The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Magnesium
Posted by Celia (Seattle, Wa) on 08/18/2011
★★★★★
I would like to share my wonderful discovery of the power of simple magnesium to alleviate depression. I had been taking a powdered form of magnesium every night before bed, which made me feel Calm and relaxed. Then I stopped taking it. I began to suffer a lot of mood problems when stopping it, and when I resumed the powdered magnesium citrate, I couldn't believe how much better I felt the next day.
I also use a combination herbal therapy for Mood Support, which works well. And every day I take vitamin D at 4000 mg, fish oil, and something called lithium orotate, a safe, commonly found supplement for brain and mood health. (Don't let the word lithium scare you. Unlike the drug lithium, lithium orotate is safe to take and you don't need to have your blood tested. Please look up lithium orotate online for more info.)
But to me, the most important missing link in the puzzle was magnesium. You can buy it at the drugstore, but I do suggest taking at least 700 mg a day to begin to see results. I stagger the dose, taking 200 mg magnesium citrate tablets twice a day at work, and then taking the wonderful fizzy magnesium drink at night as a hot tea, which makes me feel very sleepy and Calm.
Magnesium
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 08/18/2011
Hi Celia - I like your message about being calm while taking... Calm! I, too, use it nightly - although I only take a teaspoon (about 200 mg) so I probably should increase it. I use it to help me with restless legs and it works. I do get rather vivid dreams, though. I'll gradually up my dose and see what happens. Cheers, Bess
Magnesium
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 08/18/2011
I read yesterday that the best way to get magnesium into you is to take it transdermally... Through the skin. A great way is to use magnesium oil and rub it on the skin but the best way is to
swin in the ocean.. it is a veritable magnesium bath. The reason racehorses swim in the ocean after a race to relieve their muscles.
So if you live near the ocean go for a swim every day to relieve your depression or aches and pains. Or grab a bucket of sea water and soak your feet!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Seekthetruth (Wisconsin, Usa) on 10/18/2011
I am wondering - for those who have suffered a long time with depression (years and years) - and not just the basic 'blues' from time to time - but true depression, if someone can provide me with some advice on how to best proceed. I have a situation where a friend has a child (young adult under 30) that has been depressed and battling it for 10 years. My friend is not open to alternative remedies, but her child is - to a degree. He has been in and out of 'treatment' for depression (at facilities) a few times over the years and always tries to eat healthy, stopped drinking, etc. And still battles with it - he doesn't want to do drugs, and wants to live more simply, with less chaos in his life, but it seems his parents don't agree with that method - (no meds). He is stressed by this as well but would never say so to them. So what my question or need is - do I tell him about these wonderful remedies and offer my personal advice on his situation to him - and risk his parents friendship - or stay out of it. (I have experience with depression in a relative who committed suicide - we didn't know he was depressed until it was too late. ) I was forbidden to tell this friends son about my relative, by his parents.
If those of you who suffered with this depression for years - would let me know - if someone had the sort of info that is offered here and knew it would help you - would you want them to tell you about it - or stay out of it? I am not suffering from depression so I can't know what people who do feel about those who give them advice or tell them what to do - I don't want to be simply 'heard out' and not have it be of benefit because it was unsolicited or unwanted advice.
Let me know how you would want someone in my situation to proceed if you were the one who I wanted to tell about this. I am desparate to know - I feel like time could be short for him - and I want to help this family so much.
Thanks in advance for any help. I'll check back for posts in response to this. I'd also like to hear follow ups on those who have been taking ACV for depression for long periods of time and how it has been going. God bless!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/20/2011
Seekthetruth, from reading about Earthing, maybe your friend's child could go outside and walk barefoot on the grass. There is science that goes along with this that it has a lot of healthy effects. Youtube has a lot of info on the benefits for the body.
