[YEA]  12/18/2009: Jill from Bronx, New York, United States: "Dysthymic Depression

I've suffered from a moderate constant form of depression called Dysthymia since I was 14 (I am now 43). I've been on several different antidepressants over the years. The last one I took was Paxil CR (which I was forced to quit cold-turkey in 2005 after production of it was briefly stopped after a problem at the pharmaceutical lab). It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was a hellish experience and though I did get an appointment with my Dr. a week into the cold-turkey and could have taken regular Paxil to ease my distress, at that point I wanted NOTHING to do with these medications. The withdrawal symptoms showed me just how much they mess with your brain chemistry. I was getting all sorts of electrical "zappy" sensations, dizziness, tremors, and neuralgic pain that traveled all over my body. It took about 3 months for me to get over the hardest part of it. After that I joined a gym and started a simple EXERCISE program. Just 20 minutes of cardio (pick the machine of your choice) and another 20 minutes or so of weight training and stretching. Yoga classes are super helpful as well. Not only did this help me detox from the residual symptoms but my mood improved dramatically. I still have some 'down' days, but who doesn't? Overall I feel much more energized and balanced than I ever did on the antidepressants.

I've since made incremental changes in the quality of my DIET over the years and this has boosted my mood even more. I no longer eat any overly packaged/refined foods. I eat whole grain breads (sprouted & hemp mostly), and try to cook from 'scratch' as much as possible. Extra virgin olive oil is my cooking oil of choice (except when I am sauteing or using a relatively high heat, in which case I use sesame oil). I still eat meat, but not at every meal or even every day, and when I do it is no longer the "star" on my plate, it is about a 3-4 oz serving and the rest of the plate is filled with vegetables and whole grains. I've learned to love leafy green vegetables (so much so I pile them on my plate). I still 'allow' myself to have guilty pleasures, but after awhile you find you don't really want them because your body has everything it needs nutritionally (so you don't get carb cravings) and your mood is so good you don't cave in to the emotional eating binges. The only 'difficult' time is around that time of the month...I get a little hungrier and may have a slice of cinnamon toast or a little ice cream, but nothing like the pig-outs of the past :) For any emotional irritation during that time there is nothing like a good cup of tea (sweetened with agave so as not to spike your blood sugar...I've come to prefer it over sugar).

Finally, SUPPLEMENTS can be the icing on the good mood cake. I take a whole food multivitamin to fill in any nutritional gaps, a good Omega blend oil (something with borage oil in it is excellent too) and vitamin D drops in the wintertime (along with plenty of time under a sunlight simulator bulb - I keep one in my reading lamp).

Record numbers of people are suffering from depression because of the standard American lifestyle & diet. It doesn't have to be that way...you can feel good again without dependency on pharmaceuticals and by only making a few simple lifestyle changes (no need to go vegan or raw, though go for it if that makes you even happier)."

12/19/2009: Luiz from South America replies: "I totally agree with this post. Well being is tightly associated to our diet.

About three years ago I lived on fast-food and frozen processed food. I was addicted to cocaine, got drunk every day, and had bouts of depression all the time where I simply could not function.

I started to change things little by little, first with education by monitoring sites and forums like this, reading books, trying diets and new "real" foods. My theory is that we were made perfect. We just need to put our physical body in a position to heal and maintain itself: literally give our body a chance.

Today I crave things like brown rice, sauerkraut, chilled açaí bowls with granola, steamed vegetables, etc. When I feel like eating something sweet, I have a can of coke (not very often). I no longer crave coffee, but I do drink cups of green tea tea with molasses and VCO. Yum!

I do not crave or desire any of that crap anymore! I have a frozen lasagne in my freezer and ice cream that must have been there for months and months. I just get this stuff for emergencies or when people visit, and end up not needing them.

I still eat meat, french fries, fast food, but it's just not part of my daily diet because my body no longer see that as "food". It's just something to have when there is nothing more nourishing available, a filler.

I learned the difference between being hungry and "feeling like having something to eat". I can also now tell the impact of foods in my life... my mood completely changes after eating a lot of barbecue for example. Coffee now puts me in a state where I feel a anxious and apprehensive about everything, and sometimes a bit shaky.

