HELP: Anyone who has or has had depression.

[fangedeshana]

Hey guys, I have something I need to talk about. :twitch:

I don't really know what to say actually. I believe I have depression. I say -believe- because I haven't been medically diagnosed. I have all the symptoms, minus suicidal thoughts or action... I have the mood swings, feelings of being unloved or not needed - hopelessness, leathargic, I don't care about anything very much at all... I had mild symptoms on and off for 5-6 years, though never this severe, I have always been in control on the past.
Daily life tends to be fine... but if something goes to upset the day, my mood just tends to drop dramatically. I soldier on, but I constantly have this heavy feeling and a voice in the back of my head basically ridiculing and dissagreeing with everything I do.

I don't want medication. I REALLY don't want to be messing around with putting chemicals in my body at all. I'm going to try taking St. John's Wort as soon as I find somewhere that sells it, and see how I go. I think most of it stems from my crappy living situation, in which case give it a month, and a lot of my problems will be aleviated - I won't be in this shit box of a house, and will be much better off money wise.

I was just kind of wondering if anyone had any positive exsperiences with St. Johns Wort in relation to depression? And I guess I just needed to vent too.. I feel a lot better than I did a few minutes ago. :smash:

[BlackMagicalCat]

Bless your heart,I hope you dont mind me responding to this thread ,God loves you,and the little voice telling you you are no good,well,tell him he is a liar,You are valuable to God.I know this wasnt what you asked,but my heart felt compassion for you,but ill not bother you anymore,bless you friend.

[Jenett]

Be careful to check that St. John's Wort won't affect any other meds you're taking (for example, there's evidence that it interferes with hormonal birth control like the Pill.)

A good friend gets a lot of help from also taking a B-complex vitamin: there's some evidence that at least some depression may be a vitamin deficiency or that the deficiency makes it easier for the depression to take root.

The thing to remember though, is that herbal remedies (including St. John's Wort) are still putting chemicals in your body. There are still side effects and other issues you need to think about. You may have reactions you didn't plan on. What really matters is finding something that works for you. Maybe that a herbal remedy - but maybe it'll involve a manufactured medication.

If you're generally mostly coping right now, and think that a lot of it is situational (and will definitely be over soon), then you're probably all right with not considering other meds right now. However, it's definitely something to keep a close eye on. A number of people also find that meds are something they need for a little while (a few months, say), and then they can get other things going in their life (better food and exercise habits, learning techniques to help manage mood shifts, etc.) that allow them to go off the meds or significantly decrease them.

[BlueMoon13]

I think you're wise to give it another month til after your situation changes. However if it persists, do seek medical treatment. If you're taking St.John's Wort, tell the dr. you are. Like Jennet said , you MAY need to take medications for a short period of time. It's not so bad, and St'John's Wort or any other herbal remedy,is a drug too.
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[wolf]

Don't guess. Don't diagnose yourself. Go see at least a counsellor.

Contact your local crisis center. They won't throw a butterfly net over your head and MAKE you do anything, unless you're a clear and present danger to yourself or others.

[IrishRiotGrrrl]

If you aren't on birth control St Johns Wart is great for MINOR depression. If you think it is getting severe you should try to find someone you can talk to. Medication is not the only option, sometimes therapy helps...really, its a case by case decision. But talking to someone is not going to hurt. The worst they can say is hey your depressed. As for medication...dont rule it out. It has done some wonderful things for people that REALLY needed it.

[MsFireHaven]

Ive been dealing with depression for 10 yrs on and off.
I said I didnt want the chemicals either, but have found it was exactly what I needed.
Taking St Johns Wort is the same thing as taking meds, Your medicating the problem either way.
A counciler is a fantastic idea, and there are Im sure many ways it can be worked out.
Keep your chin up, Get the help you need, and be good to yourself.

[farm girl]

Hi! and ((HUGS))

I battled post partum depression once and I didn't want meds. I tried to deal with it on my own, to no avail. I searched out some help and it was explained to me that meds are just a temporary relief to get over the hump. In the mean time, it is a good idea to see a counselor who can work through your feelings and help you deal with things. I was on the meds for less than a year. I am incredibly thankful because I came out of it a much better person. Much luck to you!!!!