Also vitamin D is good for getting endorphins and also for health, so sitting outside in the sun is very beneficial.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Olga (Mobile, Al) on 11/13/2024
You might want to have your Thiamine-(Vitamin B1) levels checked, preferably ETKA. There are different forms of Thiamine and they need to be paired with magnesium and potassium. The forms preferred are Benfotiamine, fat soluble, and TTFD, which passes the blood brain barrier and goes to work right away Without needing any cofactors. When I need potassium, I use a sports drink called Bodyarmour which has plenty and other minerals. I use magnesium chloride, a few sprays under tongue. Vit B1 deficiency is a major cause of Many symptoms, from diabetes to heart problems and depression, anxiety, etc. Lots of caffeine drinks deplete thiamine and this includes Energy drinks. The truth is B1 is like a miracle worker and it's called the great Mimicker.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tina (Venice Beach, Cali) on 12/20/2009
Holiday Depression
I have been feeling more & more depressed the past month. I don't usually get depressed, so it's strange even though it IS around the holidays, a time when many get depressed. Anyhow, today I realized that maybe my depression has something to do with the radical increase in white flour and sweets, thanks to the constant supply of pastries, cakes, chocolates, candy canes and m&ms at my office during the entire month of December!!!! I normally don't eat much gluten and sugar products, which is why I am making a connection here.
Thank goodness I am on holiday now and don't have to be around the sugary temptations for a couple of weeks, so I am going to detox (stop eating junk food) and see if my depression disappears. I will let you know if I am successful. I know the holidays can be tough times for many people, but maybe we should also be highlighting the fact that people are eating so much crappy food that they might also be going into candida overload.
Thank you for reading! Happy Ho Ho Ho to all.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tina (Venice Beach, Cali) on 12/23/2009
★★★★★
Update: after one day off sugar and flour products, my depression totally went away. I am back to normal. WOO HOO!!!! Glad that this was such an easy fix and boy, do I feel like a fool for letting it go on for so long before figuring out the overload sugar connection to depression. Hope this helps someone else to cure the holiday blues!
To Carmen, yes yes "glum" is a great description for what I was feeling!
Dietary Changes, Exercise, Supplements
Posted by Luiz (South America) on 12/19/2009
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.
Magnesium
Posted by Serach (Jerusalem) on 05/21/2014
I will try the magnesium I tried liquid mag, no luck yet tastes horrible. My chiro put me on homeopathic lithium, and also a combo of bacopa, for brain fog and a few other herbs. I am unbelievabley moody, rage attacks, deep frustration often cannot stop crying and terrible depression. I was on 300 mg of gabapentin for moods, about 3+ weeks ago went down to 250 with drs ok, and feel nuts. Am also on 100mg trazodone for sleep.
I will not go up again, but wonder why I feel so much worse on such a small dose change. My holistic md friend says they make it so that when you withdraw you feel awful and want to go back on it for relief.
I am alos on high doses of valerian, cal poppy, but sleep is awful.
Any ideas? Serach
Cold Showers
Posted by Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin) on 08/02/2009
Have you tried eliminating glutamate/excitotoxins from your diet? MSG, aspartame, etc.? I feel much better for it. That and adding borax, vitamin C, and turmeric. This is a great site. :)
Soy and Egg Protein Powder
Posted by Tonya (Chicago, IL) on 02/09/2009
★★★★★
Depression Remedy: I've been suffering from mental anxiety and depression for 3 years, currently on 2 antidepressants. Two weeks ago I started taking ORGANIC SOY & EGG PROTEIN POWDER for weight loss, 80% of depression is gone. Tried to eat eggs and tofu separately, it didn't work. I read when you're depressed, 60% of your food intake should be proteins. (whey protein made me more depressed)
Chromium
Posted by Ashlee (Dallas, Texas) on 12/07/2008
★★★★★
I am taking Chromium Picolinate for minor depression and it has made me feel so much better i've heard that it is good for weight loss too but i havent seen any difference. Magnesium is also good for constipation, depression and other problems that have a tendency to pop up it pretty much can cure what ales you since most people do not receive enough magnesium in their diets.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lisa (Jerusalem, Israel) on 08/07/2008
★★★★★
I had tried a lot of things to beat depression, Including: St John wort and different traditional medications. Molasses worked - no side effects. It is just a healthy food to eat. I have about 1- 2 table spoons a day. TO make it easier to eat I made a made a molasses based taffy.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lisa (Jerusalem , Israel) on 08/19/2008
★★★★★
The Feb. 15 issue of Biological Psychiatry reported that uridine found in molasses is a strong antidepresent The tsts were done on rats. Uridine injections acted right away, but the omega-3 fatty acids took 30 days to kick in.
