Depression...help please!

[MjaneGibson]

So, over the past few weeks, it had become increasingly evident that I was falling into a depression. I've been very anxious for no reason and feel lost all of the time. My best way to describe it would be, "waiting for the day to end." I had dealt with this sort of thing in the past, but I have had my worst bouts with it in the last couple of weeks. Now, I haven't had any tragedies, an event of bad luck, or a heartbreak. In fact, I got a new job which I really love, my sister is getting married, my brother is having a baby, and I'm celebrating my 2 year anniversary next week; my life is better than it has been for a while. Therefore, as far as I can tell, I am simply a victim of imbalanced chemicals and what not.

Because of this, I don't feel the need to go to a therapist, and as far as a psychiatrist goes, I'm not looking to be quickly put on medication that I don't necessarily need. My question is for those of you out there that have dealt with this directly. I am looking for home remedies to lessen these feelings. I am currently on a st. john's wort and valerian root combination. Supposedly, this can help. I've been on it for 3 days, and while I do in fact feel better and have more energy, I have a feeling that it's simply not going to cut it when I am a little worse off than I have been this past week.

Any suggestions?

 

[Natasha]

If there's a chemical imbalance, why would you not want to be medicated for it??? If nothing else, perhaps you could speak to a therapist and they could give you their medical opinion.

 

[purpledove]

I am so sorry to hear this MJ :smiley31:

I have had bouts of being down in the past due to certain life situations however, am one who doesn't believe in medications due to it's many side effects. That's just me, of course. Well, am aware there are people who are not able to control depression on their own and i understand of course the need for meds. What am aware is: a therapist may help look for the root cause or if you're able to journal daily and trace it yourself. Of course, divertional activities e.g being more active socially and/or engaging yourself in varied activities you enjoy. Create a hobby and use the coping skills you know have helped you in the past. What had helped me big time is joining meet up groups e.g photography, paintball and hiking. I've also started joining volunteer groups to help feed the homeless and orphans which gives me satisfaction to count my blessings twice as I compare my situation to theirs. Seeing their simple smiles uplifts me too. Such activities keep me busy and doesn't give me time to sulk & be down. It helps too being around people who have positive outlook in life

I've read in a study before that winter months has an effect on people's moods. It showed that there are much more depressed people in places where winter is long and harsh as they tend to just stay at home.

Btw- a weekend trip or vacation might help too.

 

[Dana]

if there's a chemical imbalance, why would you not want to be medicated for it??? If nothing else, perhaps you could speak to a therapist and they could give you their medical opinion.

why would you not? Drugs do not solve everythuing

 

[Natasha]

why would you not? Drugs do not solve everythuing

The OP stated it was a chemical imbalance. I'm not familiar of anyway to treat that EXCEPT for medication. But, then again, I'm not a doctor, either. I don't know anybody on this site that IS, so none of the advice that the OP is going to get here is going to amount to a hill of beans. But that's just my 2 cents.

 

[retro]

why would you not? Drugs do not solve everythuing

No, but they're the only way to "solve" a chemical imbalance. There are other treatments that can work for some people, to lessen the effects, but a chemical imbalance can only be truly corrected through a drug regimen.

 

[TGLucario475]

I always find that having noodles/ramen with crushed chilli's, preferably HOT chilli's, always cures depression for me.

 

[Galvatron]

I am no expert but with all the happy things going on around you you could just be reading being overwhelmed wrong,sometimes the answer is not in medication be it from a doctor or even over the counter herbal form it is just a matter of taking some deep breathes and understanding there is a lot happening and having the time to take it all in.

I would find some you time in what is clearly a busy time in you and your families life...time to just go for some gentle walks in a scenic area or even just to have a long soak in the bath with a glass of wine with some soothing music,you time to clear your mind of all the things going on.

I would also add you could do with chatting to a loved one,have a girls night in with someone close and have a few drinks with your chat and you may just find during that chat a underlining issue may arise that you did not fully realize is the reason behind how you are feeling,you may also just realize you just need a friendly kick up the backside,we can all get trapped in this down moment and a swift kick is sometimes the best medicine.

Either way i wish you all the best,life is good as you say so grasp it, don't allow it to pass and miss it.:thumbup

 

[Aeval]

I can understand not wanting medication, there's nothing wrong with that, it up to the individual.

St. John's Wort has helped me, but I find it take a few months to notice a real difference...milk thistle is always recommended too, although I haven't tried it.