[Auroro]

I've been in depression for about 5 years now... yes... that long. Well, I have the suicidal tendencies, and it's not good, I can't get rid of it either...

[Kaylara]

Hormonal imbalance will do it. Birth control pills did it to me badly. Fixing diet, exercise, sleep, and stress will help alievate the symptoms.

[Auroro]

yes, I understand this, Kaylara... but coming back to the hormonal homeostasis is my problem... I need to find a reiki healer... or learn to reiki myself.

[fangedeshana]

Honestly, I didn't even want to take the St. Johns :P I hate sticking stuff in my body, even things like panadol for headaches, lol. I dont even like taking my birth control - but it is a better alternative than unwanted pregnancy...

The vitamin imbalance actually makes a lot of sense... due to my current situation I have poor food, and don't exercise enough (I'm off my foot for a while to let it heal from an accident...), and I'm in a living space that in itself is depressing enough.

I'm moving out in a month or so, and my bf landed an excellent job that seems like a keeper and pays wonderfully, so we will both we able to each much better now, and once my foot heals I can exercise more. I do think it's highly situational, which is why I'm hesitant to go on med...or spend money I don't have on councelling - or a doctors counselation to get "properly diagnosed". I honestly don't have much faith in doctors diagnoses. My own have been more accurate 99% of the time, so I'm trusting myself.

I was considering the St. John's just until I got out of here, to perhaps be a cheaper alternative and also help lift my mood just enough to keep me from going insane and upsetting my partner for the next month. I think I'm just going to take it on the chin, and leave it all for a month or so. If my life is perfect and I'm still unhappy, then I know something is wrong and I will get counselling and so doctors and take drugs etc.

Thanks for the replies.

[fangedeshana]

yes, I understand this, Kaylara... but coming back to the hormonal homeostasis is my problem... I need to find a reiki healer... or learn to reiki myself.

Finding people who preform reiki, or teach reiki isn't too hard. Or is it the money that is the problem?

[Auroro]

A little bit of both, well a lot of bit of both, I live in the countryside, so there isn't much people out here, or money.

[Knight]

I've been struggling with depression for... well way too long. I was on welbutrin for a while. It worked for ONE DAY, then fell off quick. My psychiatrist kept upping the dosage. Can you say side effects? I've also tried St. John's Wort, but had the same experience: It worked fine for a day or two, but then fall off with time. I believe my body built up a tolerance to each medication.

I recently happened on an interesting book in a health food store, "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross. Here's a link: http://moodcure.com/ (http://moodcure.com/)

Basically, her contention, which she claims to have clinical experience with, is that depleted serotonin levels are a major cause of depression. The major anti-depressants (zoloft, prozac, et al) deal with this by keeping the serotonin from going into a dormant state. This elevates mood, but causes side effects like irritability, lack of sleep, anxiety, and so on. Instead, she reccomends natural supplements and diet changes. Certain foods, especially caffiene, can deplete serotonin rapidly, and lead to depression. I've been taking the first supplement she reccommends, 5-HTP, which is a precursor to serotonin. It has been used widely in Europe for years. The body uses it to replenish serotonin levels.

I do feel better. I had an immediate response, and again the "slacking off" in effectiveness. but not so drastic as the other treatments. My mood has improved, although I still have many years of negative thinking to sort through. It's not perfect. I still get black moods, but they don't seem as deep or overwhelming as before. They seem manageable. I am something of a caffeine junkie (Coke Classic, baby!), so that might have something to do with it.

Before the 5-HTP, when I would get really depressed, it was like a clamp around my head, or having my head stuffed in a plastic bag. It felt endless. That feeling is pretty much gone. I can actually get through a normal day without feeling like breaking down. My job still sucks, people can still be mean, I'm still in debt, but I feel like I can COPE. That's a big thing for me.

By the way, you can find 5-HTP in health food stores. It's not expensive, WAY cheaper than meds like prozac.

[Sybelle]

I couldn't take the St. John's - it raised my blood pressure. Herbal stuff is still chemical stuff so you'll want to read up on any herbs you use, just as much as you would any prescribed medication. The suggestion for therapy is a great one!

