This entry was posted
on Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 at 9:54 am and is filed under Eating Disorder.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
8 Responses to “My depression is killing me. what can I do?”
Natural cures are sometimes just as effective as medication (anti-depressants). If you have tried counseling, have gone to a doctor and tried some form of medication you may still after, all that, get depressed because these conventional treatments are often not successful long term.
Medication in most cases is short-term and you may suffer side effects especially coming off them. Counseling aims to get at the reasons why you feel depressed psychologically or how you deal with stress and diffculties in your life. Medication may be a choice but counseling seems like a no-brainer to me. Ever thought about online counseling – a cheaper and very practical option to consider.
Which Natural Cures for Depression are most Popular and do they work?
Food:
low-fat dairy products, bananas, turkey and soy foods help boost serotonin in your brain which improves your mood.
Omega-3 oils – (see also below under supplements) – tuna, fish, purslane, salmon, nut oils.
If you lack omega-3 fats in your diet you may suffer from tiredness (fatigue), poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings, depression, and poor circulation. Various studies have found a link between Omega-3 oils and bipolar disorder and depression.
Depression can result from the body taking in too many refined carbohydrates. Too many man-made unnatural foods is not healthy and sugar is so addictive!
Sugar can help cause mental illness, because it causes insulin resistance, unstable blood sugar levels and raised stress hormones.
One solution to depression is better nutrition, less drugs or psychotherapy, but acceptance of this idea needs a change of thinking.
Herbal treatments:
St. John’s Wort – alters brain chemistry and improves your mood and depression. Although natural it is so strong it should not be used alongside medication. Consult a doctor before doing so. Generally confirmed as quite effective in treating depression. I have tried this and it worked for me.
Recent studies indicate that a specific extract of Hypericum perforatum was as effective as prescription antidepressants and had far fewer side effects (thus available without a prescription for the treatment of mild to moderate depression) and costs a lot less — about 25 cents a day.
In Germany, more than fifty percent of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders are treated with St. John’s Wort. Prozac is just two percent.
Exercise:
Exercise improves sleep, and improves your energy level. Exercise maintains physical health and controls weight, it also helps you to look and feel good which improves your self-esteem. It also helps increase endorphins in your brain which actually give you a boost in happiness.
A few small studies even hint that, in cases of mild to moderate depression, exercise may be as effective as standard therapies. Doctors caution that exercise is not a substitute for good medical care, however, but should be used in addition to other treatment.
Read more in this article about exercise and depression
Supplements:
Omega 3 fish oils -The Inuits have a very low rate of heart disease. Why? Simple, they eat fish. The American Heart Association advises everyone to eat at least two 3-ounce servings of fatty fish every week. Doctors can confim the connection between Omega – 3 oils and depression. Children suffering from depression can also be helped by Omega-3 oils and so feed your children fish!
B- Vitamins (rewrite all)
The B-complex vitamins are essential to mental and emotional well-being. B vitamins are destroyed by alcohol, refined sugars, nicotine, and caffeine so it is likely that many people may be lacking in these.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine):
The brain uses this vitamin to help convert glucose, or blood sugar, into fuel, and without it the brain rapidly runs out of energy
This can lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, and even thoughts of *******. Memory problems, loss of appetite, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disorders are some of the problems caused by a deficiency of B1. Eating refined carbohydrates, like simple sugars, drains the body’s B1 supply.
Vitamin B3 (niacin): A deficiency of this vitamin can cause Pellagra-resulting in psychosis and dementia. Deficiencies of vitamin B3 can also cause agitation and anxiety, as well as mental and physical slowness.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, chronic stress, and depression. Vitamin B5 is vital for hormone formation and the uptake of amino acids and the brain chemical acetylcholine, which combine to prevent certain types of depression.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): This vitamin is necessary in the manufacture of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. Vitamin B6 deficiencies are very rare but can cause damaged immunity, skin lesions, and mental confusion. Alcoholics, patients with kidney failure, and women using oral contraceptives are at risk of such a deficiency. MAOIs may
i know how difficult things can be
my mum suffers depression n is also on prozac, and i worry that i too am depressed
sometimes i feel so lonely too, i hope college is the answer to help me but im worried there i will be lonely too!
you need to just get out there you know
join a club something you like doing like reading? drama?
a club where you will meet like minded people so you can socailse and see what life is all about
YOU WILL BE FINE if you believe but please go and tell someone close to you (family) and your doctor how your feeling so that nothing bad happens
One of the best way to curb depression is to exercise and studies have shown its just as effective as medicine in treating it. Also try to get enough sleep and eat fish or take omega 3 pills because that helps fight depression. I also suggest going for walks even if its cold out just being out in the sun can help and try to strike up conversations with people that will get your mind working. I just read in men’s health drinking milk can help some.
