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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sid Davis (Springfield, Missouri, USA) on 02/11/2009
★★★★★
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Charles (Burlingame, Calif/USA) on 02/10/2009
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
Dietary Changes
Posted by Rick (Montreal, Quebec) on 02/11/2009
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,
T3
Posted by Mary (Regina, Canada) on 01/22/2009
★★★★★
Hi: I am so glad someone brought up T3(liiothyronine) therapy and depression. A very common effect of both clinical and sub clinical hypothyroidism is depression. Sometimes people who are depressed are misdiagnosed as not having hypothyroidism because the blood tests are negative. A true test if you are depressed and want to see if it is a symptom of hypothyroidism is to take your temperatue under your arm, three hours after waking, then 2 more times every three hours. Average these and they should not be below 37 C. If below, could be cause of depression and a host of other symproms. see www.wilsonstemperaturesyndrome.com This has helped me greatly, Mary
Sam-E
Posted by Karen (Ephrata, Wa - Washington) on 12/24/2012
★★★★★
Just a word on Sam-e, it is amazing stuff. It has helped me more than any other supplement. I would like to share some information about it though. It should never be taken with any other substance that effects seratonin, such as rhodiola, 5-htp or even dextromethorphan wich is in Robotussin D.M. and many over the counter medications. And of course Prozac and other prescription medications. For me Sam-e has worked far better than anything else.
Sam-E
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, Ny) on 12/27/2012
I found a good answer to my own post...
From Dr. Ray Sahelian:"I have personally taken SAM-e just to see what it would do, and it is quite a powerful mood lifter. Perhaps I'm sensitive to nutrients, but I notice the effects on 100 mg, sometimes even less. Almost all the tablets on the market are 200 mg. If you plan to take it under medical guidance, here's a few tips your doctor may not know. It's best taken in the morning before or with breakfast. I notice within one to two hours being more alert and more motivated to do things, and in a better mood. Many of the clinical studies have used several hundred mgs but in the long run this can cause side effects. The most common are overstimulation, insomnia, and headache. You can actually feel anxious and restless if you take too much. If you wish to take a small amount, bite off half or a third of a 200 mg tablet and use the rest the next day. You may need to adjust your dose down over the next few days since it can start building up in the system, or you can take a day or two off. Each person is unique in their response."
Sam-E
Posted by Mum (Qld, Australia) on 12/31/2014
I have suffered severe depression and anxiety for many years. I have been hospitalised for several weeks and attempted suicide multiple times. During my worst anxiety, I was horrible to be around and developed extreme agoraphobia. I managed to get my condition under control using medications and CBT. However the medications had negative side effects including extreme weight gain of 50Kg and sexual difficulties. The meds also made me need to sleep 10 - 11 hrs a night. Several months ago, I bravely stopped medication and moved onto a combination of SAM-e and vitamin B complex. I feel even BETTER than I did on medication and the negative side effects are gone. I am sleeping well and my family have commented how wonderful I look. I am calm and collected. I need to take 400mg of SAM-e daily, as the 200mg dosage isn't strong enough. On 200mg, my anxiety and depression creeps back in slightly. I highly recommend SAM-e. Make sure to take the vitamin B's as well. This makes it work better.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Bart (Athens - Greece) on 11/17/2025
Brewer's yeast contains much more uridine than sugar beets molasses.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Carla (Grosse Pointe, Michigan) on 09/11/2008
Hello everyone, I can't thank you enough for this great website, I love it and recommend it to everyone I know. I too am looking for a place where to buy sugar beet molasses. I have searched online and at some "fancy" grocery stores with no success. Does anybody have any ideas? Thank you so much!
EC: Well, we've found beet sugar sold online but not beet molasses. Try googling "beet molasses" rather than "sugar beet molasses". It's possible that an international grocery store would carry it.
Here's a website for traders -- sorry, not much help, but it may give you some clues! http://buy.ecplaza.net/search/1s1nf20sell/beet_molasses.html
Additional info on Sugar Beet Molasses from Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molasses
"Sugar beet molasses
Molasses that comes from the sugar beet is different from cane molasses. Only the syrup left from the final crystallisation stage is called molasses; intermediate syrups are referred to as high green and low green and these are recycled within the crystallisation plant to maximise extraction. Beet molasses is about 50% sugar by dry weight, predominantly sucrose but also containing significant amounts of glucose and fructose. Beet molasses is limited in biotin (Vitamin H or B7) for cell growth, hence it may need to be supplemented with a biotin source. The non-sugar content includes many salts such as calcium, potassium, oxalate and chloride. These are either as a result of concentration from the original plant material or as a result of chemicals used in the processing. As such, it is unpalatable and is mainly used as an additive to animal feed (called "molassed sugar beet feed") or as a fermentation feedstock.