If therapy is not an option try meditation, walks outside. Maybe take a yoga class. Get some sunshine for about the first two hours in the morning. Take some long hot baths:tub: , go treat yourself to stuff that you enjoy. Do some good stuff for you.

:clapping:

[Ben Gruagach]

Here are a few links that might help if you are considering taking St. John's Wort.

a US gov't site about St. John's Wort and depression (http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/) (lots of honest and scientific info on it.)

a site devoted to info on St. John's Wort (http://www.hypericum.com/)

a site where people who are taking St. John's Wort talk about whether it is helping them or not. (http://www.sjwinfo.org/)

And like the others have already said, I'll repeat the advice to treat anything you take (including herbal supplements and vitamins!) as chemicals, because that is what they are. It's always better to be taking medicine under the supervision of someone who should know what's involved (like a doctor) because they should be able to help you avoid problems with the medicine, and if there are problems that come up they can be held accountable if they gave you bad advice.

[dragoncrone]

I had mild symptoms on and off for 5-6 years, though never this severe, I have always been in control on the past.
Daily life tends to be fine... but if something goes to upset the day, my mood just tends to drop dramatically. I soldier on, but I constantly have this heavy feeling and a voice in the back of my head basically ridiculing and dissagreeing with everything I do.

:hugz: Well. You've described about half my life there...!! :sadman: I have to say, the suggestions everyone has given are right on. I applaud you for wanting to avoid 'chemical' solutions to your issues; that said, you may find that a pharmaceutical is just what you need.

Iwas diagnosed with clinical depression about 10 years ago, been taking meds ever since, and I wish I had sought help years earlier!!! It's that noticeable. :fpeace: I regard it as a diabetic does insulin -- if I want to have any quality of life, I take my little tablet and I'm fine.

In all fairness - I don't want to set you up for disappointment - I also want to say that sometimes the first brand of antidepressant you're prescribed might not do the trick. Hey, you won't be 'trippin' seeing purple elephants or anything, it's just that some brands might make you hella sleepy, or have a physical side effect like itching or feeling hot. I got lucky- the first thing we tried worked like a charm, and I'm a happy camper.

So, yes - counseling is great, eating right and exercise makes a difference too, St.Johns Wort might work -- but a prescription might be your best bet. _happydanc

[Kuai]

If you still need to talk I'm here. I delt with my fair share of depression. i even have some now as my other thread states. I'm here for you

[midniteobsidian]

I have struggled with depression for most of my life. I was diagnosed around 8 to 10 yrs ago. before that they thought it was a physical problem,because i turned my feelings on myself physically. Once I got diagnosed with depression my doctor put me on prosac.. I too am a person who hates to take meds. But at the time I couldnt see any other choice. I used it as a stepping stone.

For me too I think alot of it was situational at that time. I got away from the bad relationship and took the meds. I started to feel better so I took myself off of the med. I have not taken it since.

I do still battle with depression everyday. Although I have found certain things that help me to deal with the stress..Like; exercise,meditation,venting to friends and I started to keep a journal since my bf got deployed.

If you can, try writing down exactly how you feel --No Holds Barred --make it nasty if you have to and then close the book on it. That helps me alot.

But if none of this or what ever you do works then I say get to a doctor you may just need a stepping stone to get to the point that techniques like these will work for you.. That is what I had to do.. I hope all goes well for you good luck...If you need to talk pm me.

[CryingEagle]

Hey guys, I have something I need to talk about. :twitch:

I don't really know what to say actually. I believe I have depression. I say -believe- because I haven't been medically diagnosed. I have all the symptoms, minus suicidal thoughts or action... I have the mood swings, feelings of being unloved or not needed - hopelessness, leathargic, I don't care about anything very much at all... I had mild symptoms on and off for 5-6 years, though never this severe, I have always been in control on the past.
Daily life tends to be fine... but if something goes to upset the day, my mood just tends to drop dramatically. I soldier on, but I constantly have this heavy feeling and a voice in the back of my head basically ridiculing and dissagreeing with everything I do.

