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.
Cold Showers
Posted by Remy (Buffalo, NY) on 09/22/2007
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Please tell website users that they have to be very careful if they have low body weight and use the "cold shower" method to alleviate depression. I have low blood circulation and several health problems because I am suffering and loosing to an eating disorder. Cold showers can be dangerous!
For people who are "underweight" it may be a good idea by slowly decreasing the temp. each time you take a shower, followed by taking your temperature afterward.
Core Temp. Side Effect
95 Shivering
90 Confusion
85 Lethargic
80 Coma
78 Death
Measuring the length of the shower is important, as the longer you expose your self to cold water, the lower your body temperature will drop.
I hope this helps, and as always; if you think you may have an eating disorder, you may have one, or develop one!
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.
L-Theanine
Posted by Hermano (Lisbon, Portugal) on 10/16/2006
★★★★★
L-THEANINE is the best for a mild anxiety. also i tried before playing golf and the results are a four or five better score.this site of yours is the most informative and serious that i have found. thank you.
Water With Lemon, Music
Posted by Courtney (Caldwell, Idaho) on 03/08/2006
★★★★★
A tall cold glass of water with a slice of lemon and peter sterling's cd's cures depression and anxiety. i have not been diagnosed with depression, but it runs in my family and i get it often. it is always accompanied with anxiety. i have found that if you just put peter sterling's music on, and just sit back and SLOWLY sip a glass of lemon water, it will help you relax and brighten your mood.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Connie (Portland, OR)
★★★★★
I suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. I tried at least six or seven medications over a five year period but nothing worked. They all were just expensive and had bad side effects. A naturopathic biologist told me to take ACV and after a couple of days I felt much better for the first time. I believe there are people who need the prescription medications -and counseling is a great help to most of us- but for those of us suffering from occasional recurrent depression/anxiety I believe it is a fantastic cure. I have only taken it when my depression pops up and found relief every time. After reading the benefits for weight loss though, I believe I will begin taking it daily - and brushing my teeth afterward!
Fish Oil
Posted by Colleen (Perry, Florida)
★★★★★
Omega 3 Fish Oils work great for depression!! Be sure to take them on a regular basis. They really work wonders for depression.
Dancing
Posted by Elise (Irving TX)
★★★★★
I am a manic depressive and i found that dancing gets my mind off of things when I'm feeling down plus it's a good exercise.
Alternative Causes
Posted by Lois (UK) on 06/15/2026
★★★★★
Malaise can be mistaken for depression due to significant overlap in symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, sleep disruption, and a general sense of feeling unwell or miserable.
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Shared Symptoms: Both conditions present with exhaustion, lack of motivation, and physical discomfort, making it difficult to distinguish whether the cause is physical or emotional.
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Bidirectional Relationship: Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can cause malaise, but conversely, experiencing prolonged malaise can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
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Diagnostic Challenge: Because malaise is a non-specific symptom present in everything from minor infections to serious chronic diseases, a person with undiagnosed depression might attribute their feelings to a physical problem, while someone with an emerging autoimmune or infectious condition might assume they are simply stressed or depressed.
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Clinical Distinction: Differentiating between the two often requires blood work and a broader clinical picture rather than relying on symptom-checking alone, as the distinction is not always clear-cut.
Proper Mental Diet
Posted by TessaBC (Okanagan) on 02/08/2024
Such an inspiring comment, Tiberius!
Thank you for those wise words.
I agree wholeheartedly with you about it being taught in schools. It would help so many young people on their journey through life.
I have printed it out and have it next to my computer as a gentle reminder to keep things in perspective.
Thanks again.
Cheers from Canada
Chlorella, Copper
Posted by Noohra (USA) on 08/05/2023
Hey Jeffrey!
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
I love Chlorella and fulvic acid. I should probably take it more often.
I was hoping you explain and give a little more detail about the chelated copper. I'm not depressed, but I am a big believer in taking supplements to stay happy and healthy. With 6 kids, I need to stay on top of my game :)
Vanilla Bean Powder
Posted by dibro (Southern USA) on 08/07/2021
★★★★★
For stress, anxiety or depression - Vanilla Bean Powder
Vanilla bean fine powder melts anxiety & takes depression away.
Add a teaspoonful to coffee or tea/or simply remove the cap and use it as an aromatherapy! Add a spoon full to cereal/ even swish with a bit of toothpaste and prevent tooth decay!