It is possible to extract additional sugar from beet molasses through a process known as molasses desugarisation. This technique exploits industrial scale chromatography to separate sucrose from non-sugar components. The technique is economically viable in trade protected areas where the price of sugar is supported above the world market price. As such it is practised in the US and parts of Europe."
In the cuisines of the Middle East, molasses is produced from several other materials: carob[1], grape[2], date[3], pomegranate[4], and mulberry[5].
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Brenda (Edmonton, Canada ) on 03/23/2009
I have been surching a lot on where to find Sugar Beet Mollasses. Still have not found anything....I do have a suspicion, if one goes into their local Chinatown supermarket, and say In Mandarin or Cantonese for Sugar Beet Mollasses they just may find it!!
Perhaps someone Asian on your staff or board will attempt this..
I did find:
http://www.answers.com/topic/sugar-beethttp://www.answers.com/topic/uridine
I am not sure if taking(5 grams per day) of yeast is healthy though so I thought I better post you first.
Thank you.
Good Luck to all.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Nirinjan (Traverse City, Michigan) on 12/30/2009
I would recommend using Molasses from cane sugar and not beets. Most sugar beets are GMO and could have other side effects or make sure it's organic grown.
Dhea
Posted by Brian Mahoney (Bellingham, Washington) on 05/21/2008
★★★★★
I've been on different antidepressants the last several years, natural and pharmaceutical and have found DHEA supplementation to be one of the most effective for myself. I'm currently taking usually 150mg /day of dhea and 200mg of Zoloft. Added in deer antler velvet this last month. The jury's still out on the DAV. I aso just tried Saint John's Wart standardized for hypericin and hyperforin and can't say it did any good. D3 didn't help. Will probably try urine drinking last if at all. Rhodiola may be next and/or a trip to a sunnier climate. I just saw some info at Perlmutter Health Center (Naples Fl) web site about hyperbaric oxygen giving some people depression relief, so that will be in the future as well.
Couch Exercise
Posted by Adrienne (ID) on 07/31/2023
I get it! Imagine laying flat on the floor face down and then trying to raise up your torso or bend your head, shoulders and back upward and back as if you were trying to curl up backwards. Now picture how much easier that would be laying over the end of your couch with your hands touching the floor. You could just curl backwards as much as you could which might only be a little at first, but if you did it often you would gradually be able to bend further. I can see how this would strengthen back muscles, but I'm not sure how it works for depression, except to say if wiggling our toes works, hey, why not bending our backs? I've been depressed for several days, so, after reading about it on Earth Clinic, I tried just tightening my toes while I was walking around today. I'm not depressed now! :-)
Couch Exercise
Posted by Kathy (Melbourne, Australia) on 11/27/2011
Is this what they call planking? lol :-)
Rhodiola
Posted by Cayita (Welland, Ontario) on 07/10/2012
Actually, I don't think it is considered a mood altering herb. I have heard very good comments about it.
Rhodiola and 5-HTP
Posted by Rae (Hackensack, NJ) on 02/06/2008
★★★★★
I sent feedback about a week ago about a rash as a possible side effect from Rhodiola (500mg for depression)but I was also taking St John's Wort (900mg). I did more research and found some people have had an itchy rash in response to St. John's Wort! I tried the St. John's again and the same thing happened. Now I'm on the Rhodiola and 5 htp (50mg)and so far so good.
Rhodiola and 5-HTP
Posted by Henry (SF, California) on 05/24/2008
★★★★★
I agree, for weeks I was in a horrible depression and the next day I was better (and physically stronger). I took Gaia Herbs Adrenal Support (has Rhodiola) + straight Rhodiola.
Cold Showers
Posted by Learning (Northern, In) on 08/22/2011
I'm pretty sure she meant that if your temperature is 78 then you are dead...
Cold Showers
Posted by Sam (Tampa Fl) on 11/23/2013
No one is going to die from a cold shower or quick dip in icy water. You can die from anything you believe in. Watch this on you tube. It is traditional to dip into an ice hole in january in Russia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQB2QBSmFW0.
