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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nicole (Laguna Niguel, California, usa) on 03/25/2009
★★★★★
Hi, I had been suffering from depression ever since my parents got divorced 3 years ago; as an only child I had no one to talk to I had counseling, I exercised, but nothing seemed to work until I came across earth clinic. I decided to try the apple cider vinegar and it's been great I feel SO MUCH BETTER I SERIOSLY CAN'T BELIVE IT!!! I have been drinking 2 teaspoons of ACV 3x a day and my moods are so much better I'm almost as I used to be my mom can't believe it! I hope this continues to work... I find it less awfull if I drink the AVC with a cup of lemonade the taste is so much better thank you Earth Clinic =]
Fasting
Posted by Devon (Oregon) on 02/11/2022
★★★★★
I started eating once a day, around 4-5pm. This means I do a 24 hour fast, roughly. It hasn't even been 2 weeks, but it has been very beneficial. I was 161 lbs and am already at 154. I can literally feel my body doing what it's supposed to be doing for energy. Sometimes I have so much energy that it feels as though I took an ADD medication, like Adderall. Definitely helps me feel hopeful and has the ability to get me out of that dark, horrible run. Good luck to you.
Cold Showers
Posted by Sarah (Nailworth, Glos UK) on 10/20/2008
★★★★★
I have been an avid reader of your site since i found it. I use many of your suggestions such as acv, bsm and baking soda for a cleanser. I heard about cold showers and depression and decided to give it a try. The main reason i tried it was because one day i was with a friend and we do wind each other up a bit and hurl joking insults at each other, but this one day i got really down about some of his comments as i suffer from depression and menopause i was feeling very vunerable. I could not get over his jokes and as much as i tried to reasure myself that he did not really mean them they still hurt and i was in tears for days. I thought i would take a cold shower to see if it cheered me up. All i can say is WOW. I must admit although i had lost the will to live i honestly thought i was going to die in the shower and decided i am not only depressed i am bloody bonkers, i was convinced i was going to die from heart failure, shock and hypothermia all at the same time. But after i stopped shivering and my teeth stopped chuttering i realised i was going to live after all and actually started to enjoy it. That was only this morning and i have been in such a good mood all day i cant wait to try it again tommorow. My face has also been glowing all day without any make up and i cant stop looking in the mirror, maybe it's just because i feel better but it has took years off me.I have got curly hair and heard it is good for curly hair as mine is going a bit frizzy. I will give you an update in a couple of months to see if it helps . I am one of the few women who love my curly hair and would not touch a straigtener. Everybody comments on my hair and how nice it is but lately with the onset of the menopause it seems to have died so i would love to see if something this simple gets it back to normal.
5-HTP
Posted by dhi22 (Mississippi) on 01/21/2023
★★★★★
Julia Ross, who wrote the Mood Cure, recommends taking 5 HTP 50 mg pills, 1-3 pills at mid afternoon and 1-3 pills at bedtime. If you haven't tried it before, she says to start with 1 pill, if you don't feel any difference in an hour, take a second one, and if still no difference in another hour, take a 3rd. At whatever point you feel a difference, that is your dose. She does not recommend 100 mg pills, I suppose because it limits the ability to start low and gradually increase, only as needed. Obviously, if you feel weird on it or have some side effect, don't take it. Her book is a great resource for how/when/why and side effects to look for when taking various aminos and supplements for mood. She also distinguishes between the "Blues" type of depression and the "Blahs" type of depression and recommends aminos/supplements accordingly.
5-HTP
Posted by Brian (Boulder, Co) on 03/02/2012
★★★★★WARNING!
My caution is quite different: there is a VERY good chance your doctor will advise against 5-HTP (or any natural remedy). For many, that avenue then becomes a dead end.
I use 5-HTP now after being prescribed pharmaceuticals, and it is at least as effective. The dark secret about meds is that for many of us they don't do much in the first place, and eventually they destroy your liver (which happened to my sister, with many serious health consequences).
My advice for wearning yourself off your meds (which is what I did) is to do it VERY slowly, and introduce 5-HTP as slowly. At least 3 months, until the dosages you are taking are just tiny crumbs. This will keep your side effects down to a bare minimum. Good luck!
5-HTP
Posted by Hollyhock (America ) on 05/07/2024
The number one thing I've learned over the years is to keep quiet about my supplements. I don't tell family or doctors, which by the way I haven't been to a "doctor" in 6 years now. You've learned a hard lesson.