I don't want medication. I REALLY don't want to be messing around with putting chemicals in my body at all. I'm going to try taking St. John's Wort as soon as I find somewhere that sells it, and see how I go. I think most of it stems from my crappy living situation, in which case give it a month, and a lot of my problems will be aleviated - I won't be in this shit box of a house, and will be much better off money wise.

I was just kind of wondering if anyone had any positive exsperiences with St. Johns Wort in relation to depression? And I guess I just needed to vent too.. I feel a lot better than I did a few minutes ago. :smash:


I have suffered from depression my entire life. I have taken several differant antidepressants, as due to the type of depression I have, (bipolar disorder) I cannot take St. Johns Wort as it can worsen the symptoms.
Try psychotherapy. Just having someone to talk to often helps.
Also the natural antidepressant Sam-E is said to work wonders too.
If conventional medication is not your cup of tea, try talking to a hollistic health care practioner. :flowers: :hugz:

[fangedeshana]

I thought I'd update you all. I'm on cold turkey and a lot of will power and support from my partner. My cure will be sticking to a routine that is positive and negative, and using my time effectively instead of procratinating, which makes me feel like a failure and dissapointed in myself. The results are going well so far, I just need to stick with me 'routine'.

I'm organising myself to go back to school. I'll be doing a short course in Nail Tech, and gaining a job either in beauty retail, or as a manacurist/nail tech as the course give me exsperience and skills in both, and I'll use this to save up money to support me when I figure out something I would REALLY love to do with myself - or who know... maybe I'll love the beauty industry to pieces and just advance myself there.

I had a small lapse yesterday, as I wasn't communicating with my bf over it all, and he ended up getting frustrated with me and we had a 'fight', yelling and crying went on, and I realised all the things he said about me were right, though I never wanted to hear or admit them, it's what i needed. Making up was heavenly, and now I'm in an ever better state that I was last week, and going strong.

I'd also like to thank everyone who their words, especially those who offered to listen to me whine and bitch about everything. :)

[MoonDust]

I have depression. Now mine is not to where I'd have suicidal thoughts (yes I've been asked. No I don't have 'em.) I tried Prozac for a few years, but the idea of being on meds so I could function "normally" didn't sit well with me. I struggled for a while (still do sometimes) trying to find my way. I've found that keeping busy, eating well & exercising have helped me. It's when I'm letting myself go & I have too much time on my hands that I get bad.

[BrigidMoon]

Don't guess. Don't diagnose yourself. Go see at least a counsellor.

Contact your local crisis center. They won't throw a butterfly net over your head and MAKE you do anything, unless you're a clear and present danger to yourself or others.

Totally agree. :)

[shadowkiss]

Totally agree. :)

^ Ditto.

i have suffered from depression too... still kinda am. most of it stems from my mothers refusal to really support my relationship with my serious boyfriend of a year now:(

[Lady Valkyrie]

There is no such thing as a "magic pill" when it comes to mental illness, and depression whether it is mild or otherwise is a mental illness. I say this because some people do not like the term "mental illness" because of the stigmatism it can bring. I truely mean it when I say there is no such thing as a "magic pill" or for that matter a "magic herbal remedy" for depression or any mental illness. It has been proven time and time again that medication (or in some cases herbal remedies) in addition to therapy/counseling helps mental illnesses especially depression much more effectively than just medications alone. Just taking a pill only medicates the problem and it doesn't help heal the root as to why one is depressed. And I see nothing wrong with taking herbal remedies for very mild depression. However, when it comes to mental illness depression could be but one symptom of a much more complex mental illness. Take for instance me. I have Bipolar Type II Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. Just recently I was diagnosed with PMDD. Depression is a symptom of all of these very complex mental illnesses. There was once upon a time when I was just diagnosed as a Borderline Personality Disorder Patient and given a large doseage of antidepressants. Giving too much antidepressants to a person who is Bipolar can and will throw them into a manic state. I went through hell for about a year of not being properly diagnosed or properly medicated. I finally found a psychiatrist who knew that the symptoms of Borderline Personality and Bipolar did overlap but she could distinguish the two mental illnesses within me. For the next two years we tried many different medicinal cocktails to see what workded for me personally. See, when it comes to medications and mental illnesses what works for one may not work for another. So sometimes tweaking the medications and doseages is nessessay in order to get the formula correct for each individual. I now take 50mg of Zoloft twice a day, 30 mg of Celexa once a day, and 50mg of Topamax twice a day. I also used to take herbal remedies like St. John's Wort and Kava Kava, however, I soon learned that such herbal remedies can react badly with the medications that I was already taking for the mental illnesses. So it was either take the herbal remedies that didn't do much of anything for me or take the medications perscribed by a psychiatrist that actually helped me along with therapy/counseling. I chose the later. I know that when it comes to people taking medications for mental illnesses some people think we are zombies and are "drugged up." If someone isn't properly diagnosed or isn't taking the proper medications yeah they can seem that way. However, I am a huge advocate for the destigmagtizing of mental health and everything within the realm of mental health. I have a 13, almost 14 now, who has ADHD and Bipolar Type II so I feel the need to properly educate myself concerning mental health. If you have any further questions feel free to ask.

