Is there an alternative therapy to deal with depression?!
Question: I was prescribed anti-depressants but I really do not like taking them, they make me feel ill and don't do that much to lift my mood. Plus I don't like the thought of chemicaly imbalancing my brain. Does anyone have any advice on alternative therapies?
I already practicse my own sort of meditation to help with sleep but that's as far as I have got.
Thanks x
Answers: I was prescribed anti-depressants but I really do not like taking them, they make me feel ill and don't do that much to lift my mood. Plus I don't like the thought of chemicaly imbalancing my brain. Does anyone have any advice on alternative therapies?
I already practicse my own sort of meditation to help with sleep but that's as far as I have got.
Thanks x
Hi honey, I understand what you are saying about anti-depressants. In the early weeks of taking anti-depressants you can actually feel worse and your mood drops even lower. But this is only the initial reaction and your mood should improve once the right levels of chemicals are in your blood stream. I agree that St. John's Wort is a good natural anti-depressant but i believe this only works for mild to moderate depression and you need to be aware that it should not be taken together with some other medication.
Counselling or talking therapies, especially CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) is often effective for treating depression.
It has been researched that training the mind to think differently can actually change the brain chemistry. Meditation is quite difficult when feeling depressed but it is a very good thing to do if you can keep up with it. Try creating peaceful, happy visualisations such as imagining you are relaxing on a lovely secluded beach. This is especially good when done to favourite music. It is true that exercise is good for releasing feel-good hormones. If you can find the motivation to exercise doing aerobics or dancing to your favourite upbeat music then that is a start.
I hope this helps and i really hope you are feeling better soon.
Best wishes for the new year x
St Johns Wart is a herbal remedy for depression try it.
Exercise is good for depression as it releases the right type of chemicals in the brain, apparently even some doctors are prescribing this now so if you cant afford a gym membership then speak to your doctor to see if htey can help.
Try excercise, working out on a daily basis will raise your spirits and help you mentally, i dont know if you have a good diet if not try getting one lol.
Counselling works really well. Or at least it did for me. The person centred approach and CBT seem to work best but you have to be prepared to open yourself up fully to the counsellor for it to work. If you try to keep anything back you are wasting your time
I asked this question a few months ago. St Johns Wort was recommended and it worked a treat.
Try to get a little exercise every day. Andrew Weil calls exercise the best natural antidote for mild depression.
Also, try to get a little sun every day. Sun stimulates your brain and influences your hormone levels.
Also check into a non-herbal product called SAM-e and and herbal product called St. John's wort. Talk to the store you buy from and do your own research. SAM-e doesn't have a lot of serious side effects but SJW does and can really screw with the meds you're already taking. (And not just depression meds.)
Good Luck with it.
they balance your brain chemicals...they dont unbalance it!
ive found listening to music really helps me.
The most effective treatment for the symptoms of depression is to take regular brisk walks, preferably in the countryside. This is far better than antidepressants or any alternative medicine.
Depression can have physical causes, but the most common problem is that there are unresolved issues in your life that need to be addressed. Counselling can help you identify and address these issues (especially if you walk there).
try running round the block singing ging gang gooley and barking like a dog that should cheer you up
It really depends on the reason behind your depression.
If you are suffereing because of a chemical imbalance then the pills will help you better, and more long-term than any form of alternative approach. This is because they are replacing various chemicals you lack. A bit like a diabetic injecting insulin. Most Antidepressants increase the amont of serotonin present in your brain, so the drugs will work on a more long-term basis compared to, say, exercise.
I would recommend you stick to prescribed drugs rather than just switch to st. johns wort because it is "natural" - it contains the same chemical processes as the man-made drugs but it has been linked to liver problems, also you need to let the anti-depressants dissappear out of your body completely before taking st johns wort - they can react badly. You need to look into this a bit more seriously before you just switch.
Oh - plus, if you are taking a contraceptive pill - DO NOT TAKE ST JOHNS WORT - it will react with the pill and protection is minimised dramatically.
remember - anti-depressants can take up to 6 weeks to really take effect. Side effects will lessen over time.
If you are depressed because of a psychological based reason then there are pleanty of alternative therapies that can help: Art, Meditation, Feng Shui, counselling - the list is endless. Generally many doctors recommend a form of cognitive therapy mixed with a good diet and exercise.
I came off my prescribed antidepressants due to the side effects. I take 5htp now. It's an amino-acid and increases the serotonin levels in the brain naturally. There's no side effects with it and it helps you get to sleep at night too. It's also rid me of my pms!
I can thoroughly recommend it.
Rhodiola Rosea (Siberian Golden Root) helps with depression as well. It also relieves tiredness, lethargy, stress and exhaustion.
I feel better than I have done in years since starting these two things.
