Beating depression without medication?

[fitx3]

I haven't been feeling my usual perky self lately. Went to the doc and have been diagnosed with depression. This has been hard for me to accept because I have always believed that with diet and exercise, I would never get depressed like some people in my family are. I guess I was wrong because now I can't even muster up the energy to workout anymore and keeping my house squared away seems overwhelming. Now my doctor wants to prescribe meds but I wonder if I should do a spiritual cleansing first to find out if this has anything to do with the way I'm feeling. Has anyone here beaten depression without meds? If so how did you do it? I am determined to be the person I once was without taking a pill!

[sarah786]

The Work by Byron Katie and EFT have helped me you could give those a try

[KaleidoskopicVision]

If your diet and exercise are sound, it's time to start looking at potential emotional or spiritual problems. Take some time to be alone and ask yourself "what's really bothering me?". The answer may not come right away, but stick to it until you have an answer that triggers an emotional response.

[Clint Cora]

You can certainly try other ways to manage your depression but please be honest with yourself if you are not getting results. Don't leave your condition untreated and swallow your pride about the meds. We've lost too many people who were left untreated.

[stanmrak]

Originally Posted by fitx3

I haven't been feeling my usual perky self lately. Went to the doc and have been diagnosed with depression.

There is actually no clinical way to measure depression. It's just a judgment call by your doctor; it's not a chemical inbalance that they can measure. I think meds would be a terrible decision.

You should have your thyroid checked. The symptoms you're reporting may well be related to a hypothyoid condition. Your thyroid may be out of whack due to exposure to toxins like chlorine, bromine, fluoride, radiation, gluten intolerance or an iodine deficiency. It can be caused by an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's as well.

I must warn you, though, do some research before you let just any doctor treat you for a hypothyroid condition. Most general practitioners and internal medicine guys do not know much about proper diagnosis or treatment, and they can make you worse off because they use the same synthetic hormone treatment regardless of your symptoms or lab tests.

Here's a great place to learn about hypothyroid: http://chriskresser.com/thyroid

[irfan]

Have you read about St John's Wort? It's a herb that is often used for the treatment of depression. I understand that it can be prescribed for that purpose under the German medical system. There have been some strong studies and meta-studies that indicate its effectiveness.

I tried it over a three month period several years ago, and it didn't seem effective for me personally. However, there is good evidence that it does help many people.

I don't have good links at hand, but spend some time with Google and see what comes up!

[aelle]

Originally Posted by Clint Cora

You can certainly try other ways to manage your depression but please be honest with yourself if you are not getting results. Don't leave your condition untreated and swallow your pride about the meds. We've lost too many people who were left untreated.

Yes. I have family members who treat bipolar disorder with intense exercise regimens, and it works until it doesn't. Please let your doctor know what you are doing and have a medical follow up even if you are not medicated.

You should also have a backup plan to fall on if you sprain your ankle or any other reason that would require you to stop exercizing suddenly. And taking meds is not a failure - anything that allows you to beat the depression is a success.

[Altan]

Hi fitx3,
Some tips for you to beat depression without medication effectively.
Do take deep breath in fresh air,
Share your problems with your friends,
Do start some light exercise,
Eat balanced diet meals,
Drink 2 glass of water,
If you do not eat well take multivitamin regularly,
Avoid caffeine and other stimulants,
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.

[ginkgo]

Have you heard of the brain docter Daniel Amen MD? Daniel G. Amen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Daniel G. Amen, M.D. is a child and adult psychiatrist, self-help advisor, author and medical director of the Amen Clinic.[1] He has done work in evaluating psychiatric and neurological patients with the help of SPECT scanning, especially in the area of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

He wrote Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. He used to prescribe drugs. His sister called and said her daughter was depressed and did not want to take drugs like a drug addict. So he prescribed things like exercise and supplements like omega-3 just to give her what she wants. He was surprised when this cured his niece. It is nice to cure your niece.

You can try to find what is causing it like lack of B vitamins, lack of omega-3, lack of sunlight, lack of exercise or lack of wild, hot sex! Just kidding about the last one. It can also be caused by too much candida fungus that people can have due to antibiotics or birth control pills.

