Treating Depression Without Medication?

i have postpartum and my counselor has me on B50,L tyrosine and 5 HTP when i wake up an hour before i eat. She also told me to eat lots of protein, for breakfast I eat yogurt with flaxseed in it ( it doesn't taste the greatest but it it ok if you eat it with vanilla yogurt). Then I take a good multivitamin and relora after breakfast. Then i repeat the B50, L tyrosine, and 5 HTP an hour before lunch. Then after lunch i take another relora. then an hour before dinner i repeat the B50, L Tyrosine, and 5 HTP(50mg). then 20 min before bed i take 1 relora, 2 5 HTP, and L Theanine. But I also have high anxiety and access to someone who specializes in herbs. You have to be very carefull because some medicines should not be mixed with herbs and some herbs are not for everyone. Also this is one of those things that if you ask a doctor they will tell you no because they usually push the meds. so be carefull and get some knowledge. I was on prozac and Zoloft they made me like a zombie, these herbs have no side affects on me at all. and most of these ones that i take are what is in food.

A.,
I have had some success with guided visualization and yoga. What really helped me was learning how to "substitute" positive, calm thoughts in place of the chaos in my brain. I would find myself getting worked up over my "trigger" issues (my mom, my c-section) and it would just ruin my day. By teaching myself how to breathe deeply and live in the moment, I was able to keep a much more positive attitude. I know that in the big picture, these are just techniques to help deal and not really cures, per se, but I really think that in most cases we have the power to control our moods - we just need to figure out what works.

My father-in-law is a homeopathic doc (also an MD) so if you need any advice as far as vitamins or alternative treatments, please let me know and I will see what he recommends.

Best of luck,
T.

I don't know a lot about true depression but on my off days I open all the curtains and turn on all the lights in the house. I just need it to be bright and cheerful. Also cleaning helps me. I know my husband just loves this, it is the only time the house is spotless.

I don't know if I know true depression or not, but I have a lot of stress in my life right now and was feeling stress pains in my chest and just not all that happy and went to a monthly mom's group meeting (we also have weekly playgroups which is a great time to talk to other adults) and one of the moms who was a therapist before becoming a sahm said she has had depression and uses fish oil pills. The omega 3 fatty acids are known to help so many other things - I had just never heard that it helped depression. I take insulin so I've always thought, I totally have to only believe in dr.s and medicine. But, since my husband had just started taking it after he quit smoking (smoked for 20 some odd yrs and has not had one in 3 months) I thought I'd give it a try. I notice that I just feel better overall with that. That and I go to game night once a month and try to just get the kids out of the house at least once a day. I also have to talk on the phone to my mom and or sister on the days that I don't have something scheduled with other moms and kids. Part of what is totally making me happier right now is having a network. I don't feel so secluded and I know my kids get so much from playing with their little friends. I think there is a lot of things that need to be tried together to fight depression. Not just one medication. My brother when he was a preteen was on prosac for a while and also went to counseling and the family also went with him a few times. This helped him a lot. He still gets depressed though but what helps him is that he is with a great girlfriend and he moved to Arizona where there is a lot more sunshine than here in IL. My mom says that you can tell when he's depressed and it's when they talk to him a lot more. When he's happy, he's busy and doesn't have the need to call home as much.
Hang in there!!!! :)

Hi A. - I used a vitamin product called "Nutri-Calm" by Nature's Sunshine sold to me by a lactation consultant. It was very effective, but she told me to double the dosage (2 pills 3 times/day). It's basically a B vitamin complex. Only problem I had with it was a bit of trouble sleeping, but I'm sure I could have helped that by lowering the dose. I would highly recommend that product - I used it while I was trying to decide to go on an antidepressant, or not. I was in a better mood than my husband!

Good luck,
A.

I did the candida diet too! Eating a super super clean diet---like super clean and close to raw, drinking lots of water, is strangely miraculous and makes you feel powerful. Plus, just making a drastic commitment to yourself like being on a restrictive diet like that has emotion-boosting effects too. Hope you get to feeling better!

