Who would I look to...

[Rævyn Cigány]

...to help me overcome what the doctor thinks is a bout of depression? My friend's doctor told me that this sort of thing comes in waves, and I'd like to do something about this before the next wave breaks. I'd appreciate any input you could give me.

With gratitude in advance,

Rae )0(

[Lilu]

Hi Rae,

When I was going through bouts of depression I used the following to help me get through them:

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES
There is one mixture called the "Rescue Remedy" which is really nice to have around, you carry it with you and whenever you start to feel down you take some. It's a bit of a pick-me-up.

CRYSTALS
Amethyst, Citrine, Smoky Quartz, Bloodstone, Green Calcite, Blue Calcite, Honey Calcite, Clear Calcite.

HOMEOPATHY
Kali Phos
Germenium
Arnica too would probably help out.

Also try and get some regular exercise and meditation in some time, this will help with lifting your energies and you won't hit rock bottom as quickly.

Feel free to PM or email me (lilu@johndoe.org) ANY time you want to talk.

BB
Lilu

[Armitage]

Try to get sunlight, at least ten minutes a day. It's proven that people who don't get sunlight daily get depressed. I'm pretty sure it doesn't have to be direct, but being outside helps.

[Emerald Sky]

I've never tried it b/c it causes birth defects (if you're pregnant, which we've already established that your not), but St. John's Wort is supposed to help with depression.

[Greenthumb]

My personal favorite is Kava Kava, some sunshine, and putting my hands in the dirt.

greenthumb

[Tigerwallah]

It always helps lift my spirits to surround myself with beautiful flowers, lots of them. There is something to be said for the sun as well. It's a nice time of year to head off your next bout with a trip to the beach or the zoo. I love a zoo trip when I feel down. Especially the primates, they always make me laugh. Do whatever makes you laugh.

Loki is a good god to pray to. He might throw a practical joke or two your way, but he'll certainly make you laugh. Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, is another god of joy and laughter. Baubo may make you laugh by showing you her nakedness :eek:, if her dirty jokes do not work :) :bad:

[Sarata]

I have also heard that St John's Wort is a natural anti-depressant. It's pretty widely available. It is recommended that anyone with an allergy to ragweed avoid it. It grows wild all over the Pacific Northwest.
Depression is a tough one. I'll admit to being on Paxil for it. It has helped a lot, since it adresses a chemical imbalance in the brain that is a common source of long-term depressive disorders. It took me a while to seek help in that area because I had this scarey image of being a sedated walking alpha wave, or emotionally flatlined. Instead I've just noticed three effects. No more depression, increased psychic sensativity, and decreased sex drive. (Don't really like the last effect...*sigh*)
I'm not trying to push that as the solution for everyone facing depression bouts. There are lots of alternatives too. You use what works best for you. I do find that doing silly kid things like making a glass of chocolate milk and blowing bubbles in it, or getting into a rubber-band shooting war with my family is good for lifting a bout of the blues.

[Shy Hawk]

I can personally testify to sunlight, dancing, drumming, excersize, swimming, a vacation (that is nonstressful and long) and Athena. She's who I look to. :-) She represents strength and wisdom, and that's what you can gain from her.
I have worked with prescription and nonprescription drugs for depression. Some help, some don't. It depends on the user. Don't jump to meds just yet though...see what you can do otherwise. Try St. John's. I took it for while....but it increases sun sensativity, and I'm already prone to heat exaustion so....lol I can't work with it.
Above all, uplifting music and dancing helps me.

[Dria El]

My sister had really bad depression. It was so bad she has really bad panic attacks. She couldn't sleep, couldn't drive, etc. It took me awhile to convince her to do it but finally she started meditation. She's been doing it regularly now for a long time and she doesn't have panic attacks any more. She's driving again. AND she has her own car even!

I suggest Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain. It's worked so far. <shrugs>

[Merrie]

I go for alot of artistic expression and things like that when mine hits (It happens to all of us, once in awhile). Try getting things out of your system through poetry or art. Meditation is always good, Herbal teas, keeping active, puppies and upbeat music (my own personal secrets, here :D)
And of course,(I'm with Shy Hawk on this one)
Athena. She's all about strength, which can be so sorely needed in those times, I know.
:heartthro
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"Athena, answered him again: Be of good cheer, and let not these things distress thy heart."

[Tigerwallah]

Although, I love your avitar, the woman in the pic looks kind of pensive and sad. I for one, associate very strongly with my avitar. When I had the tiger eyes, I felt fierce. Now that I have a pic of myself, I feel a little more vulnerable. What I'm getting at, is that, for a while, it might help to use an avitar that suggests joy and light. Just seeing it everyday with your name over it, might help you to associate yourself with joy and light. Just a thought.