Ask yourself: ';Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life?'; (if so, it is probably situational depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is indicated). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types, whereas St. John's wort is effective for most people, tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither should be relied on as a sole treatment).
It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as Sertraline (marketed in the USA as Zoloft: a commonly prescribed antidepressant) in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). Take at least 2 weeks to taper off antidepressants, before using the wort.
Remember back to a time when life was full of promise, or a day when you felt particularly good, or possibly excited from a good result. Emotional states are associated with memories, and if it isn't major depression, this method can help. A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, replace 2 Omega 3 with a teaspoonful of cod liver oil, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light (http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: ';vitamin D';). Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements. ~~~
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. ~~~(3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi. ~~~ (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. ~~~ (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule. ~~~ (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato %26amp; basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. Also, 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression %26amp; anxiety. Try the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ Some of these will be available in pharmacies, or supermarkets. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition. An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. Also, use iodised salt, as many people are deficient, affecting thyroid function (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). Try to imagine, as vividly as possible, a time in the not too distant future, when you have overcome this temporary setback, and things are much better. *View section 2, on the first 3 pages, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris
How many of you are suffering from depression? I am. What is the best advice you can give me. ?
It's all about state of mind. I'm also depressed. My reason for being depressed is coming to a better understanding of the world and I hate it. My life in general is boring. I try to understand quotations to better my mind but every time I do I just wish the people would understand things better. I love to better understand social and mental situations. Listen to Pink Floyd it may increase your opinion on things. My depression is all through me over-thinking things and driving myself insane so I don't know if it will help or lessen yours. Maybe just messaging you in general may make you feel happy. The fact you can reach out and you'll get a happy hand in return is always a satisfying thing in general. Stay strong and don't let people put you down. The people who put you down need to be put down because they haven't experienced pain like ours. Meds aren't a good answer either. If you can do things naturally to get rid of your depression or lessen it then your strong in mind. Don't let anything tell you no. Learn and better further your knowledge and you will understand your purpose and feel what you want in life. Good Luck.
I have major depressive disorder,social anxiety,adhd and anger issues. I have tried all those meds from Celexa to Zoloft and none of them worked for me. all they did was make me sick so I totally know how you feel. I go to therapy and use focus which is a homeopathic medicine for add/adhd but it also produces a calming feeling on the body, which helps my anxiety and depression. there are natural treatments like homeopathic remedies, light therapy (where you get a special bulb and lamp and sit under it for 20mins a day) and accupuncture has been said to help as well. my advice is to never give up on yourself and don't kill yourself even if you feel like it because its not worth it. if you ever feel that way call a helpline or go to psychiatric services at your local hospital. suicide is not worth it. Don't let other people get you down if they don't understand whats going on with you, its sad but some people see you as a disease and not a person. depression is a serious illness that wrecks your life and your relationships. just do whatever you gotta do. and good luck!
I am not depressed, but I use mindfulness to fight being unhappy due to personal circumstances. I also work on understanding my brain by reading books; they truly have helped. Here are some of the best:
';How the Mind Works'; by Steven Pinker
';The Roots of the Self'; by Robert Ornstein
';Happiness'; by Daniel Nettle
';Buddha's Nature'; by Wes Nisker (I am not a Buddhist but there are many good ideas in its philosophy)
';Stumbling on Happiness'; by Daniel Gilbert
';Mind Wide Open'; by Steven Johnson
I take Omega 3, take frequent walks, and listen to Mozart. Different things work for different people. There is a lot of good advice here from others. Just keep trying.
I like you, suffered from depression for many years. I always wondered why me? And what is the purpose of my life? Honestly, I thought many times that I would be better off dead. Several years ago I went on antidepressants and they helped me but the question about the meaning of my life did not go away.
I tried many so called spiritual methods and read books by self help guru's but was left with only more questions. Than I found a method that trully answered my questions and has given my life meaning. This method explains why we experience the events the happen around us as suffering, it also explained what we need to do to fulfill our purpose both individually and collectively.
Much good awaits all of us and we only need to rise above our current perception and connect with our upper nature. Here is a video clip that explains the method and how to correct our perception of reality:
http://www.kabbalah.info/engkab/kabbalah鈥?/a>
Hang in there. Depression gives you a false sense of hopelessness and the feeling that things will never get better. It will. You will find a combination of medication that will work. Exercise, eat right, and try to get the right amount of sleep. You were only given this life because you are strong enough to live it. Good luck! I too suffer from depression, and I have my downs, but it will get better.
'jai sai ram'
hi-
first of all lets see from where this depression originate-
when we expect a lot from others-and get nothing
when we doesn't achieve what we expected-
and when everything around us go against us-
all these things indirectly makes us weak from inside-
and our belief in our selves starts vanishing-
so at first its not the world you have to fight with-its the fight with your self-
depression seems a big problem at first-
but if you start believing in your self-and a little faith on that almighty-
-and i can say sitting here that you are that one person in this world that god loves the most-
-so dear friend-depression is not the war of two countries-its just a word written in pensil,and you just have to erase it with the power of your self esteem-
god bless-
regards
'jai sai ram'
Exercise and lots of it..releases endorphins also turns your body into a slim beautiful machine that u can be proud of and the result will make u more attractive and sexy to yourself and other people...........also go walking in nice places.get or borrow a neighbours dog........plan something.a holiday..learn an instrument listen to motivating and relaxing music................the list is endless but u need a structure to stop u dwelling on your problems
I am suffering from depression as well. Just keep up with the meds according to what your doctor tells you. Also try therapy if you can. I still need help as well so there's not much more I can tell you. Just hang on and try doing things relaxing or enjoyable.
My advice is to stay away from meds.
Try this website...It will help you reach your full potential...
http://www.letsreflect.com/profile.php?userid=6
I do but sadly I need some advice myself=( Sorry and good luck
Get really high.
i have bipolar and ocd.for me i have found my dogs help me alot.
take omega 3 an d 6 fish oils
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