A., I commend you for your interest in a natural treatment for depression.
My best friend weaned herself off meds with the help of hypnotherapy & an emotional clearing technique called EFT. She was on Zoloft for years then Cymbalta. Afterward it seemed she had to get used to her true feelings again. EFT is likened to accupuncture without needles and is currently being taught in some hospitals like Swedish Covenant & Resurrection on Talcott. Other classes are listed on the emofree.com site & through some hypnotherapists. It is a simple yet powerful technique that has been helpful for treating post traumatic stress. It is successfully used to help veterans & survivors of the 911 trauma. It is key for becoming emotionally balanced. Check out the testimonials on emofree.com.

Hi A. - I have a family history of depression/anxiety - mine acts up usually during very difficult times: when I consistently feel isolated and lonely, when there seems no end to a problem or difficult time in my life. I had never been on any anti-depressant until my most recent depression, which started a couple years ago and was related to my situation in life - biological clock screaming, no husband, lost job, best friends moved away. It was bad. I took a low dose of Lexapro and it was a Godsend. However, I went off that last year when I decided to have a child on my own and was going through fertility treatments.

For me, getting enough sleep was number one - absolutely mandatory. Being overtired colored can color my entire day from the moment I wake up - I can easily get depressed or weepy - or something minor can turn into something huge. Getting exercise was number two. I absolutely have to have some physical activity a couple times a week - treadmill, dancing, yard work - anything. Getting outside and as much sunlight as possible - even in winter. A brisk walk, 15 minutes sitting outside, etc. Eating regularly and eating healthy also is very helpful.

I've been off Lexapro for a year and I think I'm doing pretty well. I do see a counselor twice a month who is helping me work through ongoing issues while I try to conceive. (Not a mom yet - I'm sure hoping to get pg this month - but a nice person on another chat group for women trying to conceive sent me this Web site as a good resource for the future.)
L.

A.,
I have to applaud you for seeking out natural alternatives. My sister has been in therapy, done journaling, on medication for years and still nothing has gotten better. I cannot tell you the # of suicide attempts. As a matter of fact 14 years of marriage is gone down the drain because she refuses to look at alternatives because none of the other things are working for her. I'm not knocking those things and people who are doing them to address depression. I'm simply saying, the definition of insanity. Doing the same thing but expecting different results.

Now, with that being said, there is an online wellness workshop 9pm tonight with Dr. Bill Woods. I just shared this with another mamasource mommy just seconds ago. It's free information. You'll be amazed at things that trigger. Did you know that "....depression, and hormonal problems are diseases commonly related to chemical exposure." - Dr. Joyce Woods (unrealted to Dr. Bill Woods). Dr. Joyce is speaking to chemicals found in common household products.

If you'd like to join tonight's online wellness workshop, call me at ###-###-#### at least 15 minutes prior to the start time.

I truly hope this helps!
M.

Hi A.!
Even the terrible weather puts me in a depressed mood - it's true the weather plays a role in how our mood is uplifted as well. Sounds like you need to find the time to relax and do something you enjoy - reading, watching a favorite movie, giving yourself a break. Stress plays a big part as well and it sounds like you have your hands full right now.

I agree, eating right, taking great vitamin supplements that keep your internal body running effeciently, drinking water and getting sleep help a lot. Do you have trouble sleeping or do you feel tired too often?

Getting some fresh air, giving yourself a break - even to get a babysitter for an hour helps relieve stress and gets you away from some of the sources that may be causing your depression. Chatting with friends, make a playdate where you too can get some "friend" time, any hobbies? Your mind is "on the go" with all you do and that is key - to drain the mind and let some things "roll off your back". I know, I was this way too! That's when I started researching health and wellness and have found my niche!