I still have my struggles with life as everybody else as well. I drink beer more than I should, but things are changing slowly. I no longer have that urge to change everything overnight. That's just not sustainable in the long run. You have to commit a small positive change, and wait a few weeks to see what the impact it. Once you do this over and over, one day you will come to the realisation that you are a whole new person. And also in love with it!

I haven't been sick in years. I take no medication of any kind. No doctor can scare me into doing anything. I'm not opposed to seeking help if I need it either, but I understand now that a good doctor is one that understands that he is an instrument in healing, nothing more. I can't run from pompous doctors fast enough."

02/10/2009: Charles from Burlingame, Calif/USA: "58 year old male with a former history of great health/runner/government worker who worked out doors. Forced retirement with foot/heal and hip problems. Those are tolerable but have self diagnosed and one doctor diagnosed depression. Absolutely cannot get out of bed...when awake seem to ruminate about everything wrong with the world or the economy. Sorry to dump on all but ...almost at a very scary point in my pysche. I am reaching out to all. Charles"

[YEA]  02/11/2009: Sid Davis from Springfield, Missouri, USA replies: "When I was younger I was sad most of the time and often had bouts with fear. Mine turned out to be dietary. I ate a standard US diet with plenty of sweets and refined foods. I also drank a few times a week and the drinking would deplete my body even more than just the crummy diet.

On the insistence of a friend, I started taking a high dose multiple vitamin from a health food store, plus a separate vitamin B supplement, separate vitamin C supplement, and separate calcium, magnesium, zinc supplement. I also cold turkey cut out all refined sugar, soft drinks, coffee, and refined flour. I ate about three pieces of fresh fruit a day and had three servings of fresh vegetables per day. I got my protein from meat and cheese, and ate whole grains like whole wheat bread and brown rice. I also exercised 20 minutes a day, five days a week which I had to force myself to do at first.

It worked for me and 35 years later I still follow this regimen, although not quite as strictly as before. I continue to be optimistic and I think I have a normal energy level for someone 65. Once I started to feel better, I experimented with dose levels, but I take well above the recommended daily allowances every day.

My own view is that medications just cover up the symptoms and may actually contribute to the problem. I hope you are able to change your life to one that you enjoy living; time keeps running out.

It worked and I continue today to be optimistic and have normal energy for a 65 year old."

02/11/2009: Rick from Montreal, Quebec replies: "Greetings Charles, There are many substances in nature that are useful to treat depression. Rather than try a hit or miss approach, I would suggest you find a book that will help you understand what is happening and what to do about it. An excellent choice is a book by Gabriel Cousens, a noted psychiatrist who uses natural means to cure depression.

http://www.amazon.ca/Depression-Free-Life-Gabriel-Cousens/dp/0060959657

Next suggestion, water... www.watercure2.com I think learning about the effects of water would be a solid foundation in any quest for better health, mental or physical.

All of the best Charles,"

[YEA]  09/04/2011: Anna from Daytona, Florida replies: "I wanted to add my experience to the dietary reccommendations. My depression has vanished since I added more fat to my diet and since I have been taking a b complex pill everyday. I now eat a tablespoon of cocunut oil in my tea each morning.

Many people who have adopted a low carb diet with adequat fat and protein have been able to get rid of there depression. Protein is great but please don't forget the fat!! And no fat does not make you fat! In my opinion carbs do!

Hope this helps someone!

Anna"

[YEA]  05/27/2012: Carlos Sumpter from Lindenhurst, NY: "I practice a hands on application over the craneal area as a conduit of the healing energy it flows through me but it comes from a higher source it goes to the brain and balances any energetic imbalance that restores mental health. a sense of warmth and a placebo effect will follow as a pain reliever capable of producing symptomatic alleviation.

Carlos Sumpter"

Fish Oil

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Fish Oil Supplements for Depression

Omega-3 Supplement Options

• Fish Oil
• Flaxseed Oil

Fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements will provide your body with its needed omega 3 fatty acids. Along with a host of other benefits, these omega 3’s can substantially improve mood. Just be careful that you get pharmaceutical grade fish oil if you choose fish over flaxseed; this is in order to avoid mercury and other heavy metal contaminants.

