depression

[Guest guest]

Is your type of depression " situational " depression? Due to stressful,

tragic, etc. events. I have some depression and partly due to that. I

have tried Celexa, paxil, Zoloft, and the Trycyclics (older generaltion

meds.) I am off them, (thanks to this list) and I am going to try St.

Johns Wort tincture. Didnt help me in capsule form, but maybe in

extract form it will. I wish you well, and give yourself time to heal,

(as long as it takes!!!!!!!!!) If you try the herbal route, and it

doesn't work for you, remember, there is NO shame in Antidepressants if

you need to take them.

Below is any article I found for you.

 

 

 Psychiatrists regard depression as the result of disordered brain

chemistry, particularly low levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. A

whole class of antidepressants called serotonin reuptake inhibitors

(SSRIs) has been developed to treat this chemical imbalance. These

include Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. Drug treatment is usually necessary

for severe depression, but a number of alternative approaches can help

those whose symptoms are mild to moderate:

Exercise: A recent study at Duke University found that short, strenuous

workouts can dramatically reduce the symptoms of depression, at least

temporarily. Although the study involved people over the age of 50, the

results bolster those of earlier studies which found that exercise

diminishes depression.

Relaxation techniques: Meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga can

help.

Diet changes: The omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish such as salmon and

sardines, may improve depression symptoms (and other psychiatric

disorders). Researchers aren't exactly sure why, but the fatty acid may

correct overactive cell signaling in the brain, which appears to be

linked to depression. Also, avoid caffeine -- it can worsen symptoms.

St. John's wort: A number of studies indicate that this herb works as

well as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression. The recommended

dosage is 300 mg of a standardized extract, three times a day, with

food.

SAM-e (Sammy): Short for S-adenosyl-methionine, SAM-e has long been used

in Europe to treat depression and is now available in the U.S. It seems

to work faster than St. John's wort, but it's pricey ($75 or more per

month). Look for tablets with enteric coatings which improve absorption,

and also go for the new butanedisulfonate form.

B-complex: Folic acid, a B vitamin, can increase the effectiveness of

antidepressant drugs. I recommend taking a daily B-100, B-complex

supplement containing 400 mcg of folic acid.

 

 

 

Take good care.

 

Love,

Renee and Jerry