Natural help for depression?

[Anonymous Posts]

I have been stuggling for quite a while with this and I was wondering if anybody did anything that really worked for them? I mean besides going for a walk and drinking lots of water. Not to say that these things don't help, I have certainly tried them and I just need something more. KWIM? I am really reluctant to go on actual anti-depressants as I would like to have another baby and I am concerned about how they would affect the baby. I'm just tired of feeling like a disappointment all the time. Please help?

[Anonymous Posts]

You could try talking to a Naturopath. They would have dietary and supplement recommendations.

You could try a SAD lamp.

You could get some books from the library - Mind Over Mood and Feeling Good are ones to check.

[kirra'06]

Maybe look into "maca root". It works by naturally balancing hormones. It is supposed to help with fertility, depression, energy, etc.

[midnightly]

try a sad light or sun lamp(or even tanning booth) try to get as much sun as possible and take your vitmains extra Vit C can help with depression

[Shopgirl]

I didn't want to take antidepressants either, so this is what I did that has helped a LOT, but I am definitely still not 100%...

Excercise EVERY day... really... I tried 2 - 3 times a week... and it only works if I get at least 30 minutes of cardio EVERY day. I got myself a treadmill off Freecycle and I spend 30 minutes speed walking/running on it. It works great! I also stretch after. I find I really need to get my heart rate up to help with my moods.

Eat well. LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies. It really does make a difference.

Getting enough sleep. I feel groggy all day if I don't and that really can affect my mood.

I take Omegas... I use fish oils..... I also take a B-Complex. Apparently B vitamins are very good for the nervous system and we do not store this vitamin in our body, so it can help a lot to take it. Also, I take a good multivitamin.

Yoga works well.

Talking to friends/other people. I also found that I started to feel better when I could not only admit to myself but admit to others that I battle with depression. It's like it takes the stress of keeping it a secret away from you.

If you can afford it, talk to a counsellor/psychologist.... I have not gone there yet, but thinking that may be the next step.

I am doing a TON better than I was, but am not out of it yet. But I have not had to take meds and have done okay.

And lots of sunshine and fresh air. And get out. And get breaks from your kids. And take a class that is for YOU.

Say something positive to yourself every day. You can even sign up to have daily affirmations emailed to you.

It all helps.

Good luck!

[Anonymous Posts]

'FLAX' SEED OR OIL....SEE A HEALTH FOOD STORE FOR MORE DETAILS.
I eat mine on my salad, bread, crackers,etc.

Hope you feel better soon.--Think of what positive's are in your life; and ignore the negative's or change them...Take everyday one day at a time...look for a positive future, and smile!!

[Realist Ma]

5 HTP (5 Hyrdoxytryptophan).
Natural herbal supplement that treats symptoms of sleep disorders and enhances mood.
I have a sealed unopened bottle good until August 2008 of Swiss Natural Sources brand, free if you want it because I'm taking a low dose of the real deal anti depressants, and the label says you cannot mix them.
Check with your doctor before taking these though, there is a list of other meds on the label that they are contraindicated with, also not reccomended if you are pregnant or nursing.

[chopped_liver]

I didn't want to take antidepressants either, so this is what I did that has helped a LOT, but I am definitely still not 100%...

Excercise EVERY day... really... I tried 2 - 3 times a week... and it only works if I get at least 30 minutes of cardio EVERY day. I got myself a treadmill off Freecycle and I spend 30 minutes speed walking/running on it. It works great! I also stretch after. I find I really need to get my heart rate up to help with my moods.

Eat well. LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies. It really does make a difference.

Getting enough sleep. I feel groggy all day if I don't and that really can affect my mood.

I take Omegas... I use fish oils..... I also take a B-Complex. Apparently B vitamins are very good for the nervous system and we do not store this vitamin in our body, so it can help a lot to take it. Also, I take a good multivitamin.

Yoga works well.

Talking to friends/other people. I also found that I started to feel better when I could not only admit to myself but admit to others that I battle with depression. It's like it takes the stress of keeping it a secret away from you.

If you can afford it, talk to a counsellor/psychologist.... I have not gone there yet, but thinking that may be the next step.

I am doing a TON better than I was, but am not out of it yet. But I have not had to take meds and have done okay.

And lots of sunshine and fresh air. And get out. And get breaks from your kids. And take a class that is for YOU.

Say something positive to yourself every day. You can even sign up to have daily affirmations emailed to you.

It all helps.

Good luck!

Great post which makes my input really short before bed.

Really research. Google as much as you can.
I was on anti-depressants for years.
Omega oils is what my brain was lacking more than anything.
I also take krill and borage.
I cannot emphasize enough about daily exercise (even a 10 min walk), water, no smoking, no caffeine, and stay away from processed food and additives. No MSG. No artificial sweeteners. Cut out as much sugar as possible.

Everyone is different, but the basic concepts are still pretty similar.

But I also believe that anti-depressants are needed when life becomes unmanageable or the actual chemical imbalance can't be managed organically.
This can be temporary, or for some it is life long.
In my case, I was able to get my life stable enough to ween off the pharmaceuticals. This was not an overnight process. It took years.

[functionalfit]

I know a few people who have used accupuncture/ chinese herbs for post partum depression and had amazing results.

I second the exercise.

[MyCaliBaby]

Also, find out what your iron level is at and start taking a good iron supplement.

I've been dealing with depression for a few years now, and recently the Dr. I've been seeing at USTAT explained to me that iron deficiency can actually prolong depression and make it very hard to "get better". We tested me and sure enough my Iron was at 7 . So he got me to start taking Iron (ferrous fumarate - over the counter) supplements. I also take Omega 3's, Vitamin E (you're supposed to take this if you're taking Omega's), Vitamin C and Iron.

Also if you need to talk to someone, you can ask your Dr. to refer you to USTAT - it's on Pembroke. You get 12 sessions there per referral. At first you'll be contacted by a Therapist, and then based on their assessment of you, you'll either see a psychiatrist or not. I recently got re-referred because my medication wasn't working and I really needed someone to talk to. It's been great - it's so nice to talk to a therapist and get feedback. Also once you've been referred, you're then able to register for some of their group therapies, such as Calm Minds and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. They have awesome groups that I've found have really taught me some good skills for slowing down, breathing and assessing what I'm feeling.

I have been on medication for a couple years - I started having a lot of suicidal thoughts and didn't have a choice. Now I'm aiming to wean off of them within the next 12 - 14 months. I too would like to get pregnant and add to the family - so my goal is to try end of next year as long as I am successful in coming off the medication.


** side note - thanks to the pp's with all the good tips!! I'm trying to switch to battling this naturally and your tips were great!!

Goodluck & Best Wishes!
Iesha