6 Yoga Poses for Depression and Anxiety

[sk8joyful]

Originally Posted by fitx3

I haven't been feeling my usual perky self lately.
Went to the doc and have been diagnosed with depression.

Now my doctor wants to prescribe meds but I wonder -
Has anyone here beaten depression without meds?
If so how did you do it?
I am determined to be the person I once was without taking a pill!

Hi
Sure it's understandable being depressed, down & out.
But (without meds) here are sure-fire ways to live happy & healthy:
* Explore, discover & deeply... enjoy your own passions
* Breathe...deeply as you awaken each day, especially in fresh air.
* Hydrate yourself well: 1 cup water for every 10lbs.
of your body weight, or other liquids you enjoy...
* Eat healthy foods you enjoy...
* Exercise however you enjoy...
* Challenges shared...with friends, are easier to lay to rest
* Continue enjoying your own passionate FUN really:
LIFE was meant as a Fun-adventure ... LOVE it!
* LOVE yourself, & LOVE others
(no room for depression) in this state-of-mind...
.

[JamesKnochel]

"people who are depressed are always homolateral."

The body's subtle energy systems are its blueprints. They lead, and the rest of you follows...

Maybe you're just overdosing on Omega 3's, or Iron... Do you take a women's supplement? a lot of those use a cheap form of iron, which is especially hazardous because it reacts with those polyunsaturated fats.

-James

[sis]

I have Cerebral Palsy. I also have epilepsy and need medication for this. Therefore, antidepressents react with them. Depresssion has been a big part of my life and have found that having a good support system is the key. Finding stuff you like to do and working through it day by day should get you results. The most important thing that turned my life around is getting a dog. It gave me somethhing to live for.

[bbl]

Generally it's a state for which you need help, and it really is best to have a professional to talk to who can tailor a theraputic routine of practice which you personally agree would suit you.

Surely it would involve what posters have said, but would be organized, streamlined, comprehensive and detailed, so you know exactly what to do.

[stanmrak]

Although these posts are all good, none of them will help if you have a thyroid condition, including anti-depressants If you are depressed, lack energy or motivation, your thyroid should be the first thing you check. It's the "gas pedal" for your entire body.

Quiz: Could You Be Hypothyroid?

From Chris Kresser's site at http://chriskresser.com/thyroid :

An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Up to 60 percent of these people are unaware of their condition. One in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime. Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone, is the 4th highest selling drug in the U.S. 13 of the top 50 selling drugs are either directly or indirectly related to hypothyroidism. The number of people suffering from thyroid disorders continues to rise each year.

Hypothyroidism is characterized by mental slowing, depression, dementia, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, hoarse voice, irregular menstruation, infertility, muscle stiffness and pain, and a wide range of other not-so-fun symptoms.

Also read: Thyroid Disease Information - Hypothyroidism

I would venture to guess that millions of people on anti-depressants ought to have been treated for hypothyroid instead. There are so many symptoms of hypothyroid you can't believe it, and often they're subtle annoyances that won't have you suspect anything major. Anti-depressants should be your last resort, after all else fails.

[fitx3]

Thank you ALL so much for your comments. It's all very much appreciated and I will try to use everyone's advice given. I was lost but you have lit up the way for me.

Stanmrak Exactly. I have been on Synthroid for about 20 years now. Have had to change the dosage 2 times since giving birth about 7 years ago. I am going in for more labs tomorrow to check the levels. Somehow I think this is the problem but my doctor doesn't seem to think so since she raised the dosage not long ago. We'll see. I wish I could just get off the thyroid medication and become completely healed but I don't know if my body would start producing the levels of thyroid I would need again. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks again.

