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depression
Started
by Erinn
on October 20, 2009
Hey guys, I have been prescribed an anti-depressant for a few months now and was wondering what everyone's stance is on the issue...do you believe in medication for depression? or natural remedies? or do you think it's not a problem chemically at all and that everyone is over reacting these days? Share your thoughts as i'm interested in finding some new ways to feel better!
Depression is a very complicated disease. I think this is something you should do a lot of research on, talk to your doctor and find the right answer for yourself. Not all medications do more harm than good, but everything has side effects that are undesirable even the herbal remedies. Depression can be a chemical imbalance or it can be a result of environmental stimuli. I take antidepressants because a life change was not enough to control my mood. I live a better, fuller and happier life because of my medications. Everyone is different and you shouldnt let anyone make your mind up for you. Good luck and Happiness! J
Thanks Julia! I agree, i think it depends on the circumstances and the person!
Below is a link to a list of articles on Gary Null's website. There are some specifically on depression and entire section on mental health. Reading these should give a good perspective on your question.
Rob
http://www.garynull.com/GNarticles.php
I'm in a similar situation now. I was on a series of AD's several years ago, trying to find the right one at the right dosage, but then I quit my job and lost my health insurance so I've been off meds completely for about 5 years. Now I'm on the verge of getting insurance and am faced with the decision to go back on or not. I guess they did help a bit but I never really hit on the right combo/dosage to be able to say if it'd be worth it (for me) to go back on. However, in the last few years, I've COMPLETELY eliminated chemicals, medications, etc. for both health and moral reasons so I'm really torn as to what to do. I'm currently working with a friend of mine who happens to be a life coach & nutritional counselor to try and find some alternatives so that hopefully I'll be able to avoid meds. Of course, it hasn't really gotten off the ground yet because I'm such an avoider. Ah, Depression!
Eat fresh foods full of nutrients. Some foods, such as avocados and chocoate/carab chips, help your body release 'happy chemicals'. Same with working out a few times a week. Manic depression runs in my family and I'm the only person diagnosed and not medicated. Granted everyone has their ups and downs, but when you take control of your life you can manage your moods so much more easily. Just remember that very few things are forever, everyone makes mistakes and every day is one day at a time, one meal at a time. Take little steps and don't expect a 180 over night. And know that if you're having a shitty day, you do not have to deal with it alone.
vitamin D does wonders for depression!!
Hi! Erin - oh my gosh, soooo many are afflicted with this, aren't they? Including me...well, I WAS. :) I was on AD's and all moody and borderline manic-depressive-y. Truth is, my turning toward being a veggie and aspiring to be what I now know to be a TRUE Kind Lifer these past two years is changing that. Turns out for me, and I'm just speaking for me - it's more a blood sugar issue than anything else, and as I'm controlling that I'm feeling sooooo much better! Without meds!
But yeah, me, I believe that in combination with the amazing stuff we find here, sure, if medication can help, then help it will. There's SO much we don't know and the story (the causes, the "cures") is different for each one of us. Hopefully, though, you'll find that making the changes Alicia is proposing here can - and will - help you heal YOURSELF. :) Good luck, sweetie!
I agree that vitamin D can help too. I don't agree with meds. Years ago I took zoloft & prozac. I think you should try St. John's wort (tea//or supplement). Omega-3 helps w/ mood. Some daily gentle sunshine 10-15 minutes & a daily walk can help. Also-giving yourself a nice body massage w/ a nice body oil after showering can help. Weleda has great body oils. The fragrance (which is from essential oils) will lift your mood. Try to find out what's "causing" you to feel depressed. Meds only "mask" the symptoms-they don't cure. I haven't taken any prescription or non-prescription meds in years. I do a weekly 24 hour fast (read the miracle of fasting-by Paul & Patricia bragg)-and I think you'll feel much better if U stop the meds-B/c they're toxic poisons that eventually cause more symptoms/side effects-then doctors want to prescribe more stuff to cover up those symptoms too. Commercials brainwash people into thinking they need meds to be healthy. Over time--meds only create illness and disease; they clog the liver and make it sluggish. Also anti-depressants-especially zoloft & prozac prevent calcium from being absorbed. Valerian tea can also help you. Also back to the omega-3's. You can get it from flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seed meal, flaxseed & hemp oil, soy milk, tofu, walnuts etc. Sticking to a healthy diet & getting quality sleep & 10-15 minutes of daily sunshine & some daily exercise will help//walking is great and it's free . Kevin Trudeau has a great book called natural cures they don't want you to know about-updated edition. You also need to get quality sleep/rest. Check out the bragg.Com web site.
Oooo - yes, good point with the hormones, Chloe - yes, that's another powerful thing with depression/mood/well-being, etc.
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