I can't tell you how much taking the right vitamin supplements has helped me with energy, not getting sick and just feeling like I can tackle my busy day.

On some nights I drink a sleep aid tea and that helps me get the necessary rest that our bodies need. Inconsistent sleep, constant stress, poor eating habits, lack of exercise all contribute to a poorly functioning body. Each of our bodies responds differently to these things.

I know that thinking more positively and listening to music that you like, doing things around the house that you enjoy (especially if you are stuck there). Make the most of your day and if all the chores don't get done, tomorrow will come. It's a hard process to retrain your thoughts and thinking, especially if you are a Type A person!

Do something good for yourself. Let me know if I can be of help to you. Get a cookie and sit and enjoy it!

K.

A. -

I'm in a rut now and very much looking forward to the warm, sunny weather. At the first hint of it, maybe getting out side to let the kids burn off some energy and give you some fresh air will help. Sidewalk chalk and bubbles will keep them occupied while giving you a few minutes to sit and enjoy the day. Maybe plant a garden when the weather turns - some find it theraputic to cultivate a living thing and the veggies it'll yield later will be worth it. Or maybe just plant a flower garden.

Also, what about journaling? I was never a huge fan, but I've heard that some people really benefit from it. Of course, you'd have to find the time - but maybe keep the kids busy with an activity and carve some time out for yourself.

Get the kids out for a wagon/stroller ride while you do a brisk walk. It's not your normal exercise routine, but it might help. Or go before everyone is up in the AM and hubby leaves for work. I used to grab the dog and go and we (dog and I) were both happier throughout the day. Gives you time to think and clear your head.

Hang in there, this weather can't be helping a whole lot. Hopefully we'll have sunny and warm days sooner rather than later!

Hey A.!

Good Lord, I have been there! At one time, I could've been the spokesperson for lexapro, I thought EVERYONE should have the opportunity to try it! LOL! I am one of those people, though who's body seems to adjust or metabolise prescription meds almost too well, and after awhile they just stop working for the purpose they were intended... Long story short, after having a doc who wouldn't listen, who gave me everything under the sun, making me feel worse than I was originally, I weaned myself off everything. Guess what? I added a daily multiple vitamin, and an extra b complex! I feel better than I have in years! LOL! It is also a whole lot less expensive! I also have to force myself to drink the 6-8 glasses of water, finding out that when I don't, I get SUPER tired.

On a side note, Google 'Candida Recovery' There is alot to be said about too much yeast in our bodies, and the myriad of problems it can contribute to! I just ran across this page a few days ago, who knows, it may help. I can't vouch for the author, but alot of what she says made sense to me. Good Luck!
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/4966/index.html

Hi A.,

It sucks that you seem to get the side effects of traditional medications. I am too lazy to do the natural thing :) I just take my 'happy pill' every morning at 9 o'clock and everybody gets to live another day :) just kidding... trying humor out today :)

Anyway, I have heard meditation and yoga is very helpful, but since your off your usual routine, i'm guessing you won't really have time for a new one or you'd be doing your old one, right?

My next suggestion is to be sure you are at least taking a multi vitamin - a good quality one with all the important B vitamins. Folic acid too, I've heard is important for those with depression. EDIT: make sure you take your vitamins with food if you have a sensitive stomach

Lastly, I've also read that St. John's Wort AND Ginko Biloba are effective. I have never used these, but this is what I have read. st. John's Wort, they say 300 mg up to 3 times a day (here is my resource for this info http://www.depressionstreatments.com/)

I can only take Paxil,... all the others give me undesireable side effects so if the Paxil stops working, i'll be right where you are :)

oh, and lastly... i know a really good *itch session with a couple of my most outspoken friends does me a world of good! mix in a Cosmopolitan or two and it is better than therapy! :) of course, i do not advocate the use of alcohol during depression or while taking medications... just trying to use humor and learn to lighten up a bit myself :)

Good luck to you - i hope you are back to your happy self in no time! :)