Combining lower doses of uridine and omega-3 fatty acids was even more helpful. "Less of each agent is required for effectiveness when the treatments are administered together," say the researchers.
source: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20050210/do-some-foods-battle-depression
EC: Thanks, Lisa. Very interesting. The article references molasses made from sugar beets -- fyi, not your typical blackstrap molasses made from sugar cane syrup.... To quote from the article -- "As for uridine, sugar beets and beet molasses are food sources."
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lisa (Jerusalem , Israel) on 08/19/2008
Dhea
Posted by Debbie (South Bend, IN) on 05/22/2008
Brian,
Please don't discount D3 so quickly. If you are deficient it can take months to rebuild your levels.The RDA that the gov. has been recommending is way below what we need. Please, everyone, have your vitamin D levels checked. It's not a vitamin, it's an essential hormone and every single cell in your body has a receptor for it.
Please visit http://www.vitamindcouncil.org for current and improtant information on vitamin d.
Debbie
South Bend, IN
Dhea
Posted by Joylie (Solana Beach, Ca) on 08/18/2011
★★★★★
I like 5-HTP very much. I take one of the smallest dosages, 50 mg., but it has been very helpful.
Couch Exercise
Posted by Gary (Mesa, AZ) on 05/08/2008
★★★★★
Dear Earth Clinic, I may have some good advice on how to drastically cut or eliminate depression/anxiety. An exercise. I lay over the edge of the couch face down with my lower stomach on the arm. Keeping my legs straight on the couch I lean down with my torso and back up straight. This works the back muscles and takes pressure off the spine and nerves. Also, a simple visit to the chiropractor helped tremendously.Thanks, Gary.
EC: We emailed Gary for more details...
Couch Exercise
Posted by Ben (Kansas city, ks) on 08/02/2023
B3 or niacinamide definitely helps with depression
Rhodiola
Posted by Henry (San Francisco, California) on 05/20/2008
Who knows what these acronyms mean? Please speak in plain English. What are UTI's, VCO??
EC: UTI: Urinary Tract Infections VCO: Virgin Coconut Oil
Rhodiola and 5-HTP
Posted by S. B. (Louisville, KY) on 01/18/2008
★★★★★
Just wanted to echo the positive experiences reported here. After a bit of internet research, I kind of guessed at a regimen that might work for me, which is one 250mg rhodiola capsule before breakfast, one before lunch, and then 50mg 5-HTP before bed. In fact I found this site because I Googled "5-HTP" and "rhodiola" to see if there was any danger in taking them both, but I see several of you have also come up with a similar plan. Very assuring, and I have to say I felt a bit of triumph for having arrived at the same conclusion that others have made of my own accord.
Anyway, I've been taking it for a short while and I am still flabbergasted at how effective it is. I really just can't get over it. I could feel the effects after the very first dose of rhodiola. Not only did it improve my mood, it made me feel, well, happy! And it improved my personality. Low seratonin levels were impacting my life in many negative ways but now I am a new person.
Also it seems to have eliminated my morning headaches and neck stiffness, but I can't say whether that is attributed to the rhodiola or the 5-HTP. From what I've read it may likely be the 5-HTP.