Cold Showers
Posted by Bill (East Stroudsburg, PA) on 05/29/2009
★★★★★
I suffer from periodic severe depressions. I have taken every drug known to science and have undergone shock treatment. By accident this spring I discovered that a long, very cold shower, as long as I can stand it provides the best treatment I've had in 50 years. I can only assume it is not suggested by doctors because the drug companies don't recommend it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Laura (Orlando, FL) on 12/06/2007
★★★★★
About 6 months ago, I suddenly woke up with severe nausea and constant burping. Everything I ate and drank made me feel sick. I woke up nautious and went to bed nat ious every day. My quality of life started changing. I did not want to go out anymore and do things because I constantly felt sick. Being newly engaged, this really put a damper on my relationship. Who wants to be around someone that feels sick everyday and to be honest..when you are sick everyday you reach a point where you just want to be alone. I am only 27 years old and I felt like I had put on 10 years or more in the last 6 months. I even told my mother if I had to live the rest of my life like this I might kill myself. Everything made me sick. Even riding in a car. I had a colonoscopy which came back fine. I then had a scope done and showed that I had erosions all in my stomach, throat, and esophogas. I have been on prevacid and aciphex, which did not seem to help at all and the constant burping was just nasty and embarrassing. I got online and found this site and figured I would give the ACV a chance. This is only my 4th day and oh my goodness thank you god!!! I am not nauseous anymore. Riding in a car no longer makes me sick. If I burp it is one good one instead of a million tiny ones and I have energy like I haven't had in years. I have lost 3 pounds in a few days and I am not having bad cravings. I also notice my skin looks better. I also have battled depression for a long time and I actually feel happy. I woke up at 4a.m smiling thinking why am I so happy. This is truley amazing and I can't wait to keep taking it and see what else it does. If you have battled acid reflux believe me I know how horrible it is. Please just try this and you will not regret it!!
Cayenne
Posted by Lisa (Newton, MA) on 10/18/2007
★★★★★
Hi, I started to put a bit of Cayenne pepper, along with some lemon juice into my morning tea, as an immune booster, but, I must say, I have found that I have been in an extremely energetic and jovial mood. I had not noticed this until yesterday, my 3rd day doing this regimen---just thought I would share.
Rhodiola
Posted by Sunni (Seattle, WA) on 06/24/2007
★★★★★
I have suffered from mild to moderate depression my whole life. I've tried many things over the years ... Zoloft, therapy, hypnosis, yoga, seminars ... you name it. Nothing helped much. I had also tried natural supplements like SAM-e, 5-HTP, etc. They help some but not a lot. When I started Rhodiola on the second day I felt transformed! Not only did it lift my depression but it actually made me happy! I wanted to do things, live life! I had enthusiam and energy, which I've never really had my whole life. This wonderful little herb has made me feel the best I've ever felt in my life.
Proper Mental Diet
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 02/08/2024
Dear Tiberius,
Thank you for this!
I have recounted your thoughts to several others today - especially the part about seeing the good.
Negativity is so easy. Your analogy of looking for the color blue was perfect. Being positive or negative is a habit.
Thanks again!
~Mama to Many~
Exercise, Omega 3, Sauna
Posted by Jess (Boston, MA) on 03/02/2023
★★★★★
I have to monitor my mood because I'm prone to depression so I have to nip it in the bud. This is what works for me.
1. Exercise, especially intense aerobic exercise or weightlifting.
2. High-quality canned tuna (due to the fish oils). If/when I get down just having a bit here and there can perk me up.
3. Sauna. It's difficult to be depressed when you sweat it all out. Also gives you time to meditate and get into a better mindspace.
4. "Doing" rather than thinking. For example, trying to get involved in a tasks at home or at work that keep your mind off things. Decluttering, cleaning, gardening, etc. Anything other than negative thought patterns.
St John's Wort
Posted by Cynthia (Minnesota) on 09/14/2022
★★★★★
St. John's Wort is amazing for depression. And at least for me, it worked quickly. I had tried all kinds of supplements without success. I had crippling brain fog, lethargy, and a general feeling of wanting to give up. Work stress was overwhelming. I started taking 350 mg of St. John's Wort twice a day and the results have been remarkable. Brain fog is gone. I want to tackle my work. I feel interested in doing things that I had given up long ago, things like polishing my shoes, curling my hair, or cleaning out a cupboard. Energy, motivation, positive outlook!
There are lots of reputable brands available. Many people take 300 mg three times a day and for some it takes a few weeks to start working. For me, SJW is as powerful as any RX antidepressant.