Yes, it's a fine powder, not a liquid. Of course U can find it on Amazon.com
Ginger
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 08/09/2020
★★★★★
A one inch piece of fresh organic raw ginger, chewed and swallowed with water. Effective within minutes. Suicidal thoughts and depression had been happening for a few hours. Took more as needed, 3 or so times over the next few hours. Continued as needed over the next few days.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Eliza (Vermont) on 09/19/2018
★★★★★
I have enormous help with depression by avoiding all animal protein and limiting plant protein. (Plant protein is nuts, beans, and seeds.). Also avoid GMO foods because the high pesticides on them contributes to depression. Also avoid wheat, oats, and barely unless they are organic, because in a process called "desiccation, " they are sprayed with pesticides a few days before harvest. Also experiment with avoiding nightshade foods. Supplements that help are zembrin, inositol, and P5P ( active vitamin B6). But most crucial for overcoming depression is to minimize eating protein. It would be too lengthy here to explain how this strategy increases serotonin. Especially avoid animal protein. (don't eat anything with a face and avoid eggs and all dairy). You already know to choose whole grains over refined grains, and avoid sugar. (Most sugar is GMO beets, anyway.)
Please comment on whether this helps you. It is saving me from unbearable misery. I did a great deal of research on this.
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 Ron P. (USA) on 11/16/2021
+1 to Leilanie... -1 to Tif .. Not to be mean but... yeah. even the people I encounter who advocate Rx now and then don't even get relief from them.. it's just an old program that people repeat out loud like parrots; that doesn't work anymore..
Magnesium
Posted by Bart (Athens - Greece) on 11/08/2025
★★★★★
Magnesium glycinate is well absorbed, mild for the stomach and the glycinate part helps for stress and insomnia.
Cold Showers
Posted by Bryan (Pensacola, Fl) on 09/25/2024
★★★★☆
This therapy works wonders, BUT be careful not to overdo it. It can cause mania. Justa word to the wise...
Low BCAA Protein Diet
Posted by Lilac (New England) on 04/28/2016
Tyrosine increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Those neurotransmitters speed up the brain and make one more alert. For some that may be good, while for others who are low on serotonin, it could be harmful. Tyrosine is found in protein foods, so eating more protein, especially animal-source, will increase this alert, speeded-up mentality. But if one is worrying and sad and angry and obsessive, it's more likely serotonin in short supply, in which case complex carbohydrates are better.
I've tried Tyrosine from time to time. It does make me more alert, but not in a good way, more in a "wired" way.
Anyone wanting to increase their serotonin can try Tryptophan or 5HTP. Again, don't take them with any other protein. Sometimes I take Tryptophan or 5HTP before bed, as they cause drowsiness. My experience is that a diet low in protein and high in complex carbohydrates, NOT TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME AS PROTEIN OR WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF PROTEIN works just as well to raise serotonin. Fruit and vegetables don't have much effect either way. By complex carbohydrates I refer to whole grains, potatoes (white & sweet), and winter squashes. Take without added oils/fats for quickest effect, and watch out for white potatoes as you may be sensitive to nightshades.
Remember to take ANY amino acid supplements on an empty stomach or at least not with within an hour or so of any other protein, since the amino acids in the protein will compete with the amino acid(s) in the supplement. Taking amino acid supplements with fruit should be fine.
Thank you for your suggestion.
Test for Hypothyroidism
Posted by Ravi (Mex.) on 10/22/2017
Originally I took Armour thyroid, before their formula change. When I reached 2 grains, the depression vanished and my basal temp. was normal. Basal temp. under arm) must be taken as soon as you awaken in the am, and are still in bed. Read the easy to read book Hypothyroidism by dr Broda Barnes, which explains the very simple protocol. In my case, years of depression had nothing to do with life circumstances.
B12
Posted by Sandhya (Maui, Hawaii) on 10/29/2014
★★★★★
Depression can happen as a result of concussions. Have you hit your head ever? Good luck with the B 12.... you might even try B 12 shots.......
Random Thoughts
Posted by Kc (Montebello, CA) on 08/16/2014
★★★★★
You are truly our Mama. From you words I feel immense amount of love and caring that heal.
Random Thoughts
Posted by Timh (KY) on 08/17/2014 2041 posts
What really bothers me is the fact that someone of almost unlimited resources could not find proper care and some working improvement. I realize that mainstream medicine seeks to maintain a certain level of a disorder so therapy can continue indefinitely thus improving profit margin, but w/ such resources this problem can be transcended. Also there is that "victim syndrome" thing going on in our culture as if one is "proud" to be ill. The recent Seymour Hoffman heroine overdose kinda fits in w/ Robin's tragedy. Now both these celebs are more the heroes despite the illness.
From a classical or common sense model, both these cases (as well as many other suicide) have what appears as a chronic sense of loneliness which is often accompanied by self-indulgence. It seems a crime against family & friends to check out and leave them to suffer. I worked for a man several yrs ago that confided in me the financial hardship of being an independent farmer operating on financial loans and pushed around by big bankers. I never sensed his anguish but a few yrs later committed suicide leaving his wife and children behind. It's something treasonous or immoral to have such disregard for others. Human freedom & happiness are well within reach for most folks, yet many live miserable lives.