[stanmrak]

Originally Posted by fitx3

I have been on Synthroid for about 20 years now. Have had to change the dosage 2 times since giving birth about 7 years ago. I am going in for more labs tomorrow to check the levels. Somehow I think this is the problem but my doctor doesn't seem to think so since she raised the dosage not long ago. We'll see. I wish I could just get off the thyroid medication and become completely healed but I don't know if my body would start producing the levels of thyroid I would need again. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Get this book; it demonstrates the folly of treating hypothyroidism just by fixing the lab numbers (which is what almost all doctors will do):

Amazon.com: Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A Revolutionary Breakthrough In Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism (9781600376702): Datis Kharrazian: Books

[firenexx]

I would advise against meds. SSRIs and other pharmaceutical antidepressants are extremely addicting, have terrible side effects, and only "work" for a finite period of time. They make you apathetic and disconnect you from the spiritual and the creative. They taught you about this in highschool, but you thought you were only learning about the "bad" drugs - crack cocaine, heroin, etc. Well, the same principle applies to all drugs; the human body is not biased towards some just because they are legal or illegal. Here is the principle: At first, it makes you feel real good inside. After a while, your body adapts and resists the effects. It becomes more tolerant of the substance. As time goes on, you get more of the bad effects and less of the good effects. Until your doctor ups the dosage or switches meds, so I guess you could go on like that for a decade or two.

I am not against using meds in emergency situations, such as when a person is about to commit suicide or is having violent psychotic episodes. However, there are many career psychologists who have successfully treated 99% of their patients without pharmaceuticals, so to say that the meds are often necessary is simply a lie.

[emeadow]

I would be careful with supplement suggestions from others unless you know the true cause of your depression. So many factors at play, best to work on finding the cause first and then apply the appropriate corrections.

I would check out this book, great discussion on different supplements and amino acids for various conditions along with diet considerations.
Amazon.com: The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your Emotions--Today (9780142003640): Julia Ross: Books

Or for a more in depth book that covers depression as well:
Amazon.com: Primal Body-Primal Mind: Empower Your Total Health The Way Evolution Intended (...And Didn't) (9780982184103): Nora T. Gedgaudas: Books

[EvolveWithFlavor]

"Diet and Exercise" is the only thing I feel qualified to say anything about here.

It's ridiculously easy to think that you are "eating healthy" while you are still not eating healthy. Healthy foods are so rare and not easy to put together in this society, that it is not even funny.

On my end, I would say try Raw Foods.

Or, it could ALSO be something not related to food, in which case I would listen to everyone else.

But as we know, it is often a COMBINATION of factors that is driving things.

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by EvolveWithFlavor

"Diet and Exercise" is the only thing I feel qualified to say anything about here.

It's ridiculously easy to think that you are "eating healthy" while you are still not eating healthy. Healthy foods are so rare and not easy to put together in this society, that it is not even funny.

On my end, I would say try Raw Foods.

Or, it could ALSO be something not related to food, in which case I would listen to everyone else.

But as we know, it is often a COMBINATION of factors that is driving things.

It's extremely easy to eat healthy. Just choose stuff with one, or very few ingredients, and you are almost guaranteed to eat healthy.

[sk8joyful]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

It's extremely easy to eat healthy.
Just choose stuff with one, or very few ingredients,
and you are almost guaranteed to eat healthy.

True. - MONO-eating: kinda like animals, they eat one food at a time. Now that's intelligence

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by sk8joyful

True. - MONO-eating: kinda like animals, they eat one food at a time. Now that's intelligence

Well, I actually meant, just not eating processed food. Mono eating is another thing all together. I think I'd call myself a mono eater. Animals tho, are mono eaters out of necessity instead of choice. I've just never liked mixing food.

[ChrisGinsburg]

"Beating depression" is an interesting topic. Much of beating depression so to speak involves shedding beliefs about depression itself. Many of the people who label themselves depressed feel so at least in part because of a whole group of beliefs they believe are associated with being depressed. The fruitless chase for eternal happiness inevitably leaves many feeling depressed as they are not willing to accept the fluctuating nature of life.

Depression at its core can be linked to resistance. Resisting what is. Wanting their life, their emotional balance or their circumstances to be some other way than they currently are and then feeling down and apathetic about it. Coincidentally, the mind then follows up by saying "see those symptoms, that means you're depressed". Medications can be helpful because they have the potential to elevate someone's mood and thus bring them to another state of consciousness. This is the equivalent of breaking out of a loop where you have the opportunity to see the pattern you are stuck in. They are however NOT the cure. If you fail to see the opportunity to notice why you're stuck in a loop and accept the medication as the cure to your depression you will be sadly let down.

