Fighting Depression

[sunnshine_ahead]

TweetDoes anyone have any information on what supplements and vitamins are good for fighting depression?

Also, does anyone know of a good source for getting omega-3's and B vitamins (preferably something that contains 5000 mcg's of B-12).

Thanks in advance!

[DJDIGGLER]

TweetAlthough this is going to be highly debated....

I don't think meds or supplements are always the answer for depression. Honestly you need to take time by yourself and find out what the problem really is. Once you figure that out try to find solutions how to fix the problem, and also try to find something that you can do anytime you start to get in the downward spiral that could positively level your mood out.

[kite]

Tweet5-HTP works well for depression as for script meds, there are tons out there and it's kinda trial and error. Also, DJ is right, unless of course it's a chemical/hormonal imballance.

[mick-G]

TweetDepression is not always caused by hormonal inbalances, and it would depend on the persons situation. Alot of obgyn's prescribe low dosage birth control for women with hormonal inbalances, but they do not always work. For an otc supplement for a woman i would first try Holy Basil, as it seems to balance out cortisol levels, which help with stress, anxiety, etc. You can find it at any good health food store and is a capsule herb. I was going to say 5-htp as well, but it can tend to make you tired, so if the person does try it, take it at night. There are alot of variables that can cause slight depression, as it can be physical or psychological, and should be determined by a psychiatrist. I would try the supplement route first, because psychiatrists will tend to put you on meds. I personally use a B-12 injectable complex that has 1000mcg of B-12 per ml.

[cbr929]

Tweetfish oils

[mtnmedic]

TweetI'm with Micky. I'll do a lil bump of B12 too...It's the SADDs that kills me.

[pigmeat]

Tweeti hope its not you that is deppressed....thats a sad road to go down....One of the first steps is to find someone to talk to that youcan be 100% honest with.....i heard 5-htp is good...for scripts, i dont like anything stronger than wellbutrin.
For the vitamins, get some injectable b-12

[Stackt]

TweetJust hang in there and dont do nothing stupid ....everybody goes through depression ! Hell I've been through it many of times its tough but you have to think positive and not let the negatives overcome .If you keep thinking about it matters get worse . Psychiatrist didnt really help me just waste of imho .And I like pigmeats idea sit there and talk to someone you can trust and let it all out tell them everything how your feeling and whats the problems .As for otc medication St Johns Wort never tried it but suppose to help depression .Workingout help me fight depression honestly cause it just makes me stronger and stronger minded -very healthy way to go about it

[mick-G]

TweetI was thinking...Is this PPD you are talking about?? If so, i would try the homeopatic approach first or you can check your area for homeopatic physicians. Also try and have the person find time for themselfs for a specific hobbie or workout time, even if it is just to relax or go shopping. Find outside interests that benefit yourself, not just others. Everyone is an individual and needs their own time during the wk set aside for themselves, even if they have family commitments.

[sunnshine_ahead]

TweetWell I was diagnosed with all of these: bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and post partum depression. Now I am not really sure about most of it, but I do believe I am suffering from post partum depression. They have me on all these meds right now...Celexa, Lithium, Trileptal, Klonopin, Xanax, and Risperdal. That seems like a hell of a lot to me. I can't find a freaking doctor that won't help me out without pushing prescriptions on me. I was just trying to maintain because I was going through a REALLY rough time and I do know some about all of the medications (so I'm not going through this blind) and at the time I was willing to do what the dr's said just to feel better. But I would really like to try alternative medicines if possible. I take lots of vitamins and supplements and have done some research, but am looking for more. I really hate needles and I bruise easily from them so I am trying to stay away from anything I would have to inject. I did manage to find some B-12 disolvable 5000 mcg pills today! Thanks for all the ideas so far...

[mick-G]

TweetDamn girl!, that is too many med for a woman your age. I can't believe..did one dr put you on all these meds or did you go to dif ones? Have you been depressed b4 the baby, if not, id bet it is PPD. If your depression is not that bad, id get off all of thoses meds and get a good otc detox for about 3wks. The go to the ob/gyn and tell them whats going on. They prob put you on low dosage of birth control, which may help all of your symptoms. Btw, some of those meds you have get off of slowly.

[Gooseneck]

TweetI went through a nasty bout of depression several years ago (mosty drug induced) and was put on Lexapro. This made me crazy and after 3 days had to stop taking it. Then a month later I reluctantly tried Effexor and its been a Godsend for me ever since. However, Effexor is THE hardest of all anti-depressant medications to wean off of so tread lightly when considering script meds. Best of luck, PM me if you need to talk.

[Lily]

TweetSt Johns Wort is known to help.....depends on why the depression is there in the first place....

[mtnmedic]

TweetWhatever it is, I wish you the best. you came to the right place for suggestions and help.

[T-Man007]

TweetIf you truely have a chemical imbalance, then the ONLY solution is to get it corrected. If you are just sad about a situation then you can fix it with therapy.

The best OTC's are:

5-HTP: I personally would take 100 mg once a day or 50 mg twice a day. This is a natural way to elevate seratonin levels. Seratonin is your 'feel good' hormone and 99% of depressed people have low seratonin levels.

SAM-e: this two helps with depression. I've never taken it but I have friends who swear by it. However, of those friends who have tried 5-HTP, they never went back to SAM-e. Also, SAM-e is very good for your liver. A bonus for some of us.

Besides those, I wouldn't mess with anything personally. I've had Mild Clinical Depression and the 5-HTP didn't work and had to go on Celxia (sp) and it worked wonders. I only did the minimum dose for 6 weeks and I ramped down myself at the end and never had to take it again. I have some friends who refuse to take sript meds and they are always going up and down and up and down. I don't have time for that crap, so I got my chemical balances corrected and I've never had to take anything since.