Sodium Thiosulfate
Posted by G (USA) on 07/14/2007
★★★★★
Ted, i have been taking sodium thiosulfate in the form of an aquarium water conditioner, removes heavy metals and chlorine. Anyway, am I supposed to feel this good after taking it in my water/tea at the rate of about 7 - 10 drops per pint. Calls for 2 drops per gallon to condition the water, I am way over that. Anyway, within 30 minutes I feel great! Almost like an instant ant-depressant. What's your opinion, on the mode of action?
Wiggle the Toe Method
Posted by Hazel (London, England) on 07/04/2007
★★★★★
I had psychotic depression after my childs birth. I didn't sleep for days. A reflexologist told me this. You wiggle one toe, then the next one, then the next one and so on. Over and over. It works brilliantly, try it tonight!
St John's Wort
Posted by Sarah (Ottawa, Canada) on 01/13/2012
I have been taking B100 complex and Omega 3 (both three times a day) to help me being down day-to-day (depression, I guess).
I tried them separately, but only if I take them both works for me..
Tried 5-HTP for weight loss and saw it decreased my appetite considerably, improved my mood but also made me sleepy. So, I only take it once in the evening.
None of these were helping though with my aweful PMS moods. So gave ST JOHN'S WORT a try. Started taking 2 weeks before my expected period and saw improvements almost in a matter of days.
I had no side effects and now use it regularly 1 week before my period and following week to keep the bitch under control (additional to all above vitamins).
I take 2-3 weeks off and then repeat, so far I'm very happy with the results. It doesn't make me happy, just content but that is way better than being angry for no good reason.
Sam-E
Posted by Sharon (Boston, MA) on 02/04/2007
★★★★★
My husband had a habit of waking up at 2:00am in terrible anxiety every night. The rest of the night was toss and turn, toss and turn. I started him on SamE and overnight, the pattern ceased. Now he loves it and takes it every night. No more insomnia, no more anxiety, no more depression. Good stuff!!
Day Light Lamp, Dietary Suggestions
Posted by Toma (Chicago, IL) on 01/23/2007
★★★★★
Day light lamp not only helps to relieve the symptoms of SAD, but it also works great for depression. Make sure the lamp has a filter that blocks UV rays. Also, the supplement Isocort helps to fight every day stress.This diet will help your mood swings and depression a big deal: avoiding diary products, sugar, caffeine, canned foods, red meat, roasted foods, and alcohol. Doing deep breathing exercise 3 times a day helps to fight anxiety, and, also, a good remedy for panic attacks. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day may help to relieve depression symptoms, too.
Black Tea
Posted by Michael (Adelaide, Australia) on 12/17/2006
★★★★★
L Theanine in Black Tea cured my Chronic Anxiety and Minor Depression.
I have suffered the above symptoms for a large part of the past 15 years. Have been prescribed a host of SSRI's and other drugs during this time. For the past few weeks I have been drinking a lot of black tea (6 cups per day) and the results have been amazing. The depression has lifted and i am more relaxed than i have been in years. I drink the tea straight (no sugar or milk) and let it settle well before drinking. Interestingly i used to drink a lot of green tea but did not get as good a response. I'm very encouraged by my experience of black tea and hope it continues to work.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Raquelle (Auckland, NZ) on 05/13/2008
Man this is the ultimate website! thankyou for your story. It always inspires me!
Lemon Juice
Posted by Jamie (Albuquerque, NM) on 10/19/2006
★★★★★
I didn't know lemons treat the blues, but I found out accidentally one day when I was bummed out that I cannot live without lemons.
The Arts
Posted by Phoebe (USA) on 11/28/2005
★★★★★
I have found journalling and painting really helpful in understanding the roots of my depression, which tends to be seasonal and occasional but severe. Making myself sit in the morning and blurting out whatever comes into my head without any censor (it's quite hard - try it!) is brilliant - as long as you do not show it to anybody - the more private you can make it the better it is for having a good old rant at the world without hurting anyone's feelings!! Also taking loads of rough paper and cheap paint and just doing the same with the paint, using colour and shape to express feelings. Learning to allow 'negativity' and 'mistakes' through these processes, is really helpful for moving through depression. Freestyle dancing is also excellent..Read Gabrielle Roth - 'Sweat Your Prayers' for in-depth information on dancing yourself through many states of mind and finding incredible strength. Good Luck! Oh and don't forget the positive thoughts and affirmations!! Phoebe.
