Q. Depression is one of the largest disorders in america, is there any real cure for despression, or a treatment, that works and fixes the chemical embalance.
A. There are several different causes of depression, with effective treatments, but no cure, as such, with the possible exceptions of vitamin/mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, environmental toxicity, and grief (time, and therapies). Use the effective natural core treatments for depression at * http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_27.html & read page B (Note the post about MEDICATION & DEPRESSION). Although it's sensible to go to a doctor for tests, be aware that you are likely to be prescribed antidepressants; I advise saying "thank you, doctor", and pocketing it for possible use later, if needed (hopefully not). Double blind studies have shown that, statistically, antidepressants are only slightly more effective than a placebo, but with risks, and side effects. Most people who are depressed would be far better off trying the natural/alternative treatments for at least 3 months, to see if they work for them, rather than accepting the risks, and/or side effects of medications, and even if insufficient, (unlikely) maintain the core treatments, Omega 3, & optimise vitamin D3 levels).
Identify the cause: http://curezone.com/dis/read.asp?C0=108 and if applicable; http://sfhelp.org/gwc/wounds.htm View http://curetogether.com/depression/ig/treatment-effectiveness-vs-popularity & http://extrahappiness.com/happiness/?p=4218
If using a RECOMMENDED * brand of St. John's Wort (take with meals to avoid possible stomach upsets) view the websites about it on page B, and if also using UP TO 50mg of 5-htp daily - http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1635 refers- in addition, (or UP TO 200mg of 5-htp if NOT using the wort. I note with interest that in the study referred to, 300 mg of 5-htp was used) take with a very low protein meal, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier, with no, or extremely little protein 2 hrs before, to 2 hrs afterwards.
I suggest beginning with 50 mg on the first day, and if no adverse reaction, keep increasing it until reaching the desired level, to let your system accustom itself to it gradually. Google maximum safe dosage. Alternatively, use SAMe with the core treatments, but nothing else.
"Even if we have some vague idea that we are not our feelings or our thoughts, when we are experiencing painful feelings or painful thoughts, we believe we have to feel them or think them just because of the fact that they are occurring to us. But painful feelings can be indirectly controlled by physical action, and changing our present thoughts for different thoughts (since feeling occurs as a result of thinking.) Painful thoughts can be directly controlled by choosing replacement thoughts for the ones that are troubling us. Sure, it takes some practice to change a habit of suffering. But it can be done. Of course it can't be done if we choose to believe that it can't be done. But, since the choice is ours, why not choose to believe it can be done, and do it?"
Read: "Lift your mood now." by John D Preston, Psy.D. 2001, New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland. CA ( for depression; short 5 - 10 mn chapters, easily employed immediately), & Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky, & "Feeling Good." The New Mood Therapy. Harper Collins.1999. ( updated sequel to his US bestseller about treating depression & anxiety; very comprehensive), by David D. Burns, M.D., & Change Your Thinking by Sarah Edelman, from your bookstore, Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com
Identify the cause: http://curezone.com/dis/read.asp?C0=108 and if applicable; http://sfhelp.org/gwc/wounds.htm View http://curetogether.com/depression/ig/treatment-effectiveness-vs-popularity & http://extrahappiness.com/happiness/?p=4218
If using a RECOMMENDED * brand of St. John's Wort (take with meals to avoid possible stomach upsets) view the websites about it on page B, and if also using UP TO 50mg of 5-htp daily - http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1635 refers- in addition, (or UP TO 200mg of 5-htp if NOT using the wort. I note with interest that in the study referred to, 300 mg of 5-htp was used) take with a very low protein meal, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier, with no, or extremely little protein 2 hrs before, to 2 hrs afterwards.
I suggest beginning with 50 mg on the first day, and if no adverse reaction, keep increasing it until reaching the desired level, to let your system accustom itself to it gradually. Google maximum safe dosage. Alternatively, use SAMe with the core treatments, but nothing else.
"Even if we have some vague idea that we are not our feelings or our thoughts, when we are experiencing painful feelings or painful thoughts, we believe we have to feel them or think them just because of the fact that they are occurring to us. But painful feelings can be indirectly controlled by physical action, and changing our present thoughts for different thoughts (since feeling occurs as a result of thinking.) Painful thoughts can be directly controlled by choosing replacement thoughts for the ones that are troubling us. Sure, it takes some practice to change a habit of suffering. But it can be done. Of course it can't be done if we choose to believe that it can't be done. But, since the choice is ours, why not choose to believe it can be done, and do it?"
Read: "Lift your mood now." by John D Preston, Psy.D. 2001, New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland. CA ( for depression; short 5 - 10 mn chapters, easily employed immediately), & Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky, & "Feeling Good." The New Mood Therapy. Harper Collins.1999. ( updated sequel to his US bestseller about treating depression & anxiety; very comprehensive), by David D. Burns, M.D., & Change Your Thinking by Sarah Edelman, from your bookstore, Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com
I have had 2 miscarriages! How can I find out if I have a vitamin b or progesterone deficiency or possible?