01/20/2011: Naturelove from Ft. Polk, Louisiana replies: "B complex vitamins will have not only a positive impact on your mood, but help you stay regulated during your period."

[YEA]  11/20/2008: Ethan from Nashville, Tennessee replies: "I take fish oil at least twice a week. I have been doing this a year now. Though it has not cured my depression it seems to help. I also take a multi vitamin occasionaly. I was skeptical of a natural cure working after having tried ST Johns Wart because it did not seem to work for me but I gave it a shot and I have been doing fairly well. I still get depressed but not for such long periods of time like I used to."

11/22/2008: Laurie from Wolverine, MI replies: "In reply to the person taking fish oil. Fish oil is very good, trying different types of omega threes would be beneficial. Vitamin D3 is essential in winter months, especially if in the northern states; no depression when vit D3 is around. Best regards"

12/30/2009: Nirinjan from Traverse City, Michigan replies: "For those who are vegan or don't want animal products you can try hemp oil which has omega 3,6,and 9. Hemp oil with bragg's or tamari makes a great salad dressing!"

[YEA]  01/25/2013: Anon from Anon: "My depression is food related. Eating bakery that's not gluten free will bring on depression nearly immediately. Also, when I cook or choose what to eat, I pay attention to how I feel because sometimes I pick up something to eat or season the food with and immediately get an intense twinge of depression that goes away when I put the item back."

01/10/2013: Gloria from Poughkeepsie, Ny: "Hi everyone, I was just diagnosed Viibryd for depression, anxiety, and anorexia. Has anyone tried it before and had a good experience? I am a little skeptical and nervous about taking a Western pharmaceutical. I have been seeing a naturopath and want to find out if there are any better, more natural options... but thought I'd see if anyone on here has suggestions. Thanks! Gloria"

01/10/2013: Steve from Las Vegas, Nv Nevada replies: "I've had great results with 5HTP for depression. Worked within an hour of taking it. Went from crying at the drop of a hat to smiling like it never happened."

01/11/2013: Pete from Latin America replies: "Please ready the book The Mood Cure by Julia Ross. It talks about the groups of chemicals we need for our well being, how to assess which ones you need, how to supplement and then maintain through dietary changes. I changed my life where everything else failed!

Example: 5htp didn't work for me in the past. It made everything worse and turned me a bit bipolar I felt. It wasn't until reading the book that I realized I wasn't taking it properly (it is important what time of the day you take it). Miracles happened after that!

Good luck!"

01/12/2013: Gloria from Poughkeepsie, NY replies: "Got the book... Excited to give it a go! Any other suggestions and/or feedback about that specific medication?"

01/14/2013: Gloria from Poughkeepsie, Ny replies: "Actually, got the book and tried 5-HTP and it made me manic!!! I was more anxious and had difficulty falling asleep... Weird... Any other suggestions?"

01/14/2013: Steve from Las Vegas, Nv replies: "Sam-E is said to normalize neurotransmitters and worth a try."

01/15/2013: Juliette from Reston, Va replies: "hi! could be that 5htp isnt the amino acid for you. GABA might be calming it works on a different part of the brain than 5htp. Really mellows me out! Can get at WF. Pretty cheap too! If that doesnt work mabye an adaptogen like ashwaganda or tulsi? check it out good luck! <3"

01/15/2013: Julie from Charleston, Sc replies: "I expect many people experience side effects from 5-HTP or even Sam-E. I have also had bad reactions to various amino acids that I have tried over the years and have come to the conclusion that magnesium, fresh green juices and plenty of exercise are the best things for my brain chemistry and health. I recommend you start with very small dosages of any supplement that you are trying for depression. Good luck!"

[YEA]  Anonymous : "Depression can be a side effect of celiac disease, which I have. It is treated with a gluten free diet. If you feel you have had digestive problems that are very confusing, consider getting yourself checked for this. Or search "celiac" on the web for plenty of information."