5-HTP
Posted by Misty (Indiana, US) on 07/18/2014
I also forgot to mention that it has all but completely killed my appetite. I noticed I can't seem to eat more than 1000 calories a day. I've been trying to force myself to eat more but just feel nauseous. I previously had zero problems eating enough.
@Timh Just because it's a naturally occurring amino acid does not mean that it won't cause problems if dosed unnecessarily. Overdosing on any essential nutrient can cause harmful side effects and even death. I have done my research and found that these are all documented side effects of 5-HTP, so clearly it doesn't work for everyone.
Also, I don't believe I need to detox. I eat very clean (paleo and mostly organic), live in a rural area, and detox several times a year. I rarely ever get sick and do not have any other symptoms that indicate toxicity.
However, thank you for your recommendations. I have tried St. Johns Wort, but it doesn't work for me either. I do take some L-Tyrosine in a supplement called True Focus, but I have never tried it separately. I did see marked improvement with SAMe in the past, but I tried 5-HTP in the hopes that a less expensive alternative would work for me.
5-HTP
Posted by Idot13 (Ireland) on 07/18/2018
Did you first try worm tablets? Most of the time it can be the cause if nothing is working for you.
5-HTP
Posted by Mrs Betty (Colorado) on 04/19/2018
You can empty out the capsule and divide the contents in half with a knife. It is not precisely exact but quite close. This tip was given to me by a hospital pharmacist.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl, Usa) on 04/01/2012
Depression is an extremely complex problem that is very difficult to treat. I know because I was diagnosed with clinical depression and have been clinically depressed on and off the majority of my adult life. At my worst, I was unable to get out of bed and failed classes in college. Now I am a successful law school graduate. Luckily, I am much better now, thanks to a number of lifestyle changes, but I know I will always need to take care of myself to prevent another relapse.
Depression is a multi-faceted problem. You need to treat it on three levels: physical, psychological, and environmental. There are 4 books that have been key to me on this journey. 2 I will mention here. The first is "Perfect Health" by Deepak Chopra, which introduced me to the life-changing practice of Ayurveda. The second book, my holy grail that I give to everyone I know who has depression, is "The Chemistry of Joy", which balances Eastern/Western methods for a truly holistic method of treatment.
Physical - If you want to kick depression, prepare to put in a tremendous effort and to make a lot of lifestyle changes. The two things that have helped me the most is cleaning up my diet and getting regular exercise. I switched to eating whole, natural foods. I cook my own meals, and if it has something in it I can't pronounce, I don't eat it. I eat lots of serotonin-producing foods (meats, eggs, cheeses). I only use all-natural cosmetics, cleaning products, laundry products, deodorants, shampoos, etc - NO CHEMICALS! Supplements: 5-HTP was initially instrumental in getting me back on track, but after 2 years I had to stop using it because it gave me irregular heartbeats and chest pain. Magnesium supplementation (or epsom salt baths) are also really wonderful for curbing depression and anxiety. I have had the best results using ionic magnesium citriate. Vitamin B supplementation is also very helpful. Get as much fresh air and sunshine as possible and aim to get exercise at least 5x week. Drink 8 glasses of water every day. Yoga, meditation, cardio workouts, and reiki are also miraculous for depression. Be gentle with yourself. Do a self-massage with warm oil everyday, morning and night, with an oil that is suited to your "dosha" (ayurvedic type). For a quick "boost", ACV helps (as others have said here), or I make a shake with bananas, milk and raw cacao powder. If you are smoking, drinking, or using drugs, you need to cease use before you can start really healing yourself.
Psychological - One cause of depression is a pattern of negative thinking, usually learned in childhood. Did your parents, siblings, or friends tell you or make you feel like you were never good enough? Were you ever verbally or physically abused? Were you teased? Did you experience trauma in your early life? You may not realize it, but you may be talking to yourself the way that THEY talked to you - "I'm not good enough", "I can't do this", "I'll never have... " If this sounds like you, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) will help greatly. You can do this with a therapist or do it yourself, but please note this is not an easy task and you will need to put in effort everyday to re-train yourself out of this kind of thinking. My therapist recommended the book "The Feeling Good Workbook" and I still use the lessons everyday. Another book along the same lines is "Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay - a good book on positive self talk. Be thankful for the good things in your life. Also, having a spiritual practice (religious, or even something like yoga, which balances the spiritual with the physical), helps us put everything in perspective.