Q. out of whack blood sugar level? Any ladies who have had miscarriages & than found out why & then went on to conceive? Thanks for those who have responded! Your experiences give me hope!
A. Hi-OK since this one has been sent to me personally-I will give as thorough an answer as I can: Yes progesterone plays a huge role in miscarriage....and in rare cases/a rare condition based on vitamin B deficiency can also cause problems. Let me further explain...1 out of every 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage due to a one time genetic defect in the fetus. It is not necessarily due to your egg being unhealthy or your partner's sperm being unhealthy but ore than likely what occurs when the two are combined to form a fetus.
Addressing the progesterone problem: up until 8-9 weeks your body is producing the vital progesterone it takes to support a healthy pregnancy then it shifts to your placenta producing the progesterone. If at this point there is not enough progesterone being produced - your body will miscarry. Supplementation at this point will not help you to prevent the miscarriage
Progesterone deficiency (is primarily found in those that have 26-27 day cycles). If you are tested and found to have no progesterone deficiency (or a steadily dropping production rate) after the placenta has taken over-it is no guarantee but miscarriages are less likely to happen due to Progesterone Deficiency. But once the decline starts - miscarriage is inevitable and cannot be prevented. The majority of miscarriages that occur could not have been caused or prevented-due to all the factors that play in to normal development. It takes extensive testing to see a lot of things effecting pregnancies and then a lot of them happen simply because lack of health on the fetus.
In regards to Vitamin B deficiency's is a very rare inherited blood disorder caused by the subunit B of Factor XIII-which deals with blood clotting issues and stabilization.
You can be tested for both deficiencies if you can health insurance that covers it or have the means to cover the costs.
If you discover that it is not either factor: I can recommend one website to you:www.Parents.com concerning articles on how to get in your best pre-pregnancy shape.
I also have my all-time favorite book choices (have given it as a gift countless times to my TTC friends). #1) is Beth Kileys, Personal Path To Pregnancy. I consider her to be almost a pro on the subject due to her years of exhausting research that she did in the face of her own fertility issues and the hundreds of testimonies I have read that women have now successfully gone on to have several children after following the means/methods of practice that she suggests (as well as Beth herself now having a couple of children). She talks about everything from preconception factors/influences, nutritional therapies for those TTC, What to do if low sperm count is an issue,alternative treatments to help you conceive faster, which vitamins enable the body to prepare for pregnancy, what to do if you have irregular periods, even a suggested beverage that helps the embryo implant in the uterus....etc. I love her advise because being in my mid 40's now-I have had countless friend from their mid thirties forward have difficulty getting pregnant. All of them had the initial idea to run to a dr. and seek medical intervention in getting pregnant. I told them go have your baseline blood work done-get checked for abnormalities of any kind, BUT before they considered any expensive (and not guaranteed treatments)-first PLEASE read the book that I had given them. I am happy to say that only one of my girlfriends had to go the full route and seek medical intervention via invitro. Beth Kiley's research runs very close in line to what I did on my own as a RN ( who btw - at the time faced fertility issues of my own and very much wanted a child). It didn't happen for me but it became my passion to help anyone else that had a glimmer of hope to conceive...to have the child they so very much wanted.
Another viable nutritional suggestion is a book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. I also recommend it since it is in line with my thinking to try first naturally. It has a plethora of information concerning drug free remedies, vitamin/mineral usage,
-as well as herbs and food supplements that can be used when you have fertility (miscarriage) problems.
The secondary set of books that I recommend and also give as gifts all the time are for after conception: (SEE positive thinking here-think you will probably need these in awhile) What to Expect When You Are Expecting and What to Eat When You are Expecting. They are two books written by Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi E. Murkhoff and Sandee E. Hathaway, RN.
I hope this information has been of some help to you-best of luck in your pursuits and feel free to shoot me a question anytime.
Addressing the progesterone problem: up until 8-9 weeks your body is producing the vital progesterone it takes to support a healthy pregnancy then it shifts to your placenta producing the progesterone. If at this point there is not enough progesterone being produced - your body will miscarry. Supplementation at this point will not help you to prevent the miscarriage
Progesterone deficiency (is primarily found in those that have 26-27 day cycles). If you are tested and found to have no progesterone deficiency (or a steadily dropping production rate) after the placenta has taken over-it is no guarantee but miscarriages are less likely to happen due to Progesterone Deficiency. But once the decline starts - miscarriage is inevitable and cannot be prevented. The majority of miscarriages that occur could not have been caused or prevented-due to all the factors that play in to normal development. It takes extensive testing to see a lot of things effecting pregnancies and then a lot of them happen simply because lack of health on the fetus.