Diet and exercise can have the same effect of bringing someone into a different state of consciousness whereby they may notice the patterns of resistance that have been keeping them stuck in what is commonly a loop of apathy and all the symptoms that come with it. Once again, the cure is not the diet, the exercise or the drug. These are the tools which may aid you or bring you to your destination. It's still up to you to do what you need to do once they take you there.

[fitx3]

Originally Posted by ChrisGinsburg

"Beating depression" is an interesting topic. Much of beating depression so to speak involves shedding beliefs about depression itself. Many of the people who label themselves depressed feel so at least in part because of a whole group of beliefs they believe are associated with being depressed. The fruitless chase for eternal happiness inevitably leaves many feeling depressed as they are not willing to accept the fluctuating nature of life.

Depression at its core can be linked to resistance. Resisting what is. Wanting their life, their emotional balance or their circumstances to be some other way than they currently are and then feeling down and apathetic about it. Coincidentally, the mind then follows up by saying "see those symptoms, that means you're depressed". Medications can be helpful because they have the potential to elevate someone's mood and thus bring them to another state of consciousness. This is the equivalent of breaking out of a loop where you have the opportunity to see the pattern you are stuck in. They are however NOT the cure. If you fail to see the opportunity to notice why you're stuck in a loop and accept the medication as the cure to your depression you will be sadly let down.

Diet and exercise can have the same effect of bringing someone into a different state of consciousness whereby they may notice the patterns of resistance that have been keeping them stuck in what is commonly a loop of apathy and all the symptoms that come with it. Once again, the cure is not the diet, the exercise or the drug. These are the tools which may aid you or bring you to your destination. It's still up to you to do what you need to do once they take you there.

A light turned on inside my brain when I read the above copied in bold print. This makes so much sense and may very well be the key to the epicenter of my situation.

[fitx3]

Originally Posted by stanmrak

Get this book; it demonstrates the folly of treating hypothyroidism just by fixing the lab numbers (which is what almost all doctors will do):

Amazon.com: Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A Revolutionary Breakthrough In Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism (9781600376702): Datis Kharrazian: Books

I just ordered this book, thanks for the recommendation.

So far I have decided to work through a couple of things at a time to assist me in my fight to kick the blues or whatever it is I'm going through at the present, meds free.

My first step was getting back to my spiritual structure and letting go of some things that I felt weren't right in my life. I have also cut out caffeine and have been going to bed earlier for the past couple of days. I have to say the fog is starting to clear a little bit. I'm going to stay off the coffee and continue going to bed earlier than usual to see if I still feel good. My next step is cutting out the wine and eating more from a list of foods that are considered to be mood elevating. Once I get used to the lack of stimulants and depressants I've had flowing through my body, I'm going to start up an exercise routine that will be fun.

Talking about this on here has been such a big help. Thanks again.

[stanmrak]

Another recommendation... investigate Earthing - Connect to the Earth and feel better...fast!

Many people on Synthroid improve using this technology.

[abcbac]

I know what you are going through. Trust me. Meditation really helps. Also trying to be happy with what you have. I found that developing gratitude really helps. Be thankful. People get depressed because they want to live as somebody else so they stop living theirs. Concentrate on yourself.

[LoudSilence]

I echo so much of what others are sharing (from personal experience):

-Eating Well
I'm not vegetarian, but I try to focus on eating an organic, plant based diet and focus on UNprocessed foods and beverages.
-quitting smoking and cutting back tons on alcohol
- exercising
-focusing on uplifting activities and helping others
I still struggle with depression at times, but transitioning to caring about how I treat my body inside and out have made a huge difference.

[Hapiel]

In case you don't want medication, get a (temporary) life change!

If your depression is negatively influenced by work, stop working for 3 months.
If your depression is negatively influenced by family, move away for a few months.

For all of these problems there is a solution. You will find them.

I myself have been working in a farm for half a year instead of doing school. My depression was cured almost instantly, but of course it took a lot of work to prevent next depressions when you go back into the old system. It is still not working, but I kinda know how to fix myself.

Of course, such projects or life changes work best when you are properly guided by a professional therapist! Seeing a therapist would be the logical first step, and talk about your aversion of meds!

[fitx3]

So I need to be grateful and accept my life or..... change it.