Environmental - Have a support network. When people are depressed, they tend to isolate themselves from family and friends. As much as you don't want to go out and do things, force yourself to do them. Let people know what you are going through. Take one day at a time. Join a support group. Surround yourself with positive, loving, people. Turn off the news. Get rid of the "toxic" people, influences, and habits in your life. Your parents, your friends, and your family may have hurt you. Maybe they were once victims themselves - forgive them. And above all, remember that you are not alone and you deserve to be happy!
If you have tried everything and you still are struggling with depression, please seek help from a trained psychologist or counselor. I know what a dark, awful place depression can be and you don't want to be there alone. While I think that lifestyle changes and CBT can help most people, if this doesn't help you, medication might be life-saving. Your life is too precious to spend in pain.
I wish you good luck on your journey... Xoxo
5-HTP
Posted by Anon (Somewhere, Usa) on 08/25/2010
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE talk to either your doctor or a pharmacist before you proceed with this. I took meds for panic attacks and the side effects were the most horrible experience to go through during the weaning process. A family member went through bad experience with it too and ended up trying to end her life. These medications are dangerous and should be illegal for doctors to pass out scripts the way they do.
Cold Showers
Posted by Rob Dillon (San Francisco, CA) on 05/04/2009
★★★★★
I feel sad for a very odd reason. Why on earth did I not find this simple cold water shower cure earlier. I suffered from a lot of diseases all life and this cold water shower cured this. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND A MUST FOR EVERYONE WHO WANT TO STAY HAPPY AND HEALTHY.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cathal (Canberra, Australia) on 10/01/2007
★★★★★
On Friday 14 September 2007 I went to the doctor. I'm 63. While there I asked him to take a look at my Knuckles on my left hand, which have had a rough dry scaly bumpy patch with a yellow white crust, which I have had for several years making my hand look pretty ugly. Nothing that I have tried could ever shift it. He said that it was Solar Keratosis (also known as an actinic keratosis) and gave me a computer print out article. He said that there was a slight chance that it could eventually turn into a skin Cancer called squamous cell carceinoma. I asked how to get rid of it and he listed: freezing it with liquid nitrogen, cutting it out or scraping it off under a local anesthetic, or using a creme or gel that could take up to three months to work and which may cause inflammation and blistering, or I could have Laser surgery or he could cauterize it with a searing hot iron or an electric current or use caustic burning substance. Uh-oh! When I got home I hit the internet quick smart and looked it up the malady on this and other sites. I then looked through my cupboards and found some Apple Cider Vinegar that my deceased wife had bought over 12 years ago. I tried some right away topically and went to the Health Food store and got some "fresh" ACV (imported from the USA) with the "Mother" in it. Today is the first of October (about two weeks later) and with 2 or 3 glasses a day of a 'splash' of ACV, bit of local honey and spring water from the supermarket plus a cotton bud tip as a device to put some of the old ACV on the knuckles, they are now completely clear! The skin is smooth, there's no roughness and some other assorted skin irritations have cleared up as well. My usual 'aches and pains' are far less prevalent. I am also less "Down" and feel generally quite a bit more positive. Sleep is deeper and less disturbed with getting up in the night reduced to once or twice a night with some nights being slept all the way through. I also seem to have more energy and less appetitie (which is good as I am getting more girth with age)! I also have far less indigestion. The only "side effect" was a few whitehead pimples at the beginning few days, which I took to be my skin generally throwing off some bodily toxins. If I am having a so-called "placebo effect" or if some learned academic says that this is really only "mind over matter" or the "power of suggestive thinking", or if someone says that my doctor "mis-diagnosed" me, well, I don't care! The damn unsightly thing has disappeared, leaving me feeling much better all 'round! It is the cheapest and most effective alternative I have ever tried and I am pleased that I don't have to undergo any painful or expensive chemical or surgical procedure (even though medical care is free for everyone in Australia). The ACV works for me! And for only a few cents a day of natural healthful ingredients. I can now gladly put my hand up as a happy ACV customer!
Cold Showers
Posted by Christina (Charleston, WV) on 07/01/2007
★★★★★
Cold showers cured my depression. I just want to thank you for the advice about cold showers. I have suffered from depression for a long time now and nothing seemed to be working. I have been taking two cold showers daily now for about four weeks and I feel a 100% difference. I actually have energy to do things again. Before I started the cold showers all I wanted to do was sleep. Thanks again. You don't know how much your advice has helped.
B Complex
Posted by Dee (USA) on 02/24/2006
★★★★★
I have found that taking B complex vitamins work very well for depression and anxiety. Also repeating positive affirmations like "I am healing" while imagining a white light covering your entire body has worked very well for me! Much peace to you all!
