Depression helped by drinking water

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2009
Depression helped by drinking water
6
Tue, 08-11-2009 - 10:00pm
Hello,

I have been on antidepressant medications since 1995, but nothing really seemed to help that well. Last month I felt even worse and was sick of being miserable, so I increased my dosage, although I didn't really want to. The following day I felt better, but I knew it wasn't from the extra 5 mg. of Lexapro, it was too soon for a result. I went over what I did that day and realized that I drank more water than usual. I have never been a big water drinker, in fact, I never really drank much of anything at all, even soda. I was very curious about why I felt so different so I searched on the Web about depression and dehydration. I figured that the water had helped. Well, I came across several articles about the subject, which mentioned that if your brain is dehydrated, it causes depression and anxiety. The neurotransmitters don't function properly. Simply drinking more water is a cure. It seemed too simple to be true, but I decided to drink more water and stop taking the extra 5 mg. It's been 1 month and I can honestly say I am a different person. The depression/anxiety is nearly gone, and I plan to be off the antidepressant soon. I felt a huge change in my mood within 2 days of drinking more water, approx. 6-8 glasses a day. No, this isn't a joke.

I am writing to suggest that you may be depressed because you are dehydrated. Try drinking more water and see if it helps. Aside from lifting my depression, it has also given me increased motivation and energy. I had lost my enthusiasm for life and all I wanted to do was sleep, and this was while being on Lexapro, so the medication didn't do much good. I am not suggesting that you stop your medication and just drink water, but increase your water intake and see if you feel better.

If you have any questions, feel free to write me. I hope this solution works for you, too! :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-06-2009
Sat, 08-15-2009 - 8:34am
Starseed - That's a very interesting idea; I will try it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2009
Sat, 08-15-2009 - 10:22am

Hi deb_virginia,


I am a Deb, too


Thank you for your reply. I am on Lexapro and Lamictal and am planning to lower my doses soon, and eventually come off both. I also take Klonopin occassionally to sleep. I have changed my lifestyle gradually over the last 6 months. I used to use Klonopin each night, and now it's only a few times a month, if that. Instead, I replaced it with a wonderful product called "Fatigued to Fantastic, Revitalizing Sleep Formula." (I hope I can mention it here, if it is deleted, please write me and I will give it to you.) I am a strong believer in holistic means to heal. This product contains Valerian from which Valium was inspired. It is non addictive and worked amazingly to get me to sleep and stay asleep. I used it for months and now I don't need it. If this sounds right to you, you may want to try it instead of Ambien (I am in no way suggesting you should go off your meds, but perhaps if it's something you are considering, there are many natural ways to do so). Now that I don't usually use a sleep aid, I am so much more alert and motivated in the morning. I used to dread getting out of bed, I had no energy and I was groggy.


The water idea seems too

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2009
Sat, 08-15-2009 - 10:42am

P.S.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-06-2009
Sat, 08-15-2009 - 11:15am

I use klonopin, too, not as a sleep aid but for anxiety and weepy spells.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2009
Sat, 08-15-2009 - 12:26pm

I also believe I was depressed (and certainly anxious) dating back to my childhood. I had anorexia and bulimia before they were in the news and well known by the medical community. Thankfully, I was able to heal from both while in my 20s.


I have recently figured out that my main issue isn't depression but anxiety. Anxiety causes me to be depressed. And when I am depressed, all I want to do is cry. This behavior has nearly caused the breakup of my marriage and has prevented me from interacting with my children on a deeper level. Now, I feel like I have gotten a second chance at creating the life I'd like to have as I am less preoccupied with my mood.


I totally agree that yoga and meditation are wonderful practices. I do a lot of meditation and have considered yoga. It's true that when you meditate you access deeper states of awareness and many times you release trauma and deep seeded issues. Crying is a natural release of this stress, and is healthy. Meditation also enables you to let go of your body for a time, and concentrate on your consciousness, which is unlimited.


I looked up Valerian and there are different points of view as to whether or not it can be used with SSRIs. The product I used contained only 200 mg. and I didn't have any adverse reactions. Best to consult your doctor. Other natural herbs for anxiety are Passionflower and Skullcap. The supplements that I use which are known to help depression are fish oils (600mg EPA, 400mg DHA a day), b-vitamins (a rather large dose as they are water soluable), phosphatidylserine and Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphorycholine (in "Mind and Body Formula"), Resvantage resveratrol, and vegetable-based antioxidants, immune support, and endocrine support from Mannatech. My doctor has also prescribed Deplin, which is a large dose of Folic Acid in its converted form (L-methylfolate). It's supposed to enhance the effects of antidepressant medication. I am not sure if it's

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-02-2005
Thu, 08-20-2009 - 12:55pm
Very informative thread, ladies. Alot of information to consider. But we have to remember what works for one may not work for the other. Myself, I am going to watch my water intake and see what happens.


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