However as others have stated, I would take caution in the dosage of rhodiola. I have found that if I take the afternoon dose too close to the morning dose, I do become a bit jittery and restless. Still happy--not nervous--but jittery and restless nonetheless.
Rhodiola is obviously powerful stuff and I'm sure it's not for everyone, but if you are the type of person that it can benefit, then like the others here that have reported positive experiences, I think you'll be astounded as to how effective it can be.
Pink Salmon, Green Veggies, Blueberries
Posted by Rachel (Baldwin, WI) on 12/06/2007
★★★★★
re: euphoria remedies -- I have found that after eating pink salmon, followed by green veggies and then 1/2 cup of blueberries, I get extremely happy, almost giddy. The first time it happened, I didn't realize that it was from what I ate and forgot about it. Then on another day, I ate the same thing and it happened again; and found that it repeatedly works for me. I don't know if it would work for everyone, but for me it is a depression cure!
Cold Showers
Posted by Jeffy (Chicago, IL) on 07/26/2008
The 78 percent likelihood of death from cold showers is indeed a reality in our society today. There is a study on Cold Shower Death I read in college, and I am certain I have experienced it!
Cold Showers
Posted by Cayita (Fenwick, Ontario) on 04/27/2010
Lol, Jeffy, you have a great sense of humor
Cold Showers
Posted by Elise (Perth, Australia) on 03/11/2011
Yes, cold showers can be ever so deadly... It actually boosts your immune system im afraid... Unlikely cause of death.. Perhaps try sky diving :/
Sodium Thiosulfate
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) 392 posts
The mode of action of sodium thiosulfate is to reduce the free radicals (from heavy metals and toxic chemical accumulation) that can most likely cause depression. Depression in this case is due to toxicity and free radicals. Sodium thiosulfate is unique in the neutralization of chemical toxicity in the liver.
While it has an anti-depressant effect, I also use it to help with my sleep too. Most natural supplements take about 30 minutes to have an effect while aromatherapy effect is more faster.
Sodium thiosulfate has a strong relaxing and calming effects. So in event of depression or even a child with behavioral problems (ADHD, tantrum, etc) it is the detoxifying effect of sodium thiosulfate of toxic things, such as heavy metals, fluoride, and other toxic substances that helped depression and other psychological problems.
There are also other common everyday remedies that can do this also such as a a tiny amount of borax, baking soda, niacinamide B3 300 mg, garlic, and certain aromatherapy such as narcissus oils or lavender where the mode of actions have similar effects as well. One thing I also used as an antidepressant for myself is the amino acid supplements in soybean oil, that seems to work for me as well.
Therefore being depressed is very much due to toxic environment, heavy metals, vitamin deficiency, and for me, amino acid imbalance. It might have been the L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine which are responsible, however, since those are not available locally, I used the amino acid supplements instead. There are also certain amino acids such as 5-HTP, tryptophan, and SAM-e that also have anti-depressants.
With all these natural supplements and prices at a fraction of med's anti depressants, I think therefore it is a lot safer and more effective to treat the cause by dealing with directly with reducing toxicity and resolving deficiencies.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Lila (London, England) on 02/18/2007
★★★★★
Hi ... I started taking 2 tablespoons of acv mixed with about a quarter of a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda mixed in about 8 floz of wa ter(250 mls) for about a week now.I do not suffer from any illnesses so I'm just taking it for general well being. Verdict: I have a lot more energy and feel less tired towards the end of the day, and I have more regular bowel movements, I have increased saliva production(is this something good?). Also I feel that it has improved my mood as I feel much happier and cheerful now.I dont know maybe its all psychological or maybe it's the acv working.
5-HTP
Posted by Karin (Arlington) on 08/29/2005
★★★★★
5HTP has been one great discovery for me and several of my friends. We used to all take Valerian root which worked great but smelled awful. St. Johns wort wasn't bad either, but there was concerns about taking before surgeries. We've been taking 5HTP for over a year now and there is always this significant sense of calm.
