I just turned 23 years old and have suffered from major depression for about 4-5 years. my father passed away at 16 years old and I have never really been the same. I have been diagnosed with manic depression, g.a.d, panic disorder and bi-polar type two. most of the time I feel that I have a good head on my shoulders but do lack energy and concentration wich can really hinder ones ability to function correctly. I also have an extreme amount of anxiety. I run at least 8-10 miles a week and meditate (although maybe not enough) wich helps but doesnt suffice. I choose not to take ssri's because they make me feel like im a robot that just drifts threw life feeling relatively the same way all the time. Again I am looking to find a natural remedy for lack of energy, concentration, and releif of anxiety. Please do not suggest any type of religion. Thank you..
making love have been shown to release hormones in the brain that makes people very happy and carefree
Meditation. You don't have to incorporate religion to channel positive energy. good Luck.
I also agree with flea. Chocolate does that too.
Exercise to exhaustion and try Lexapro. It's not your average SSN.
Did your depression and anxiety start after dad died? Is that what was the beginning of it all??? I need details before I can continue giving you advice.
Once again going to paraphrase what you said. You said you have been experiencing this since age of 16 years. Your 23. thats more than 7 years. You said you suffered from major depression for 4-5 years. Was dad sick for the other 2 years before he died?
After your details: Thank you for adding them. Is it possible, that you were so close to your dad and saw him as invisible, that is why your questioning your impending death?
I understand that St. Johns Wart helps some.
St Johns Wort is one of the most common mood enhancer. I have taken in the past and it just helps a bit too not let stress get you down. may be worth a shot but you might need to see a real doctor
Kava Kava, youll have to do an internet search, but I guess it really helps, the only reason I do not take it, is because I drink a lot of alcohol which is not recommended with kava kava, as it can cause liver problems.
ANXIETY: See anxiety treatments, at * ezy-build (below) in section 6. Set yourself a fixed limit for worrying about any particular subject, (say; 15 minutes) after which, resolve firmly to refuse to even consider that subject again on that day: realise and accept that to do otherwise would be counterproductive to your mental health, and enjoyment of life. Use the technique for reprogramming negative thoughts and internal monologue (self talk), on pages 2, and 2L, to help you in this: some people carry a wide rubber band in their pocket: put it on their wrist; stretch, and release, as a means of reinforcing it, and speeding up the process, re-pocketing it afterwards, but I regard this as being purely optional. Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed. also, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind). Section 53, and pages 2, 2.q and 2.o at * http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris also refer: "even though I sometimes suffer from anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DEPRESSION: my standard post follows, but, if you are young, antidepressants are unsuitable for young people. See depression treatments, at ezy-build *(below) in section 2, and consult a doctor, to eliminate thyroid problems, etc. as possible contributing factors: also seek a referral to a therapist using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy. it is your decision, and yours alone, as to whether to take any antidepressants offered, but, before you do, read section 1, and check medications out at www.drugs.com so you will be on the lookout for side effects, like sexual dysfunction. my strong recommendation, however, is to follow the advice of my doctor, his associate, and also Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, and Dr. Mercola, at http://www.mercola.com and many others: avoid antidepressants (pages 2V, and 2Z refer, & antidepressant websites: page 2). the reasons why we all share the same view on this are explained in full, as you will find, if you read the whole section. all of their advice, (except prayer, because many people are not religious) I have incorporated into the "core treatments", including occupational therapy, relaxation techniques, and exercise, with others as options, such as the supplements: Inositol, or SAMe, or herbal remedies, like St. John's wort. if you are diagnosed with clinical (major) depression, antidepressants may be necessary for a while, which will give the treatments time to become effective. the antidepressants themselves need at least several days, or even weeks to begin becoming effective. It's a good idea to taper off them slowly, with medical advice, after several months, say, to a couple of years, at most, because they are only effective in the long term for about 30% of people. because of this, you would be well advised to begin the treatments immediately, and maintain them. I'd just thank your mental health care provider, and pocket the prescription, trying the treatments for a few months, to see if they are sufficient for you, before considering filling it (unless clinically depressed, and having great difficulty functioning, or suicidal, in which case I'd take them). if the amount of daylight you have been exposed to recently has reduced, perhaps due to the change of seasons, see Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) in section 2, at * http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and, instead of taking 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily; replace 2 of them with cod liver oil supplements for the winter months only! (or, as probably a better alternative to the 2 cod liver oil supplements: 1 teaspoonful of cod liver oil, with a little butter, to ensure its use; I take mine on sourdough rye bread, or toast, covered with fishpaste, and pepper, to mask the strong taste). Consider having your doctor test your vitamin D levels, using the 25 HYDROXYVITAMIN D test. Optimal levels are 50 - 55 ng/ml (115 - 125 nmol/l. it should be above 32 ng/ml. those people who receive adequate exposure to sunlight, daily, won't need the vitamin D from cod liver oil, but many people, particularly those in latitudes far from the equator, find this difficult, to achieve.