Sam-E
Posted by Shelly (Sioux City)
★★★★★
In the fall when the time changes, I often have a very difficult time with anxiety and depression, especially as the holiday season approaches. After being on Effexor for a couple of years, I decided I needed to find a natural solution as I was tired of always feeling 2 steps behind. I experimented with the supplement SAM-e and discovered that it worked wonders fairly quickly. I also realized that some brands are better than others as it is a very unstable molecule. I took the lower dosage 2x a day for about a month. At that point I had to stop taking it for a while because it appeared that my brain chemistry had corrected itself and I no longer needed supplementation. Now I take it as needed, which is about 1 pill every few months. I hope others coming off the anti-anxiety medication will give this supplement a try. It was a wonderful discovery! By the way, doctors in Europe prescribe this remedy more often than prescription meds.
St John's Wort
Posted by Ines (Tel Aviv)
★★★★★
I'm taking Saint John's Wort and it is helping to feel better from mild depression -- being prescribed Paxil, Miro and Prozac -- decided to take first Saint John's Wort and so far so good !!!
Dietary Changes
Posted by lucas (usa) on 03/16/2026
Hi None Given,
Which brand of moringa and spirulina do you use?
Do you mix these powders with lemon juice?
Thank you
Vitamin D
Posted by Sunshine (Everywhere!!!) on 04/07/2025
Vitamin D is is stored in fat tissues. If you fast your body will use fat reserves. So fasting may be good for seasonal affective disorder.
Iboga Root Bark, Metta Meditation
Posted by Zeze (London) on 11/18/2024
Hey, how much iboga were you micro dosing per day and were you doing it every day/at certain times / empty stomach etc? I did it in Gabon and brought some back to microdose but found it hard to maintain with full time work, plus wasn't sure of amounts (they didn't recommend how much to take)
Rhodiola
Posted by Mary (San Gabriel, CA) on 10/01/2021
★★★★★
If anyone got the recipe of Oprah Winfrey's tea for depression containing Rhodiola can you please post it here on Earthclinic? I have been searching for it for a long time now. Thank you very much!!
Mary
Palo Santo Essential Oil
Posted by Bart (Athens - Greece) on 11/27/2025
★★★☆☆
Smelling palo santo doesn't heal depression. My ultrasonic aroma diffuser says only use five drops of essential oil per use. That doesn't make much aroma. I then used resins of palo santo on charcoal. Much greater aroma but it just creates a calming atmosphere, it's not a cure.
Gratitude Practice
Posted by J. (Mn) on 02/16/2020
Hi. Very good advice I start and end the day with prayers of thanks. I have cleaned my entire place from top to bottom. Got rid of tons of clutter and I did feel better and less fatigue. When you look at clutter everywhere it's defeating and makes you tired. My problem is keeping up with it and staying on an even keel. I do really good keeping the house in order and then after some days I crash. Too tired to do anything. I don't know if this is a form of chronic fatigue or depression, although I don't think negatively this is not new I've had I would call it poor stamina all my adult life. I have attributed it to having a damaged nervous system from prolonged (like years) emotional trauma in youth. I'll have to do some more research. Thank you everyone for your ideas.
Gratitude Practice
Posted by Nonnie (Canada) on 11/27/2019
Hi Veronicah S. from Switzerland
- I enjoyed reading your post about gratitude / self love / self compassion. It's always good to have a gentle reminder of how much we have to be thankful for - regardless of our circumstances in life. Another great book (there are so many) is "Attitudes of Gratitude" by M.J. Ryan. I read it many years ago and I have to confess that I used to write in a gratitude journal but stopped for no particular reason. Now I'm going to make it part of my daily routine . . .
Thanks again and best wishes.
Brain Zap Recovery Supplements
Posted by Jane (Massachusetts) on 05/24/2019
I have not been able to find anything on Brain Zaps. From what I've read it is related to serotonin levels. People coming off of anti-depressants seem to get them. However my elderly father is now experiencing them and I'm wondering if it's due to aging and depletion of serotonin levels. I've read Omega 3 oils, b-6, b-12 and 5HTP are very effective. Has anyone had luck with these remedies?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Bart (Athens - Greece) on 11/27/2025
'They are in inverse proportion of each other: as Acetylcholine goes up, Serotonin goes down.'
The above is false according to chatgpt.
Low BCAA Protein Diet
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 04/28/2016 2041 posts
L: Have you ever tried supplementing the amino acid Tyrosine?? It's one of my favs for mood & energy.
Test for Hypothyroidism
Posted by April (La, Ca) on 01/06/2016
My temp is 97.1@noon usually. Not normal. Which desiccated hormone therapy did u take? Armour? Maybe I didn't take enough. I had dep fr pms and the pms specialist prescribed that as well as hormones. But still fighting. So it vanished? None was fr life circumstances nor neg thinking? Sounds like purely physical???