Take the 5htp last thing at night with a carbo snack or some milk and the Rhodiola Rosea first thing in the morning.
Homeopathic Remedies for Anxiety / Panic Attacks / Stress / Depression(Bereavment) / Mood Swings (Totally safe, without any side effects or complications of any sort) :-
ANXIETY / PANIC ATTACKS & STRESS :-
Sudden with restlessness and fear of death, Panic Attacks, Aconite 30X or 200X,1/2 hourly (3 Doses)
Prolonged with periodic and panic attacks Arsenic Alb.200X, 4 hourly (3 Doses)
With fainting spells; profuse sweating; worse in the morning Sulphur 30X or 200X 3 hourly (3 Doses)
Makes patient walk fast; due to anticipation Argentum Nit 200X, 3 hourly (3 Doses)
Worse lying in bed and closing the eyes Carbo Veg 30X or 200X, 4 hourly (6 Doses)
Anxiety aggravated by upward or downward motion; going in an elevator; worse till 11 P.M, Borax 200X or 1M, 3 hourly (3 Doses)
Anxious about business even when seriously ill Bryonia Alba 200X 3 hourly (3 Doses)
Full of apprehensions in the evening Causticum 200X, 3 hourly (3 Doses)
Anxiety and fears in the evening with restlessness and palpitation Calcarea Carb.200X or 1M, 3 hourly (3 Doses)
Anxiety worse while lying still. Sad music ameliorates the complaints Manganum Acet 200X 3 hourly (3 Doses)
Anxiety due to fright, fear,exciting news; stage fright; worse while appearing for examination or interview etc Gelsemium 30X or 200X 3 hourly (6 Doses)
Mood Swings, Anxiety due to grief or shock in the subconscious mind Ignatia 200X or 1M, 3 hourly (3 Doses)
Anxiety; better after eating Anacardium Or 30X, 4 hourly.
DEPRESSION & GRIEF(Bereavement) :-
Severe shock due to sudden death of loved ones; restlessness, anxiety and fear Aconite 200X. 10 min (3 Doses)
Prolonged mournings; cannot overcome the loss of loved ones and/or Mood Swings. Ignatia 1M or 10M, 6 hourly (3 Doses)
When the grief is in the conscious mind; patient weeps; does not like sympathy Natrum Mur.200X or 1M, 6 hourly (3 Doses)
For chronic grief and indignation Staphysagria 200X or 1M, weekly (3 Doses)
Depression with suicidal thoughts feeling of worthlessness, Aurum Met 30X, three times a day half hour before meals.
Take the remedy which is similar to your symptoms. No side effects or complications if taken as directed, please do not exceed the given dosage and under any circumstances do not try to mix any remedies and avoid Chocolates, Mints, Coffee, Red Meat, Alcoholic and Carbonated drinks, Spicy Rich Food while taking any Homeopathic remedies, and keep the medicines away from direct sunlight, heat strong smells and perfumes and do not store them in the fridge.
Curing without any side effects or Complications Thats the Beauty of Homeopathic Medicine
Take Care and God Bless you.
St John's wort is a no go!
It has not passed half the stringent tests the meds you have been prescibed have!
Steer away from it !
As above excercise helps to lift your mood, naturally with just your own hormones. As Razzle says you are depressed because your brains chemicals are unbalanced!
It depends on how severe your depression is, also you do not say how long you have been taking them.
I would guess not very long, if they make you feel so bad, ask for an alternative from your doctor. Do not think that because you have tried one brand that is what they all are like!
It sounds awful, but they will prescribe the cheapest meds first, and there are loads of anti-depressants out there!
You need to give them time to kick in too. This can be between 2-6 weeks.
I hope this helps.:o)
I think depression is a natural response to outer circumstances. I would say the main problem that cuases depression is lack of standing up for oneself & allowing circimstances to DE-press one. & also the serotitin levels in the brain can eaily lower which is not a chemicalimbalance as such unless in extreme cases.
I have to
I think a good place to start is to use affirmations such as I stand up for myself .. repeat as often as possible
A good B Complex, St. John's Wort, 5 HTP all known for energizing mood. Vitamin D is normally low, add some. You can also at Cod Liver Oil (make sure it is tested mercury free).
Also, check into your diet. Cut out MSG, high fructose corn syrup, processed meats and foods. Eat more whole grains and green vegetables. Cut out caffeine drinks and artificial sweeteners.
Essential oils that are high quality can be extremely helpful. You have to find one that works for you. In my family, Palo Santo and Idaho Balsam Fir were found to be very effective. Others have been helped by Frankincense and Lavender. Go to www.oil-testimonials.com/7251 and do a search for depression. You will find lots of oils that have helped other people. All the best to you.