Exercise is a big help as well as a healthy diet...several smaller meals, healthy options, less cabs and 'heavy' foods...more natural, fruit, veggies, lean meats and fish.

I personally find music is wonderful...it's a distraction from my thoughts, it always has a way of changing my mood, I have to be careful with the choice, but something upbeat, inspirational....lol, just 'happy' for want of a better word, helps.

It's good you're acknowledging what's happening and seeing on the outside your life is good and you need to take a closer look to find out why those feelings are there.

Good luck, hope things improve soon.

 

[NoDak]

Is there some unresolved issues floating to the surface of your mind that you're not quite aware of? Could be something as far back as childhood. Had it happen to me on several occasions. I was semi depressed for several years before some of these things came to mind and allowed themselves to be dealt with which seemed to help.

 

[pjbleek]

life is overwhelming and how we deal with it depends on the person, I would agree that sitting down and discussing everything and anything would help. Lord knows help could come in the most simplest of forms. don't feel like you can conquer this by yourself...best of luck to you though....:smiley31::smiley31::smiley31::smiley31::smiley31::smiley31::smiley31:

 

[Kyle B]

You mentioned that you've been anxious for no reason. Maybe you're suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can trigger depression.

See a professional though. Like Natasha said, none of us are doctors.

 

[Aeval]

See a professional though. Like Natasha said, none of us are doctors.

This.

Again...hope things get better soon.

 

[AUFred]

If there's a chemical imbalance, why would you not want to be medicated for it??? If nothing else, perhaps you could speak to a therapist and they could give you their medical opinion.

The OP stated it was a chemical imbalance. I'm not familiar of anyway to treat that EXCEPT for medication. But, then again, I'm not a doctor, either. I don't know anybody on this site that IS, so none of the advice that the OP is going to get here is going to amount to a hill of beans. But that's just my 2 cents.

No, but they're the only way to "solve" a chemical imbalance. There are other treatments that can work for some people, to lessen the effects, but a chemical imbalance can only be truly corrected through a drug regimen.

If it is a chemical imbalance then talk with a therapist about natural alternatives if you are averse to meds. True chemical imbalances do not just cure themselves.

 

[MjaneGibson]

Thank you all for your responses. Just to touch on a few things...

I am not against medication necessarily, but I don't want to just jump into taking a zanax a day. I'd much rather try fixing this imbalance with natural things like diet, and meditation. This doesn't mean that I am completely closed off to meds, just would like to try other things first. There are foods, scents, textures out there that help restore natural balance...I am really just curious if anyone has ever tried any.

I am going to try the ramen noodle thing...sounds yummy!

I have spoken to therapists in the past...most have made me feeling bad about myself. I have dealt with all of the trauma in my past (I was raped in high school, dealt with abusive boyfriends, and lost many friends), but have been at peace with these things for a while now...at least I think. I have had therapists feeling like I should be blaming myself, and as far as I am concerned, I get much more sound advice and feelings of hope simply by chatting with my friends about it.

I should also mention that my brother has dealt with depression most of his life, as well as bipoloar disorder (which based on what I have seen, there is no question that I am not suffering from that). But, it does help me to draw conclusions that genetics are playing more of a role in this than anything.

I will continue to try the st. john's wort for the next couple of months to see if there's a change...if not, I guess I'll try something more extreme.

 

[Defiant Tuesday]

I ran through a rather long bout of it and I couldn't figure out why. I had the best job and the best boyfriend so I went to the doctor to find out I had a vitamin D deficiency which cause depression. Took my vitamins and i feel a hella lot better!

 

[MjaneGibson]

I ran through a rather long bout of it and I couldn't figure out why. I had the best job and the best boyfriend so I went to the doctor to find out I had a vitamin D deficiency which cause depression. Took my vitamins and i feel a hella lot better!

That's what I'm hoping for!

 

[zen]

Better living through chemistry.

 

[Defiant Tuesday]

That's what I'm hoping for!

You could always just pick up some Vitamin D and see if it helps. Wouldn't hurtcha.

 

[Codrus]

why would you not? Drugs do not solve everythuing

Dana,... I just checked and apparently they don't have a drug for " everthuing"...whatever the Fuck that is. It will probably be out soon though


And Mjane,...your awesome ...now own it!
talk yourself up, don't just think or say your this or that....know it and believe it becuase its true.
look in the mirror and make faces at yourself to laugh...belive it or not ...it does help.
The next hot guy you see ...smile at him and nod ....and know that he wants you,..but your to good for him.
Chin up hot stuff