Sunshine
Posted by Davidnvegas (Las Vegas, Nv) on 10/23/2009
With all do respect to Anita, do not use sunscreen period! They are full of cancer causing toxins and block Vitamin D production. "Search the web for "cancer and sunscreen use". For prolong sun exposure wear a wide brim hat and a long sleeve shirt and pants.
Sunshine is a great way to get Vitamin D and most Americans are deficient. Vitamin D improves the immune system and with out a strange immune system you will be sick! Studies show that it can reduce your risk of cancer as well. It also improves mental well being. You need only 15-20 minutes of sun exposure a day over at least 50% (the more the better) of your skin if your fair skin, longer exposure if you have a darker skin tone. Search the web for "Vitamin D and Sunshine health benefits".
Best of health
Fish Oil
Posted by Ethan (Nashville, Tennessee) on 11/20/2008
★★★★★
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.
Meditation and Movement Arts
Posted by Ed (West Milford, New Jersey)
★★★★★
I suffered from hereditary clinical depression and I tried getting rid of it with every way possible naturally. I had thoughts of killing myself and thoughts that I didn't matter and no one cared about me. I personally think the best way to cure depression is to meditate and do yoga/some sort of japanese or chinese martial arts. If you sip tea and stare out at the sunrise as well it puts a lot of things into perspective that the world is larger than yourself but you are still a major piece of it. I personally meditated for about 3 hours a day in complete focus of happiness and forced away bad and depressing thoughts. I also tried a therapist but its more of a temporary relief because in actuality they are just in it for the money. I hope this advise helps
Proper Mental Diet
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 02/10/2024
Another substance that I love is LABS - I.e. the lactic acid bacteria cultivated for the serum used in KNF (Korean Natural Farming) - which is also O3! This just keeps getting more and more interesting...
5-HTP
Posted by Brendan (UK) on 10/03/2024
I have just been recommended to this website.
I am currently taking SSRI's (Mirtazipine) for anxiety and depression. They are working only up to a point, maybe 80% effective. I dont want to increase the dose any further and/or become too dependent on them I'm very interested in what has been posted on here about 5-HTP. Can I take 5-HTP alongside my current medication or would I first need to come off the SSRI's?
Iboga Root Bark, Metta Meditation
Posted by IbogaQueen (Philadelphia, PA) on 06/04/2022
★★★★★
I found amazing temporary benefits from low dose iboga root bark for my depression. Low dose ayahuasca was also great.
But taking any substance isn't a long-term solution. A better approach that works instantly and costs nothing is metta (loving kindness) meditation. You imagine sending love to your inner child, then to someone you love, then to someone you like, then to a stranger, then to someone you dislike, then to someone you hate. Or you can do it impersonally and just send love in all directions. Ajahn Brahm has good guided metta meditation vids on youtube.
Gratitude Practice
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 11/26/2019
I am grateful for your suggestion :) Cutting out the negative programming is good, too. No violent tv shows, no toxic relationships, no foul books or pictures. Get rid of drab furnishings, broken things, gifts people gave you that you don't really want, even photos of yourself you dislike; be ruthless, depression is serious business. Keep your house clean, metaphorically and literally. You think you don't want to clean because you are tired, but having a messy house can actually make you feel tired, too. Use nontoxic cleaning products like baking soda, vinegar, or yummy essential oils. Throw out those cheap probably toxic air fresheners, bath bombs, body care products, etc. Stale apartment air needs to be ventilated. This is not a time to be frugal, your life is at stake.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sheilds (Wash) on 07/18/2018
★★★★★
Foods that help with depression - Broccoli and ginger help me.