[DancingCrow3]

Hey guys, I have something I need to talk about. :twitch:

I don't really know what to say actually. I believe I have depression. I say -believe- because I haven't been medically diagnosed. I have all the symptoms, minus suicidal thoughts or action... I have the mood swings, feelings of being unloved or not needed - hopelessness, leathargic, I don't care about anything very much at all... I had mild symptoms on and off for 5-6 years, though never this severe, I have always been in control on the past.
Daily life tends to be fine... but if something goes to upset the day, my mood just tends to drop dramatically. I soldier on, but I constantly have this heavy feeling and a voice in the back of my head basically ridiculing and dissagreeing with everything I do.

I don't want medication. I REALLY don't want to be messing around with putting chemicals in my body at all. I'm going to try taking St. John's Wort as soon as I find somewhere that sells it, and see how I go. I think most of it stems from my crappy living situation, in which case give it a month, and a lot of my problems will be aleviated - I won't be in this shit box of a house, and will be much better off money wise.

I was just kind of wondering if anyone had any positive exsperiences with St. Johns Wort in relation to depression? And I guess I just needed to vent too.. I feel a lot better than I did a few minutes ago. :smash:

You're wise not to want medication, at least for the time being, but I do advise you to get diagnosed. Otherwise, as far as St. John's Wort goes,I wouldn't put a lot of faith in that, if you are sufferring from actual clinical depression, though it might help somewhat over time. Probalby the best thing that might help you would be certain essential oils, such as lavendar, or orange. Experiment until you find what;'s right for you. You might want to try making your own blend, like for example cinnamon leaf (but not cinnamon stick) mixed with maybe an equal amount of sandalwood, or maybe about half as much Ylang Ylang.

[fatimah2001]

i have depression. if it makes u feel better ive had it since i was a little kid. at least ur not me...
but i will say,i dont know if your a girl but, if you are, make sure you take realy good care of your self! bcuz with me, i was always depressed, and im a performer. i used to be very beautiful and now look at me! but im will be the way i was! depression can change u!you might gain some wheight.... but! every weekend go out and get your nails done! buy some lipgloss! go to the gym! do every thing u possibly can to pamper and take care of your self! im speaking from my heart i have depression..... any1 would if theyve had my life.... but! i wont let that stop me! i know my examples sound silly but plz belive me they work! and im sorry but i havent read anyone reply..:o they second i heard u say u have deppresion i just started typing:o i try to help others with the problems i have.....:o

[medit8ive_spirit]

I was in a major depression a couple of years ago...and I didn't want meds, didn't want to go talk to a doctor or counselor....almost stepped out of life....thankfully, my best friend, "kidnapped" me(so to speak) for lunch one day after finding out what was going through my mind....and took me to a local clininc....and one of the earlier messages is correct....they won't throw a net over you or make you do anything you don't want to do.......they listened to me....suggested counseling.....and now I'm a lot better...and don't have the meds anymore...some of it, had to do with just needing someone to really listen to me...and for me to be able to state what I felt/was feeling....not keeping it all bottled inside.....sending some positive and healing energies your way......

