treating depression without drugs

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2003
treating depression without drugs
10
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 4:34pm

I've been trying different kinds of medications for almost a year now, and since I started I've just become sicker. More depressed, a relapse into an ED, weaker... Today I told my doctor I want to come off the meds. He says he thinks it's a good idea. So now I'll do it on my own... exercise, good nutrition, lots of love and support...

I'm psyched and scared at once. Does anybody else have a similar experience?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-03-2004
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 4:45pm
Hi and best of luck.

Christine

CL

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-18-2004
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 5:02pm
I went off my medication a few months ago and am exercising more and doing stress exercises. Started meditating as well when I can. Vitamin E does seem to help my mood imbalance so it might be worth a try. Trying to stay off my meds as well and hope you are successful too!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 8:12pm
With regular exercise outdoors in the sunlight, and good nutrition and some CB Therapy, I was able to go off my meds after being on them for almost 2 years.

*hugs             

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 11-17-2004 - 12:29pm

Hi there...I wish you well. I tried coming off meds too, and I got much worse OFF meds than on them. I hope it goes better for you. Just be really careful and watch your triggers and warning signs.

Hugs,

Keli

Avatar for all_girls4me
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 11-17-2004 - 4:29pm

Good luck to you. I did the exact same thing about 3 months ago, it seemed like I had more side effects with the meds I took than positive results. I've been off them now for 3 months and did a lot of research, I do take supplements. I take 5 HTP and Gaba, which are natural serotonin increasers with no side effects. I've also been exercising, and I feel so much better now. But it's not for everybody.

Hugs Ilka



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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2003
Wed, 11-17-2004 - 4:44pm
Thanks for all your advice and well-wishing. I am outdoors more already, and feel lighter mentally. I'm running, and the good thing is that I can take my dogs along with me, so we all have fun!
Last time I had a major depressive period, this worked for me, and I didn't even try meds. I'm hopeful and I'll keep you all posted!
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-01-2001
Wed, 11-17-2004 - 7:09pm

I just posted a similar message about a week or so ago. I asked on this board, the alternative health board, and I also did some research at the library. I found a slew of things that are supposed to help depression or some of the symptoms.

Omega Fatty Acids (in fish oils)
Vit B Complex
5 HTP
Gingko Biloba
Siberian Ginseng
St. John's Wort
Licorice Root
Valerian Root
Magnesium, Zinc, and Calcium

There were others, but I don't remember all of them. I just started taking a Vit B complex with Vit C last week and I am going to start Fish Oil and Licorice Root tomorrow.
Full spectrum light helps (sunlight) and of course exercise.
Good luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2004
Wed, 11-17-2004 - 7:23pm

Careful with St. John's Wart. It is thought to interact badly with certain other meds. Such as birth control pills!! It has also been seen to only help mild depression.

Omega 3's have been show to help mild depression as well.

Just my 2 cents.

Sending hugs and good thoughts your way.
Take care,
Lisa-)
Co-CL Depression Support

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-01-2001
Wed, 11-17-2004 - 7:34pm

I guess I didn't mention - the Fish Oil is for the Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Or did I say that? Oh man, I just read my own post and I can't remember!
I also wanted to mention that nursing mom's should not take St. John's Wort. But everything else I mentioned is ok (I had to make sure before I started any of it!).

Speaking of birth control, can't certain BC pills make you depressed? My best friend has been showing signs of depression and I told her she should try a new BC pill.

Avatar for mikie724
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 11-18-2004 - 8:26am

Thank you for all of your suggestions --- everyone.
Been dealing with my own demons these past several months.
Mother passed away July 1st.
Sold our home of 28 years July 7th
Had to find a place to live while the new house was being built.
(15 year old son -- typical teen -- add that for good measure.)
Oldest daughter moved far away to begin her career august 8th.
I'm 49, and although I had an hysterectomy almost 4 years ago, I think the old ovaries are doing their thing now,... so I suspect menopause is a factor too.

Meanwhile, at work:
Dealing with an opressive, demeaning, condescending boss.
Boss from hell. Terrible work (had been compromising my ethics, morals, values, etc.)
2 weeks ago, early on Monday morning, I called into work, and notified the 'boss' that I would not be in that morning... or any morning after that.
I took the first step in healing myself psychologically and emotionally, by leaving that job.
These past two weeks I've been resting. Thinking, meditating and praying.
I've rejoined the gym, and have made a commitment to get back to where I was a year ago.
I wanted to thank you all for your suggestions.

I have avoided going to the doctor for fear that she would just prescribe a magical Rx.
What else could she do, after all?

I don't want to begin medications, and think I have a good handle on things (for now).
The vitamins & amino acids are a good idea.
I'll begin taking those, instead.

I'm feeling stronger each day. I know this is a temporary time in my life.
I have the control (so far) to manage my own destiny.

Thank you all for your insight.

m