressed as well, and I can tell you that the best things that help me to overcome my depression are, being close to God, do my exercise, and achieve any success in life or within my family.
The only one i’m trying to achieve now is being close to God, but unfortunately I have no money to go to the gym, also within my family a lot that I can’t solve or overcome.
August 29th, 2009 at 1:53 am
You need more help than herbs or drugs.This is a matter of teaching new ways to see life and feel happiness.I can work with you at a very reasonable price.Contact me at http://www.LIvePerson.com/Antoinette-Proffer-Ms-Bs, read my profiles and feedback.
References :
August 29th, 2009 at 2:36 am
God bless you, I’m depressed as well, and I can tell you that the best things that help me to overcome my depression are, being close to God, do my exercise, and achieve any success in life or within my family.
The only one i’m trying to achieve now is being close to God, but unfortunately I have no money to go to the gym, also within my family a lot that I can’t solve or overcome.
References :
August 29th, 2009 at 3:05 am
I have this theory about depression that people actually make themselves go into it, consciously or otherwise. That theory is supported by the fact that people who survive depression well do so because they want to i.e. its a conscious decision. With that in mind, I think herbal remedies probably have their place because they would have a tremendous placebo effect first and foremost and if you believe it will help, it probably will. I understand that St Johns Wort can be very effective in bringing some sunshine back into your life …
References :
August 29th, 2009 at 3:26 am
I think herbal medicines can help a little but personally, I don’t think they’re a complete solution. I hesitate to say that because I do think there’s a placebo effect, as well as possibly a real one.
I’ve had depression at various levels of severity for many years. The only thing I’ve found that really helps is changing my outlook to a positive one as much as possible. And getting exercise. Both of which, I know, are easier said than put into practise.
Focus on what you want as much as possible. It may well be that you don’t know the answer to the huge ‘what do you want from life ultimately’ question, but small things are just as good.
Next, break up your day into sizeable chunks. A mountain looks huge from close up but from further away you can plan a route in hour-long stages. Do a little of something important then take a break. Have some lunch. Do a little of something else that’s maybe worrying you, then take a break, go for a walk (think about anything you find beautiful in life), watch a half hour TV show, whatever suits your life.
It’s not easy but a lot of us begin by blundering through and then slowly realise we’re having to try less and less.
I hope it works out well for you.
EDIT:
*******************************************************************
Read this:
http://www.amazon.com/depression-Fast-Human-Givens-Approach/dp/1899398414
I’d like to add that I’d be wary of spiritual guidance. By that, I want to stress that I don’t mean you should avoid it. It can be very helpful. However, I do think there’s a tendency for people to use it as an answer instead of looking at their lives, hard as that may be.
My advice, again - try to structure your day bit by bit. Think of the positive things and of what you really want.
After that - after several months - if there’s a spiritual gap, follow it with all your heart.
Also - I too am a ‘creative’ person. I have a Masters in Creative Writing and I’m a self-employed photographer. All of this at times takes second place to my battle with depression. It’s ongoing. Like Harry Potter when the Dementers are attacking, it will drag you down if you don’t keep your defence up.
For me, a little alcohol at night deadens it. I don’t recommend this because before you know it you’ll need it. I’ve never been an alcoholic, but I’ve ended up fighting with that temptation too. Opiates and sleeping tablets are the same.
In small doses, it can all help. None of it is bad. The end is not nigh.
Just keep level headed, keep that focus whenever you can. And lighten up on yourself a little:)
References :
August 29th, 2009 at 3:35 am
A previous answer follows: Ask yourself: "Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life?" (if so, it is probably reactive [situational] depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be indicated, but most of life’s adverse situations are resolved within 16 weeks, yet the medical criteria for depression, and the prescription of antidepressants is only 2 weeks!). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types. St. John’s wort helps most people; tolerance doesn’t develop, and the few side effects don’t occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither should be relied on as a sole treatment).
It doesn’t cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John’s wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John’s wort, because of interactions, and it’s sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", & Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don’t follow the typical “normal” reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn’t wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*.(5.) Initially, at least, some form of psychotherapy or counselling; later, perhaps either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy for, say, 6 months. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John’s wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Perika, and Kira brands have been recommended as being effective. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
References :
80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try pharmacies & supermarkets for the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ or magnesium chloride. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition. An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. Use iodised salt, as many people are deficient, adversely affecting thyroid function. View section 2, on the first 3 pages*, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris * Also see male depression, and eventually the rest of section 2. Opiates take considerable time to recover from; see section 52*.
August 29th, 2009 at 4:24 am
get some kalms herbal tablets they work for me.
they sell them in most shops like boots.
hope that helps all the best wes
References :
August 29th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Before drugs, everything had a natural cure. Depression’s natural sure is a plant called Hypericum (St Johns Wort)
I was suffering from major depression, but after combining St John’s Wort with Evening primrose oil, my outlook on life is much more positive. It’s not perfect, but you don’t have all the side effects.
They have started using it in some Surgery’s, instead of Prozac or Seroxat. Try it, it might not help, but it’s worth the try.
References :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John’s_wort#The_plant
August 29th, 2009 at 4:59 am
I sympathise with you my friend but drugs and tablets only
deaden and cover up the problem. There are so many possible
causes for your ailment and these have to be eliminated one
at a time and to do this self analysis is worth trying.Perhaps
some thing is missing from your life, some thing very important
to you and only you. If you really want to be cured see a good
analytic doctor, one with experience of depression with
sympathy and understanding. Hope you get well soon
References :
Books on the problem