[McDarvin]

I have been diagnosed with quite a few things; obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, severe depression...etc. And I also have nerve disorderes, which caused all of this. I've been on just about every drug there is. And the only thing that worked for me was Zoloft. Now, everyone's different. It really just depends on the person, and the severity, or how long you've been depressed. Even genetics can have something to do with it.

I tried to avoid med's for years, but I finally had to get help when I was trying to kill myself in High school. It got to the point where I was developing phobia's because of nothing. One day I was scared of cars, the next I was scared of people and cars...etc It went on like this forever. I tried everything.

I've been on the zoloft now for about 7 years. And I've started cancelling and phycho therapy. I'm finally getting a hold of my life now.

I know you don't want to have to take med's unless you have to. But I will tell you this, antidepressants, are no worse or less worse than St. Johns wort or kava kava. You shouldn't be scared to take them if you have to :)

[audi]

*hugs*

[Swedviking]

Trust me, you are loved. If not by anyone around you phsyically, you are loved spiritually. If you are depressed try going out and committing random acts of kindness and see if you stay that way. Do something that makes you feel proud. I feel connection with the earth. I have many times gone out and just picked up trash from the beach or the streets until I filled a couple of garbage bags. YOu'll feel good and people will see you and you'll have made a difference.

[QUEEN OF THE DAMNED]

Your doctor may suggest having a B12 shot too. My SO has had these and they really pep him up and make everything easier for him in day to day life.

I would certainly suggest seeing your GP or a counsellor. :hugz:

However, having had undiagnosed depression for quite a few years I understand why you wouldn't want to go to a doctor or counsellor. I certainly didn't. I didn't want meds either. Have you tried any herbal remedies like tea as a mood enhancer? Cammomile tea is definately something I would recommend. It's not a huge boost but it helps. Have you tried meditation? With my own depression it has receded incredibly since I have had a stable and comfortable home life and a regular paycheque. I have a feeling it will get better for you when you move but something needs to be done in the meantime. I'm sorry I cant help you anymore than that, I wish you the best of luck :hugz:

[CryingEagle]

Finding the right treatment(s) is a process of trial and error.
What works today, might not work tomorrow.
I have walked through fire and jumped through hoops when it comes to finding the right treatment, I still have yet to find what will work best for me.
I wish you the best of luck.
:flowers: :hugz:

[RubyRose]

I've taken St. John's Wort for Depression, I think it made a bit of a difference, but then I was put on Effexor and then I saw a real change. That was in 2004, and then over Christmas 2004, I got real sick, and pretty much stopped altogether taking the Effexor, I've wondered eversince whether that was a wise move. But then the problems I was having then are pretty much over with.

Good Luck, but I'd really see a doctor and get a medical opinion.

[shantia]

Hi,
I have been battling with depression for most of my life. It started really light and crept in before I could stop it. That is why it is important to talk to a councellor. They are very understanding and non-judgemental (well, most of them) and they will try and help. Usually you wont be prescribed with any medication unless you are a danger to yourself or society. It is very scarce that they will give you anti-depressants before they ask you to persevere with therapy for a while and see how talking to another human being helps.

I had to take anti-depressants for 6 months and it really helped. They are non-addictive and so you can stop them at any time. So dont be scared. The side-effects of the drug (if God forbid you have to take it) are far less than the emotional damage you do to yourself. Feeling depressed can raise your blood-pressure and cause insomnia, loss of apetite etc...it also raises adrenaline since you feel so upset and in battle mode sometimes. Your body is going to pump itself with chemicals anyway so dont stress.

Another way to alleviate depression symptoms is to use Evening Primrose Oil. St Johns Wort is also ok but as everybody else said be careful when you take it. Have you thought about PMS as well? Dont laugh but PMS could be the reason behind some bouts of depression. There is a very helpful forum that offers support to sufferers of PMS together with practical ideas. If you need any assistance let me know.

Hope you feel better soon

Shantia

[fangedeshana]

Update:

My self diagnosis, and prescribed fix was correct. A change of lifestyle is all I needed, and some determination. I have my bad days, but they are getting rarer and rarer. I've yet to move house, however money situations are improoving, as is the communication within my relationship which have both helped emensly. Once I get a job of my own, and have moved house every problem I have will be solved.

I finally have some direction and some goals to drive me.