[YEA]  08/19/2009: Isis from Detroit, Illinois: "Me & My freinds notice that when u eat grape jelly, it improves yr mood"

[YEA]  12/25/2012: Lightawake from Nelson, New Zealand: "hi, I havent seen this fantastic and powerful natural 'medicine' posted here yet so I thought I would post my experience with it. It has been described by one person I read about, as something akin to getting a blood transfusion and I can attest to its gentle, but immediately noticable effects for depression. I have been taking it every day for about a year now. I find when I take it, I feel both energised and relaxed at the same time (eases my anxiety, and helps me keep calm), and it clears away the 'hopelessness fog' that can take over my mind. Apparently it also alkalises the body and boosts it with all kinds of goodness. there are all kinds of green juice around, many that mix fruits in, but my partner introduced me to the zero-sugar green juice which is what is recommended by dr brian clement, who researches and uses raw food diets to help cure people of many diseases.

I find a total raw food, sugarless diet such as the one he recommends quite hard to follow for any length of time (basically no processed foods, sugars -including fruits or sweet vegetables; centred on salads, fermented foods and dehydrated foods, and some supplements), but that the green juice was something that helped me noticably, and which I could take every day.

most mornings my partner makes me a glassful of green juice made of a base of celery or cucumber, then a combination of dark greens such as kale, spinach, then microgreens, cabbage, broccoli, wheatgrass, coriander, parsley, mint - whatever organic veggies we have. he puts it in a slow masticating juicer, and I drink it within about 15 minutes of it coming out.

-organic is important, as the juicer extracts all the good vitamins and things in the veggies - one glass of green juice is like eating a whole giant bowl of salad;

-drinking it within about 15 mintues is also apparently important as the vitality starts fading after too long - it needs to be made fresh each time;

-making it in a slow masticating juicer, and not a blender or a centrafugal juicer is apparently important in order to keep the enzymes alive - apparently the enzymes are hugely important as we dont produce them ourselves, and our modern diet doesnt give us too many. I actually think that this has been quite key in helping me where other supplements and herbs have not. creating the juice at a low temperature (below 20-something degrees) makes sure that the precious enzymes in the veggies remain alive to do all sorts of good work in our bodies;

-finally, there are many juice recipes out there which would include sweet veggies or even fruit such as beetroot, banana, carrot or apple - but apparently, for the body to heal, any amount of sugar inhibits the body, and so all fruits and sweeter veggies should be avoided in the juice.

when I first started taking this juice, my energy levels were so low that I could only go for a walk for about 10 minutes before I would flop down exhausted. Every day I drank it I noticed that I felt better, and I noticed that after about a month, I was managing to walk for 2-3 hours and I was fine! My partner is healthy, but he swears by it to keep him balanced and healthy too. Obviously, it`s quite 'green' tasting, but we found it tastes a bit better with a squeeze of lemon, or a couple of mint leaves added. The strength and taste also depends on what we put in it, and how much - eg. we adjust how much leafy greens and wheatgrass we put into the juice to make it stronger or weaker.

one warning: green juice is quite strong, and a powerful detoxer - I found that if I had alcohol or fast food the night before, then had green juice the next morning, sometime during the day I would find myself going to the toilet several times!

personally I see green juice as a great all-round balancer, enegiser, and health booster. Not as concentrated as wheatgrass juice, a lot easier on the system, but very medicinal. Feels very much like drinking a potent herbal formula. our fridge is always full of teatowel-lined plastic bags, filled with lots of veggies to last us the week, for green juices and salads.

I take green juice along with some supplements, and trying to maintain a diet as free of processed foods and sugars as I can, and am finding definite noticable progress, and recommend it to anyone dealing with depression, or anything where their body would benefit from some extra health."