St John's Wort
Posted by Tif (Maryland) on 01/15/2018
Natural treatments are cheaper only when comparing with the full price of the prescrption medication. Many people with insurance only pay $3, $5, $10 or possibly a $20 copay. Many supplements can cost $29-$69 or more. Oftentimes the prescriptions end up being far less expensive. Unfortunately, natural treatments aren't affordable to many on a tight budget.
St John's Wort
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Us) on 01/16/2018
I was reading about using it for depression. I think it said it can cause sensitivity to sun exposure like some drugs also cause. Glad it works . Sun bathing works amazing for me for depression but it 's winter so I have to wait for the right season to soak up the vitamin D and whatever else the sun is giving me.
Graviola Leaf
Posted by Nathan (Troy, Michigan) on 11/08/2014
★★★★★
My sister likes to use graviola for various ailments including depression. Graviola leaf infusion of 1 cup 3 times a day is the recommended dosage that she follows. It has helped her a lot, it may help you also.
Random Thoughts
Posted by Gina (Westport, Ct) on 08/16/2014
Well said, Mama, well said. You are a truly compassionate being.
Random Thoughts
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 08/16/2014
Dear Mama to Many - Those were the best "two cents" I have heard in a very, very long time!
While I always enjoy your posts, your heartfelt thoughts about Robin Williams were truly inspiring. Everyone can benefit from kindness and compassion - both giving and receiving. So thank you, once again, for sharing with us. Take care, Bess
Random Thoughts
Posted by Jumpin Jeff (Wisconsin, US) on 10/02/2014
Famous folks are often isolated for fear of so many who want a piece of them. I have all out remedies for Phil Mickelson, , , Tiger Woods etc but hard to get to them. Robin did not get the natural care because he was isolated and because his depression told him to use maladaptive substances such as cocaine and alcohol instead of something valid like St John's wort, fish oil, 5 HTP, cannabis and proper cleansing and nutrition. Peace, , J
Random Thoughts
Posted by Timh (KY) on 10/03/2014 2042 posts
Great recommends Jeff!! One more item --Transcendental Meditation. Ringo Starr has been and remains a great advocate of T.M. along w/ former Beatles Paul McCartney and the late great George Harrison.
T.M. provides a direct method of centering the mind into deeper levels of the subconscious thereby preventing the fragmentation that occurs in an hectic, stressful, modern lifestyle or workplace. Michael Jackson fell into the same trap taking increasing amounts of dangerous pharmaceuticals until he collapse altogether.
After doing T.M. daily and w/ half an education the light of the fact that one is, during this practice, in the center of the universe. John Lennon revealed some of this type awareness in "I Am The Walrus" song.
Trade the destructive fragmentation of the self for creative Unity thru T.M.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 07/24/2014
Hello Lilac,
Depression issues ...
You're a wealth of information. I've experienced a recent family death and have taken it worse than the loss of mother and father five years ago (one lost five years ago and the other 6 and a half).
I found "colloidal gold" seemed to even me out a lot. It is a calmer and kept the feelings of "desolation" from being too extreme. And I more easily emerged from those moments of "melt down" faster. I also found simple reading from Scripture is helpful...from the Book of John in the NT and the Psalms.
I wonder if you have read about Colloidal Gold's effect. Also have you tried valerian?
Based on your post I'll try to get off computer at night...ha...I'll try anyway...
dave
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Lilac (Northern Usa) on 07/24/2014
Dave, I'm sorry about your loss. Thank you for the tip to read Psalms and John. I will try that. Those books are elevating.
It also helps me to feel in touch with God when I contemplate the immensity of the cosmos. When your blues come knocking, contemplate the famous photo called "Pale Blue Dot." You can find it online. It puts your issues in perspective.
I'm not familiar with using gold. I never ran across any information on it. I do have much experience with Valerian. It works excellently for sleep. However if used regularly, Valerian can bring on depression. So I use it only as needed.