I’m no therapist but I do know what it’s like to be depressed all the time and I feel your pain. I went through a time where I lost total self esteem and wanted to die and kill myself. Your not alone.
I was able to get through it because I had friends and family that were there for me and cared about me so much. And ever since I’ve realized that im not nothing..im much more..and you are too. I don’t have any advice as to where or who you should go to but whatever you do, dont give up on yourself…your here and alive for a reason and i’m sitting here typing this and tearing up at the same time because I care about you. Please don’t take that the wrong way, im no stalker. But I care about everybody and no one deserves to die or not be here. I know you can put all this behind you someday just please PLEASE don’t give up on yourself. Please..
heres a website I made that probably wont help you but its a place that everyone can express themselves and if you need to get anything out or somthing you can post anywhere.
I am 6 months out of a 19month long, deep, deep depression.
You know the cliche, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel?
It’s a cliche for a reason. Please trust me its true.
I also thought of ******* everyday for those 19months. I was also on seroqual, and anti-psychotics and anti-depressants.
I was as low as it was possible to go. An trust me, there is always another way out. I had supportive family and friends, and I eventually climbed out. I also had a stay in a place for women with mental illness.
To be honest, I got better when I stopped taking my medication. I got light-headed and dizzy from withdrawl, and went on a bit of a mad high (bi-polar) but I was finally snapped out of my zombie faze. I would not recommend this, I found out later that it’ very dangerous, but stopping my meds was the best thing I ever did.
I stopped feeling like a zombie and started living again.
Are you seeing a psychiatrist? I had an amazing psychiatrist who was always on my side and it made things 10x easier to know that there was someone who was always there for me.
Work on doing something that is very hard for you to do. Anything that is painful, unpleasant, as long as you’ll feel proud of yourself once you’ve done it. It can be something small yet painful, like getting out of bed or reading a book. When fighting yourself to go brush your teeth, remember that little things are most important. if you can’;t make yourself do it, DO NOT give it another thought, do not be disappointed in yourself. Don’t think about current events, world issues, depressing topics, the existence of God, philosophy, love, or anything complicated and deep like that. It makes you think too much and lose sense of reality- what matter nows- your depression and your happiness.
i dont think you should study- you’re not okay enough to do it and you’ll feel even worse about yourself when you fail and are not doing as well as you could(making friends, experiencing the fun of college, getting good grades)
You’re just not up to it. Get closes to your parents. they’re the only friends you have right now, really, and they’ve probably known you when you were yourself. And remember this: YOU ARE NOT YOURSELF, AND IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT. When you fail at something while THIS depresssed, it’s not your fault and it’s not the end of the world. But when you improve, it’s ALL YOUR FAULT and you deserve all the praise, all the credit.
Don’t kill yourself. It’s selfish and believe it or not, people will be hurting very much, especially the people who knew you when you were yourself. You’ll be yourself again. Dont worry about the future, or how much longer you’ll be depressed. You have to put in the effort, unfortunatley. like an alcoholic, you can have the best help in the world but what you do with it is up to you.
Hope this helps. I’m truly sorry i sound like a damn motivational speaker. I am depressed, too, though not nearly as badly as you, so i decided i’d try to help people on this site anonymously. it makes me feel better when people listen to my experience, take comfort in someone giving them advice who actually knows depression instead of a detatched doctor. and i like my answer beinng chosen as the best, and getting a comment that says that they;’ll try to do what i said or whatever. good luck. i can’t say i’ll be praying for you or thinking of you, cuz i’m not much of a praying person, but i’m hoping right now that this helps.
August 28th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Abdullah
kill yourself, before it kills you
that was a joke DONT kill yourself
August 29th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Audrey Goldsberry
do some yoga
August 31st, 2009 at 1:37 am
Juan Irvine
Are you depressed?