12/25/2012: Larry from Fairfax, Va/usa replies: "Thanks for your excellent information on "green juice." As far as using slow masticating juicers, can you be more specific as to a specific brand or model; I understand that you probably can only communicate this off-line. (my eMail: LaKrutzel {at} yahoo[dot] com). The type juicers that you recommend, do they separate the pulp from the juice or do they totally liquefy the entire vegetable like the Vitamix blender? Also, can incorporation of ice, allow for the use of higher speed blenders, so as not to destroy the enzymes? Thanks, Larry"

[YEA]  01/07/2013: Lyle from Gaborone, Botswana replies: "I can attest to the benefits of the 'green' diet or green juices. I too suffered with deep depressions until I diversified my diet by adding or blending lots of greens. I am saving to buy a masticating juicer soon. My depression has gone after a 20yr battle, energy levels are up, lost weight, sleep better, skin clearer and smoother, had no flu for 2 yrs. Life's better and I have more time since I cook less now."

[YEA]  09/01/2007: Shai from New York , NY: "After the death of loved ones, bereavement, perhaps, is not the same as other forms of depression, but it can be debilitating. I tried a few things that i found lifted my spirit. I took E3 Live, rhodiola and ashwaghanda, holy basil (tulsi). A good brand is Gaia herbs "Adrenal Health" liquid gel caps. But i added more rhodiola as my case was extreme. The e3 live is wonderful, give it a chance to work its magic. Make tea with gymnostemna, rose hips, add some flowers like jasmine, rose, chrysanthemum, osmanthus, add rose water to premium white tea. Throw in some oat straw tips. For sexual increase, maca and shatavari (for women) maca alone for men. This will return your shakti. One can lift any depression with active self healing-this is giving yourself love. No need for drugs. Share your love and beauty without ever looking for thanks, you will come out of any depression this way. peace love and light."

[YEA]  Noreen from Quincy, MA: "Homeopathy worked first and best for immediate relief, Nutrition worked second best to heal my body and make it better able to deal with stress (I eat at least 1 salad a day, and live food, hydrating vegetables or food), Yoga was miraculous and an instant success-after years of resistance to first try, I loved it and it has given me so much strength during the tough times- which are very infrequent now!!! Change was throughout my recovery, getting away from negative people, jobs, places, thoughts, things and replacing them with more positive, lively, lush, uplifting, happy alternatives. I focus on the good and only acknowledge the not so good as a learning point."

10/29/2012: Sue M. from Worden, Il, Usa: "When I started my downward spiral with depression, I never made the association of possibly being hormone related. After 5 yrs. of psychiatrists putting me on almost every drug combo to see if it would help, the next suggestion was ECT treatments.... I had 9. That may work for some people, but all it did for me was take away my memory recall.

My husband was the one who got me to go back and figure out where my depression started. I figured out it was hormone related. I called my GP... Got back on plant based hormone and within 2 weeks began to see the "fog" lifting. When I told my psychiatrist that I wanted her help to slowly get off the meds and get a regime of eating healthy, exercise and concentrated therapy, she became furious and refused to help me. She said that I would end up back in the hospital within 2 months and be worse off than I originally was. Well.... that has been 7 years ago and I feel great.

So.... I would suggest bloodwork, diet, exercise, and research, research. Everyone of us is different in what works for our bodies. Postings here on EC was lifesaving for me. Daniel Ahem's books are invaluable for educationing yourself about what you need to do when you start noticing a problem. Dr. Mercola just had an article on him a couple of days ago on his website. Please read his research.

I slowly weened myself off my meds. I would have loved to have had the support of my psychiatrist. All the drugs were taking away my life and I knew I had to take my health back into my own hands and not rely on someone else telling me they knew what was "best" for me. It was terrifying for me to take that step, but I'm so glad I did. I really hope this helps someone. I believe we're all guardian angels here on this site.....")"

10/29/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Sue, I just wanted to say congratulations to you for being brave enough to take a stand for yourself in spite of how your psychiatrist reacted! And how wonderful you have a husband who has been there for you throughout all your experience. I too am fortunate to have a husband who has steadfastly been there for me through all of my disability and then recovery. Thanks for sharing your story with everyone, for it gives strength to all when someone is able to forge a path on their own and find answers which are perhaps, not of the mainstream information. I always feel fortunate to have found Earth Clinic as I have learned so much info here to maintain/ restore my health. And funny, it was 7 years ago for me too when I took my spiral and can look back on that path and see all I've learned through that experience mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally. So, in the end, we grow and expand... and come out on the other end more able to reach back a hand to help others up.