If you want to use your computer at night, just block the blue light waves that emanate from the screen. You can do that by wearing amber-lens glasses or covering your screen with an amber lens. (I got cheap amber goggles on Amazon, but pricier glasses are also sold for this purpose.) If you google "blue light waves and sleep, " you should find out much about this topic. I read an excellent book on the topic that you can get on Amazon: GREAT SLEEP! REDUCED CANCER! By Richard L. Hansler, Ph.D. The new energy-saver light bulbs that are everywhere now have more of these blue waves than the older incandescent bulbs, so they too are a problem, as is the light from cell phones. If you look up "Insomnia" here on the earthclinic site, there is an entry called "Block Blue Light, " that will tell you what you need to know.
Recently I came across information that Vitamin C is needed for the body to make neurotransmitters that are important for overcoming depression. Consequently I am now also trying a high dose of Vitamin C. Here is the quote which I found for Vitamin C made from tapioca:
"Vitamin C inhibits candida and promotes wound and gut healing. This vitamin is also important in the biosynthesis of carnitine, serotonin, and certain neurotransmitters, including norephinephrine."
I regret those feelings of desolation you have, and I will think about you. I hope that, day by day, your desolation will fade and joy and wellbeing will visit. Your new beginning may be just around the corner, and something of great value may replace your loss.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Jeanne (New Hampshire) on 07/25/2014
Thank you for this post. It was so very touching. You also gave some very good advice for compassionate thoughts for others.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 07/26/2014
Dear Dave - I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. You were truly blessed to have each other for 29 years. Your strength and love must have been such a comfort to her during her illness. Both my husband and I were moved to tears when we read your post. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Dealing with the death of your wife, along with the stress of being a caregiver, has taken its toll on your physical, mental and emotional health. Take as much time as necessary for your healing. Be kind to yourself - there is no schedule to follow because grieving is such an individual process. I hope you find peace in the days ahead.
I just want you to know that I always found your posts on Earth Clinic to be generous, enlightening and uplifting. You write with warmth, sincerity and empathy. It's obvious that you put a lot of thought behind those words before you hit the “Submit” button.
Take care, Dave, my thoughts are prayers are with you. Bess
“Within our hearts and memories, those we love remain with us always.”
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Lilac (Northern Usa) on 07/27/2014
Hello Bess, I'm pleased that you found the information on blue light waves and sleep helpful. Thank you for letting me know. Because the blue--and to a lesser extent green--waves are small, they more easily penetrate our eyes and disrupt the melatonin that is crucial to good sleep. People are generally not aware that the energy-saver light bulbs we now use have more of these blue waves than the older-style bulbs ("incandescent"), and thus are not good to be around near bedtime. Even stronger are the blue waves from TV screens, computer screens, cell- phone screens. An amber or red lens will block these waves, either by putting such a lens on the screen or wearing the glasses or goggles for an hour or a few hours before bed. (I got inexpensive red and amber goggles on Amazon.)
One can spend thousands of dollars on supplements, but health still comes down to these basics: good sleep, the right food, and exercise. That is the golden trinity of good health.
Here are a few more things I have found helpful for depression: Vitamin D, either from the sun on one's skin or from taking D3. (Avoid synthetic D2) Vitamn C--as I said before, it is needed by the brain. Eating lots of raw vegetables, alone or in a salad. Raw vegetables rarely fail to give me a boost.
Also, pay special attention to your digestion. A happy gut = a happy head. If you have digestive issues, look into cures, like the low FODMAP diet.
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Mary (Arcadia, Ca) on 04/27/2014 50 posts
★★★★★
I got off all my psychiatric meds for Anxiety and depression. Not by what my doctor said to do but what I thought was a better idea by my brother. If you are taking tablets it is a lot easier. I used my finger nail and took off a tiny bit that would not make much difference to me. I did this for about a month and then took of a little more until I was done with them. This worked so well that I did not go through any withdrawls. Mean time I drank tea Passion Fruit tea. It really calmed me down. I hope this helps you.
Blessings, Mary