Natural cures are sometimes just as effective as medication (anti-depressants). If you have tried counseling, have gone to a doctor and tried some form of medication you may still after, all that, get depressed because these conventional treatments are often not successful long term.
Medication in most cases is short-term and you may suffer side effects especially coming off them. Counseling aims to get at the reasons why you feel depressed psychologically or how you deal with stress and diffculties in your life. Medication may be a choice but counseling seems like a no-brainer to me. Ever thought about online counseling – a cheaper and very practical option to consider.
Which Natural Cures for Depression are most Popular and do they work?
Food:
low-fat dairy products, bananas, turkey and soy foods help boost serotonin in your brain which improves your mood.
Omega-3 oils – (see also below under supplements) – tuna, fish, purslane, salmon, nut oils.
If you lack omega-3 fats in your diet you may suffer from tiredness (fatigue), poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings, depression, and poor circulation. Various studies have found a link between Omega-3 oils and bipolar disorder and depression.
Depression can result from the body taking in too many refined carbohydrates. Too many man-made unnatural foods is not healthy and sugar is so addictive!
Sugar can help cause mental illness, because it causes insulin resistance, unstable blood sugar levels and raised stress hormones.
One solution to depression is better nutrition, less drugs or psychotherapy, but acceptance of this idea needs a change of thinking.
Herbal treatments:
St. John’s Wort – alters brain chemistry and improves your mood and depression. Although natural it is so strong it should not be used alongside medication. Consult a doctor before doing so. Generally confirmed as quite effective in treating depression. I have tried this and it worked for me.
Recent studies indicate that a specific extract of Hypericum perforatum was as effective as prescription antidepressants and had far fewer side effects (thus available without a prescription for the treatment of mild to moderate depression) and costs a lot less — about 25 cents a day.
In Germany, more than fifty percent of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders are treated with St. John’s Wort. Prozac is just two percent.
Exercise:
Exercise improves sleep, and improves your energy level. Exercise maintains physical health and controls weight, it also helps you to look and feel good which improves your self-esteem. It also helps increase endorphins in your brain which actually give you a boost in happiness.
A few small studies even hint that, in cases of mild to moderate depression, exercise may be as effective as standard therapies. Doctors caution that exercise is not a substitute for good medical care, however, but should be used in addition to other treatment.
Read more in this article about exercise and depression
Supplements:
Omega 3 fish oils -The Inuits have a very low rate of heart disease. Why? Simple, they eat fish. The American Heart Association advises everyone to eat at least two 3-ounce servings of fatty fish every week. Doctors can confim the connection between Omega – 3 oils and depression. Children suffering from depression can also be helped by Omega-3 oils and so feed your children fish!
B- Vitamins (rewrite all)
The B-complex vitamins are essential to mental and emotional well-being. B vitamins are destroyed by alcohol, refined sugars, nicotine, and caffeine so it is likely that many people may be lacking in these.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine):
The brain uses this vitamin to help convert glucose, or blood sugar, into fuel, and without it the brain rapidly runs out of energy
This can lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, and even thoughts of *******. Memory problems, loss of appetite, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disorders are some of the problems caused by a deficiency of B1. Eating refined carbohydrates, like simple sugars, drains the body’s B1 supply.
Vitamin B3 (niacin): A deficiency of this vitamin can cause Pellagra-resulting in psychosis and dementia. Deficiencies of vitamin B3 can also cause agitation and anxiety, as well as mental and physical slowness.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, chronic stress, and depression. Vitamin B5 is vital for hormone formation and the uptake of amino acids and the brain chemical acetylcholine, which combine to prevent certain types of depression.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): This vitamin is necessary in the manufacture of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. Vitamin B6 deficiencies are very rare but can cause damaged immunity, skin lesions, and mental confusion. Alcoholics, patients with kidney failure, and women using oral contraceptives are at risk of such a deficiency. MAOIs may
September 1st, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Earlene Caffrey
i know how difficult things can be
my mum suffers depression n is also on prozac, and i worry that i too am depressed
sometimes i feel so lonely too, i hope college is the answer to help me but im worried there i will be lonely too!
you need to just get out there you know
join a club something you like doing like reading? drama?