I hope the Chinese herbs are still working well for you. I know mine are. Did you ever have a look at the Chinese Herbs book I recommended? Also, you refer to Daniel Ahem, did you mean Dr. Daniel Amen? Anyway, once again congratulations for overcoming your own terror and stepping forward to achieve your health again! Best to you always, Lisa"

10/30/2012: Sue M. from Worden, Il, Usa replies: "Thank you Lisa.... Yes, I meant to type Dr. Daniel Amen, but typed Ahem instead. ") I realized my error when I was watching TV last night. And thank you for your words of encouragement. I really appreciate it.

As of now, my reading has been only on Dragon Herbs website. I plan to order his book very soon. I decided to switch up what I'm ordering from them after doing my reading. The senior consultant can only go by what I tell her I'm looking for and then make a recommendation. I decided to go by what I thought I needed. I'm going to continue with the Rehmannia Six Combo, but also the Goji & Schizandra. The Duanwood Reishi helped tremendously with my stress level, but don't think I'll be re-ordering. I'll continue with the 8 Immortals and determine when I'm almost out if I want to continue using.

I wanted to add this footnote: My psychiatrist had me on so many anti-depressants (and combos of said drugs) and when they weren't working, she starting mixing it up with meds for bi-polar, schizophrenia and manic depressive. I felt like I was literally in a black hole and just wanted help out. I was very fortunate to recover, but I know there are so many people who aren't that fortunate. My heart aches for you. Don't give up, tho. Just ask for guidance.... I prayed everyday.... When I switched off listening to the Dr.'s and really listened to my husband and inner voice, I knew it would be okay.

Lisa...Mom passed away last Friday afternoon. Very peacefully. Thank you for all your help."

10/30/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Sue, Sorry to hear of your loss. It's nice she went peacefully. Were you able to be with her? Sounds like you handled it with grace. I hope the herbs helped you as well. I'm so happy to hear that you have continued to read about the herbs on the site. It's a very informative site. I use it often as a reference in spite of the fact that I have the book! It's just so convenient and well- written. I too, have added the Goji and Schizandra on recommendation from one of the consultants when I went in to their tonic bar. He told me it would build my jing and according to my pulses, I needed that.

I also went in to my acupuncture last week as I hadn't been for quite awhile. He worked on me for my stomach and also my low back has really been bothering me. It's been very stiff and making it difficult to move. He said there was a lot of stagnation and did cupping on me. Within 5 minutes I could feel it calm down and literally feel the inflammation going down! It hasn't bothered me since.

I wanted to ask you if you meant Dr. Daniel Amen because I wanted to tell you I got to hear him speak at the Longevity Now conference which I attended in the spring. He's quite dynamic and funny. I too have read his books and have learned so much from them. He has a lot of fascinating information and is doing ground-breaking work. Have you heard him speak at all? I have received audio iterviews of him in the past so if I receive more, I'll be sure to post so you can hear him too.

Anyway, blessings to you and may peace prevail. It is always wonderful to hear from you. Lisa"

[YEA]  08/25/2011: Granny Laura from Waco, Tx Usa: "I am elated to report that after taking inositol for about 2 months I do not have the big, black, depression I've had for the last 2 years! I had read about inositol for depression while researching Pyroluria and Histadelia and decided to try it. I ordered the powdered product, and began taking 1/4 teaspoon 4 times a day. After about a week I started going up on the dose until I was taking 1/2 teaspoon 3-4 times a day. That dose works out to 1200 mg 4 times a day. There was very little change at first but gradually I found that if I hadn't taked a dose that the depressive thoughts would start. After about 2 months I noticed that my mood had smoothed out so I waited about a week and cut my dose in half. That has worked just fine so far.

The powder is relatively inexpensive, and easy to take. The label says there is nothing in the powder but inositol. It is very sweet and I found I like it just fine dumped as a powder into my mouth from the measuring spoon. It would be fine to mix into anything that you drink as it has no taste except for being very sweet. I will try to remember to update if I have any changes in dose. I've never had anything for depression that didn't have really bad side effects so saying I'm very pleased would be an understatement."