L-Theanine during the day and 5-HTP before going to bed. Available at natural food and vitamin stores.
apart from various herbal remedies which may work or may not, try lifting free weights. it's good because it pumps the blood through your head and gives it a good clean out. also builds your confidence when your shoulders and arms grow. a hot spa and sauna are also good. a hot shower with the water landing against the back of your neck may take the edge off anxiety but not cure it. that's about all i know and they may not work for you. try all different things. good luck and may the force be with you.
As I work in the medical profession, I must first clearly state that I am not advising you to do what I am going to tell you next. so please know that my post is merely informative and not directive in any way. I'm not even sure if this will work for you, or who it has worked for but I have read the study.
I'm providing for you a link to information regarding dietary changes and nutritional suppliments that may be of benefit to bipolar persons.
Your plight is heartwrenching to me. I'm sorry that you're dealing with this. You know, each and every human has issues that we must deal with in order to get through life. for some, it is abuse. for some mental health issues. for some, physical health issues. for some, an inability to relate or connect with others on an emotional level. I could go on and on, but you get the point. my reason for stating this is so that you will know you are not alone.
I will respect your request to refrain from suggesting religion as a help for you, but I will tell you that if you'd like me to pray for you, just send me an email. I'd be happy to pray for you, or listen to you, if you need to rant a bit.
You're not alone.
Here is your link.
My father passed away when I was 17 and pregnant!! my mother blamed me for his death!! I have lived with that my whole life, but chose to rise above it! how you ask? No pills, no counseling, I told myself everyday in the mirror that I was beautiful, that noone could hurt me, that I was going to be okay!! fast forward 21 years, I have a beautiful son, who is well adjusted and so am I. sometimes we convince ourselves that were depressed, only because it's the only answer that makes sense. Life is only going to be what you want and percieve it to be. believe your going to be fine and tell yourself that every day 3 times a day and watch what happens!! There is your natural remedy!
i know how you feel. thats when my depression set in really bad after my dad died. i was before then.but when he passed on it got worse and worse. i couldnt even get out of bed. i had no insurance. i discovered st johns wort. it worked miracles for me plus some time to myself helped out. i wish u the best of luck.
Calms Forte by Hyland or Bach Flower Remedies' Rescue Remedy both have helped me with stress, especially negative feelings following the death of someone close. both can be found at any health food store. Hang in there and best of luck to you...
well I have all that you have and well I had it before my mom and dad died. my mom died 2006 dad died 2007 and grandma died 2004 and 2 Aunts 1 uncle all in 5 years. Im just lost but i have 1 Aunt and 1 Uncle left thats it. Im only 29 years old and an only Child. so You can do it just stay on your real meds youll need them for a while.
The type of depression you have is obviously based on the loss of your father. that is probably a give in. i have suffered from depression my whole life and still find it hard to do normal activities and function in everyday life. i have been diagnosed with BPD(borderline personality disorder)
I think by identifying what causes the depression, anxiety, stress exc. first will help you figure out how to fix it. since your depression started at a certain point in your life the possiblities of reversing it are greater.
I suggests finding a councelor( and from reading your story it doesnt seem like your the type of person that would be up for something like that)but not all councelors are the same. In my opinion most of them are taught from books and have no idea what really goes on in the human mind...but there are ones that are trully in tune with the emotions of others and how to help.
instead of trying to cure your depression from the top down. start from the bottom and work your way up.
figure out what causes it.
why losing your father caused such pain(long-term)
how to accept the lose.
what in life actually makes you happy
exc....
but i am no psychiatrist.
i understand if what i said has no effect on you what-so-ever. because im the same way.
p.s.
sex and masterbating actually produces a drug-like feeling into the body during an orgasm which can help stress levels go down. hehe
Have you considered ADHD or rather AADD?
You mention the lack of energy and concetration.
I've studied a lot into natural herbs and vitamins which work together to energize the body and mind. if you want, send me an e-mail or add me to messenger and we can discuss it.
Man... I feel for you. I have the same exact feelings and issues as you, Chris. I can get behind what you are saying. And I would agree that SSRI's work differently for different people.
I've had depression and OCD all my adult life (starting in college) but didn't get diagnosed until I was 35.
Working with a both a psychiatrist and a psychologist, we got a real, clinical diagnoses. And with great reluctance, I tried an SSRI.
My quality of life has improved 100 fold.
This is what has worked for me.
I wish you the best in working through this.
What are some natural remedies for major depression, and anxiety.?
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