In regards to Vitamin B deficiency's is a very rare inherited blood disorder caused by the subunit B of Factor XIII-which deals with blood clotting issues and stabilization.
You can be tested for both deficiencies if you can health insurance that covers it or have the means to cover the costs.
If you discover that it is not either factor: I can recommend one website to you:www.Parents.com concerning articles on how to get in your best pre-pregnancy shape.
I also have my all-time favorite book choices (have given it as a gift countless times to my TTC friends). #1) is Beth Kileys, Personal Path To Pregnancy. I consider her to be almost a pro on the subject due to her years of exhausting research that she did in the face of her own fertility issues and the hundreds of testimonies I have read that women have now successfully gone on to have several children after following the means/methods of practice that she suggests (as well as Beth herself now having a couple of children). She talks about everything from preconception factors/influences, nutritional therapies for those TTC, What to do if low sperm count is an issue,alternative treatments to help you conceive faster, which vitamins enable the body to prepare for pregnancy, what to do if you have irregular periods, even a suggested beverage that helps the embryo implant in the uterus....etc. I love her advise because being in my mid 40's now-I have had countless friend from their mid thirties forward have difficulty getting pregnant. All of them had the initial idea to run to a dr. and seek medical intervention in getting pregnant. I told them go have your baseline blood work done-get checked for abnormalities of any kind, BUT before they considered any expensive (and not guaranteed treatments)-first PLEASE read the book that I had given them. I am happy to say that only one of my girlfriends had to go the full route and seek medical intervention via invitro. Beth Kiley's research runs very close in line to what I did on my own as a RN ( who btw - at the time faced fertility issues of my own and very much wanted a child). It didn't happen for me but it became my passion to help anyone else that had a glimmer of hope to conceive...to have the child they so very much wanted.
Another viable nutritional suggestion is a book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. I also recommend it since it is in line with my thinking to try first naturally. It has a plethora of information concerning drug free remedies, vitamin/mineral usage,
-as well as herbs and food supplements that can be used when you have fertility (miscarriage) problems.
The secondary set of books that I recommend and also give as gifts all the time are for after conception: (SEE positive thinking here-think you will probably need these in awhile) What to Expect When You Are Expecting and What to Eat When You are Expecting. They are two books written by Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi E. Murkhoff and Sandee E. Hathaway, RN.
I hope this information has been of some help to you-best of luck in your pursuits and feel free to shoot me a question anytime.
How can my boyfriend seek help for depression without the Marine Corps finding out?
Q. My boyfriend feels that he may be clinically depressed. I feel that this in and of itself is a major stride considering that seeking help for oneself is especially hard when you are suffering from depression. He is in the Marine Corp and he feels that it would be better to keep his problem hidden from the Corps because they can be "kind of sketchy about that kind of thing" as he put it. How can he begin treatment for his illness while not jeopardizing his career?
A. Ask yourself: "Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life?" (if so, it is probably reactive [situational] depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be indicated, but most of life's adverse situations are resolved within 16 weeks, yet the medical criteria for depression, and the prescription of antidepressants is only 2 weeks!). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types. St. John's wort helps most people; tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither should be relied on as a sole treatment).
It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", & Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don�t follow the typical �normal� reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you�re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*. (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try pharmacies & supermarkets for the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ or magnesium chloride. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition. An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. Use iodised salt, as many people are deficient, affecting thyroid function (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). View section 2, on the first 3 pages*, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris
It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", & Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don�t follow the typical �normal� reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you�re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*. (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try pharmacies & supermarkets for the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ or magnesium chloride. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition. An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. Use iodised salt, as many people are deficient, affecting thyroid function (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). View section 2, on the first 3 pages*, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris
How can I get motivated to do school work again?
Q. I have become extremely depressed and I feel like I can't do any work. And when I do finally sit myself down to do it, I either A) do it or B) start crying and give up. I guess I just don't see a future in myself...
I'm in college btw...
I'm in college btw...
A. Ask yourself: "Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life?" (if so, it is probably reactive [situational] depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be indicated, but most of life's adverse situations are resolved within 16 weeks, yet the medical criteria for depression, and the prescription of antidepressants is only 2 weeks!). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types. St. John's wort helps most people; tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither should be relied on as a sole treatment).
It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", & Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don�t follow the typical �normal� reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you�re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*.(5.) Initially, at least, some form of psychotherapy or counselling; later, perhaps either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy for, say, 6 months. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Perika, and Kira brands have been recommended as being effective. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", & Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don�t follow the typical �normal� reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you�re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*.(5.) Initially, at least, some form of psychotherapy or counselling; later, perhaps either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy for, say, 6 months. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Perika, and Kira brands have been recommended as being effective. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
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