natural antidepressant?
anyone have any info on good antidepressants. i have really bad depression, occasionally cut (i know its stupid) i need to do something and quick. my depression is only getting worse as days pass.
yes i am aware i need some additional help. im currently seeing a counselor, but in a way talking about my problems makes me think about them more, making things more difficult. my depression comes mainly from all my bad relationships…and the biggest one is the fact that my sons mother left me 4 months into her pregnancy because i got fired from my job for being wrongfully accused of theft (long irritating story) just figured id get some outside opinions from you guys…i enjoy the company and the help.
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 sometimes work quicker than antidepressants. 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 didn’t experience any). 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, including the NATURAL PRODUCTS, on page E, in section 2.
(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 its 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.
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes of exercise, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly in daytime, outside. 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, (a free E course in it is at: http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome ) 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).
October 1st, 2009 at 11:25 pm
What would be the benefit of "natural" antidepressants? Dog crap is natural, rattlesnake venom is natural, viruses are all natural, but I wouldn’t want any of those things in my body. Go to your doctor and get something that has been proven to work through clinical drug trials.
References :
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 am
If you are cutting natural remedies won’t work. Get thee to a mental health clinic and get to the bottom of why you have such low self esteem that you are hurting yourself.
References :
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:33 am
There is no such thing as a quick fix to depression. it takes hard work to get better. Thats just fact. And i have alot of experience with that. if you do have depression its important to treat it, and im not talking about just being on meds. i mean seeing a psychologist or mental health professional. Therapy is important. cutting is a form of coping that provides immediate yet temporary relief(been there done that too.) getting outside and walking and being in the sun is something any doctor would recommend you do to feel better naturally, though with depression thats easier said that done. and just doing one thing thats healthy for you will not make you feel better. I’d recommend that you get professional help for your problems, its not going to go away by ignoring it. Good luck! ^^ and you can emai me if you want
References :
personal experience
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:02 am
Exercise!!! That will stimulate your mind giving it positive energy
Taking antidepressents will only make you depend on that for the rest of your life and if you stop it will only make you worse. Maybe a change in your lifestyle will suit you better
References :
experience with prozac, lorazepam etc.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:11 am
by "cutting" your releases endorphins into your system, which give you a temporary "high" now going to the doctor is the best way to deal with your problem, but since your asking a website instead of going to a doctor. i am guess you don’t want/ can’t go a doctor. running also releases endorphins into your system so you try this to give you a "high" like cutting.
References :
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:49 am
A natural antidepressant will boost the chemicals in the center of your brain, like chocolate. Sex gives pleasure and will help decrease all of the emotions or tension you are feeling. Going out for a walk will not only help with unwanted weight gain that you get with depression, but it will boost the chemicals in your brain and make you feel better. Yoga is another activity that you can do to help with depression. In anything you do, you need to force all of the bad energy away, like you are pushing a block away from you with all of your might. Just decompress and you will feel better. Remember, it is hard to make yourself go out for a walk, but you need to make yourself do it. It makes a difference and you will thank yourself after wards.
References :
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:22 am
You’re asking for help about "good antidepressants" & diagnosing yourself. You definitely need professional help, "and quick"! If money or insurance coverage is a problem, most major cities have free or pay-as-u-can help; usually through the County.
The fact that you "cut" is more than just depression. You need help; you know you need help, & you’re asking the wrong people. I will be happy to support you if possible, but YOU have to take that first step and Get Help!
References :
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 am
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 sometimes work quicker than antidepressants. 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 didn’t experience any). 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, including the NATURAL PRODUCTS, on page E, in section 2.
(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 its 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.
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes of exercise, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly in daytime, outside. 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, (a free E course in it is at: http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome ) 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 :
If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. 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/magnesium-for-depression.html 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 sea salt, http://www.naturalnews.com/025883.html as many people are iodine 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 Cutting; section 16. Choose to be optimistic, and maintain a positive attitude. Also see, as applicable, male depression, and eventually the rest of section 2. Take the depression quiz on page J, in section 2, at ezy build, and if positive, print, and take to your school counselor, or make an excuse to see a doctor, to eliminate medical causes. Read: "Lift your mood now." by John D Preston, Psy.D. 2001, New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland. CA, & "Feeling Good", & "Feeling Good - the new mood therapy" by David D. Burns, from your bookstore, or http://www.amazon.com