The words from music from Neil Young seem appropriate here as the possibility of a cure ---"Change your mind, change your mind".
Sam-E
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 04/07/2014 2041 posts
Mary: I think Tosylate disulfate is the generic name for SAM-e, which is a derivative of the sulfur amino acid Methionine.
As for the reaction, it is ether a problem of Molybdenum deficiency or genetic defect. It's what called a dysfunctional Sulfoxidation mechanism. You should try 500mcg MolyB daily w/ B complex or B-50-100. After 1 wk of this try the SAM-e again as you should have no more reaction and maybe start feeling up and better.
Also for depression, try 500mg Tyrosine in the AM and 100mg 5HTP before retiring.
Exercise
Posted by Annie (Chicago, Il, USA) on 07/01/2013
★★★★★
The way I beat depression? Not medication, but Exercise, exercise, exercise. I had a bad bout of depression after my husband and I separated. Leading up to the separation, I went to the office every day and worked until 8pm every night. I had no energy to exercise or take care of myself. After we separated and I spent many a weekend laying around on the couch, I realized that my long hours with little energy left at the end of the day hurt my marriage. I returned to the gym and spent at least an hour a day exercising 4 times a week, either before or after the office. My depression diminished, my spirits rose, and I was able to handle the end to my marriage with grace.
Niacin
Posted by Paul (St Louis, Mo) on 05/19/2013
★★★★★
In regards to Niacin, it has absolutely changed my life. I take 500mg of it twice a day. The depression seems to just melt away after taking it. I like the niacin flush I get. Be careful when you first start taking it, I recommend starting by cutting the pill into 50mg increments.
Medication Side Effects
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 03/22/2013
I can't say I like prozac , but for some reason for three years I could eat normal food, sleep 12 hours a night and a four hour nap during the day and NOT ONE YEAST INFECTION WHILE EATING NORMAL: PIZZA , BURGERS, FISH AND CHIPS, CHINESE FOOD, STUFF I COULDN'T TOUCH MY WHOLE LIFE , once or twice a week, never had a yeast outbreak, and prozac makes constipation MUCH worse.
I suspect that cortisol from fight or flight emotions feeds the yeast. Three years on prozac, no emotions, no symptoms. I don't think it is good for people to take prozac, I felt suicidal the whole time I used it, but wasn't depressed anymore.
Having HAD been both most of my life, there is a difference, depression is hopeless dark tunnel and suicidal is like BEAM ME UP, I HAVE NO DESIRE TO LIVE! Your mind constantly thinks of ways to end it . Of course you have to resist.
I don't have those battles anymore! Whew!!!
L-Methylfolate
Posted by Tree (Green, Pa) on 03/18/2013
★★★★★
My daughter suffered from severe deppression with signs starting at the age of 3!!! For years helped her work thru the bad episodes until she was ready for therapy then she went on meds around the age of 11 they helped but the need to increase them or change them every 2-6 months was getting very scary! She was on pretty high doses by the time she was 16 we were thinking about trying natural remedies last summer while she was out of school. I started talking to my MD who believes in pharmicalogical and homopathic med and he suggested Methyl folate, which is available by rx only even though it is a vitamin. It is a type of folic acid that crosses the blood brain barrier it then reteaches the brain how to produce the right amounts seretonin neroephneprine ect.... needed.
You start to take it while on your antidepresents then slowly decrease the amounts of the antidepresents until you are off of them then you continue the Methylfolate for 6 months then stop them. WOW, she is a different person! She has not taken anything since the begining of December 2012 she has 1 sometimes 2 bad days a month (around the time of menstruation) but so far is able to work thru those without meds!!! We all have bad days!!! Hers are just more intense.
This is not well known in the med field or the phyc Drs are somehow for some reason not going with natural cures. This is really sad so many people young and old can have a normal state of mind again!!! We were lucky my MD gave us samples for her. Rx policies will not cover vit's it is almost $400 over the counter but the company that makes it has a web site pharm were it is only $48 for a three month supply they have no patient asst program were it is free if you finacialy qualify. You still have to get an Rx from a DR if you have to go to your pcp for it just do it!!! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!!! It comes in 7.5 and 14mg she took the 14mg. dose once a day. REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO GRADUALY DECRESE YOUR PHYC MEDS!!! YOU ALL KNOW THAT THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO STOP THEM ALL AT ONCE!!! REPEAT DON'T DO THAT!!! GOD bless and be with you all!!!