a club where you will meet like minded people so you can socailse and see what life is all about
YOU WILL BE FINE if you believe but please go and tell someone close to you (family) and your doctor how your feeling so that nothing bad happens
wish you best of luck x
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:54 am
Deitz
One of the best way to curb depression is to exercise and studies have shown its just as effective as medicine in treating it. Also try to get enough sleep and eat fish or take omega 3 pills because that helps fight depression. I also suggest going for walks even if its cold out just being out in the sun can help and try to strike up conversations with people that will get your mind working. I just read in men’s health drinking milk can help some.
good luck
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Charlotte Munguia
I’m no therapist but I do know what it’s like to be depressed all the time and I feel your pain. I went through a time where I lost total self esteem and wanted to die and kill myself. Your not alone.
I was able to get through it because I had friends and family that were there for me and cared about me so much. And ever since I’ve realized that im not nothing..im much more..and you are too. I don’t have any advice as to where or who you should go to but whatever you do, dont give up on yourself…your here and alive for a reason and i’m sitting here typing this and tearing up at the same time because I care about you. Please don’t take that the wrong way, im no stalker. But I care about everybody and no one deserves to die or not be here. I know you can put all this behind you someday just please PLEASE don’t give up on yourself. Please..
heres a website I made that probably wont help you but its a place that everyone can express themselves and if you need to get anything out or somthing you can post anywhere.
I hope I helped.
September 5th, 2009 at 4:40 am
Vincent Medford
I am 6 months out of a 19month long, deep, deep depression.
You know the cliche, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel?
It’s a cliche for a reason. Please trust me its true.
I also thought of ******* everyday for those 19months. I was also on seroqual, and anti-psychotics and anti-depressants.
I was as low as it was possible to go. An trust me, there is always another way out. I had supportive family and friends, and I eventually climbed out. I also had a stay in a place for women with mental illness.
To be honest, I got better when I stopped taking my medication. I got light-headed and dizzy from withdrawl, and went on a bit of a mad high (bi-polar) but I was finally snapped out of my zombie faze. I would not recommend this, I found out later that it’ very dangerous, but stopping my meds was the best thing I ever did.
I stopped feeling like a zombie and started living again.
Are you seeing a psychiatrist? I had an amazing psychiatrist who was always on my side and it made things 10x easier to know that there was someone who was always there for me.
September 5th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Vincent Svoboda
Work on doing something that is very hard for you to do. Anything that is painful, unpleasant, as long as you’ll feel proud of yourself once you’ve done it. It can be something small yet painful, like getting out of bed or reading a book. When fighting yourself to go brush your teeth, remember that little things are most important. if you can’;t make yourself do it, DO NOT give it another thought, do not be disappointed in yourself. Don’t think about current events, world issues, depressing topics, the existence of God, philosophy, love, or anything complicated and deep like that. It makes you think too much and lose sense of reality- what matter nows- your depression and your happiness.
i dont think you should study- you’re not okay enough to do it and you’ll feel even worse about yourself when you fail and are not doing as well as you could(making friends, experiencing the fun of college, getting good grades)
You’re just not up to it. Get closes to your parents. they’re the only friends you have right now, really, and they’ve probably known you when you were yourself. And remember this: YOU ARE NOT YOURSELF, AND IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT. When you fail at something while THIS depresssed, it’s not your fault and it’s not the end of the world. But when you improve, it’s ALL YOUR FAULT and you deserve all the praise, all the credit.
Don’t kill yourself. It’s selfish and believe it or not, people will be hurting very much, especially the people who knew you when you were yourself. You’ll be yourself again. Dont worry about the future, or how much longer you’ll be depressed. You have to put in the effort, unfortunatley. like an alcoholic, you can have the best help in the world but what you do with it is up to you.
Hope this helps. I’m truly sorry i sound like a damn motivational speaker. I am depressed, too, though not nearly as badly as you, so i decided i’d try to help people on this site anonymously. it makes me feel better when people listen to my experience, take comfort in someone giving them advice who actually knows depression instead of a detatched doctor. and i like my answer beinng chosen as the best, and getting a comment that says that they;’ll try to do what i said or whatever. good luck. i can’t say i’ll be praying for you or thinking of you, cuz i’m not much of a praying person, but i’m hoping right now that this helps.