Why do you think psychiatrists refrain from using amino acids such as 5-HTP in their practice?
Which do you think would be a better choice for the brain (weighing in effectiveness, side effects, and long-term use): Tricyclic Antidepressants (SSRIs do not work for me) or a more natural approach with 5-HTP?
I think psychiatrists refrain from using amino acids and such because they tend to not work as well as pharmaceuticals. Or sometimes not work at all. I've even had an ND tell me that natural remedies are not as potent as pharmaceuticals, and that you're better off using a pharmaceutical for a nasty episode than using something natural.
They're also not as tightly regulated in the U.S. as pharmaceuticals, so you don't always know what you're going to get.
What type of depression do you have? If you have atypical depression, I'd be looking at MAOI's over tricyclic antidepressants. If you don't have atypical depression, tricyclic antidepressants would be a logical next step. You also have the option of taking Lamictal, which seems to help depression (usually used for Bipolar Depression and mood stabilization, but can be used for "unipolar" depression). There is also lithium (hey, that's natural!), but the side effects are a little nasty.
You said SSRI's don't work. Have you tried something that affects norepinephrine, like Effexor, Cymbalta, or Remeron?
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I'm a pretty heavy user and I haven't done it in like a week and I keep getting feelings of anxiety but I don't even know why or what the source is. I don't have anything to be worried about.
long term use of marijuana can lead to psychological dependence, this is different than a physical dependence. It is similar to the addiction to gambling a compulsive gambler has or the addiction to sex a sex addict has. Although symptoms are usually minor ranging from slight depression, anxiety and moodiness they will usually pass within two weeks of quitting.
*personal opinion*: I enjoy life more while smoking, and have gone on long stints with and without it due to jobs. I have quit for periods as long as 4 years and smoked daily for periods as long as 5 years and life is much better for me at least while smoking.
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I have severe anxiety, just recently diagnosed with GAD and mild depression. i am currently on 25mg of zoloft. but would like to fix the rest of my anxiousness naturally without depending on more medication. i am starting yoga classes because i heard that it can help, but i would also like to change my diet in hoping it will help me feel better, give me more energy since anxiety is so draining, and just make me healthier since my anxiety it health based ( you could call me a hypocondriac, but im not diagnosed with that)…any suggestions would be great.
Serotonin is the responsible material for our feeling of satisfaction. If we have not enough serotonin, without any doubt, we will be anxious,
unarmed face to face with everyday stress. In this situation many people run to Prozac because the Prozac increases production of serotonin. But I think it's temporally if the body hasn't raw material
The raw material for serotonin is an amino-acid named Tryptophan. Without Tryptophan there is not Serotonin
The only source of this amino-acid is from foods. To reach the brain Tryptophan needs carbohydrates .That's why, there is a "secret" to help to this amino-acid to arrive quickly to brain and make its function.
You need to start eating first carbohydrates and after this proteins.
And I suggest you more useful advice, Eating lots of nuts, beans and vegetables high in magnesium, especially leafy green vegetables, makes the absorbtion more effectivelly. Bananas, apple juice and coconut milk usually work pretty good. Fresh fish Poached Egg ,Tuna
Fruits, Porridge ,Baked potato ,Peanut butter, Garlic, Spinach, all these are golden foods for you
Remember the main point Eat first carbohydrates like pasta, honey, bread, chocolate or what you like, pause at least half hour and continue with proteins and you'll diminish fast your depression and anxiety.
Good health to you.
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I’m just wondering your views on alternative options for dealing with anxiety and depression. Any thoughts or suggestions?
I’ll reiterate a lot of what previous posters have offered:
1. regular exercise has been shown to be highly effective in managing depression - walking is fine.
2. eat a healthy diet - stay away from refined sugars, white flour, etc. Minimize caffeine consumption.
3. consider supplements such at St. John’s wort, which has been found to be as effective as some antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression.
4. consider fish oil supplements - because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help combat depression.
5. practice relaxation and meditation - sit quietly and focus on your breath coming in and out. when your mind wanders, just bring it back to your breath. just a few minutes a day can really help calm and focus your mind.
6. journal 3 things you’re grateful for each day - the practice of looking for and writing down positive events (even if they’re really minor!) can help shift your outlook
Finally, just wanted to encourage you. I’ve dealt with depression and anxiety off & on for more than 15 years, and for most of that time treated it with medication and counseling. They worked, but the meds had a lot of side effects. When faced with continuing them indefinitely, I knew I wanted to try a different approach. I turned to SJW, regular exercise, and a healthy, sugar-free diet as cornerstones. I’m happy to report I’m getting the SAME results without the side effects. It might take a little more diligence, but for me it’s worth it.
Best of luck to you and hope this was helpful
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Why do you think depression, anxiety and mental health problems have grown to be an epidemic? What do you think would help slow the progression of mental health problems? Do you think mental health problems are genitic, situational, environmental, or is it due to a chemical imbalance? When a person becomes depressed; do you think it is because our brain stops producing certain chemicals or does our brain produce a chemical that aggravates depression/anxiety? Why is it when we feel anxious, our bodies react in strange ways such as pounding heart, dizzyness, can’t breath, and intestinal problems?
Why do you think depression, anxiety and mental health problems have grown to be an epidemic? What do you think would help slow the progression of mental health problems? I think we just talk about them more than we used to. However, there are some social changes that may lead to anxiety; family structure isn't what it used to be, people feel more isolated, etc. Maybe having a stronger sense of family and being part of a group of people who care about you, people you can talk comfortably with about anything.
Do you think mental health problems are genitic, situational, environmental, or is it due to a chemical imbalance? It can be any of those; it's generally considered a "chemical imbalance", but that could be triggered by genetic, situational factors, physical disease or head injury, or any combination of these.
When a person becomes depressed; do you think it is because our brain stops producing certain chemicals or does our brain produce a chemical that aggravates depression/anxiety? At least some of the time, yes. More often the brain still produces them, but they break down too quickly before they do what they are supposed to do. No one is absolutely sure why that happens in some people and not others.
Why is it when we feel anxious, our bodies react in strange ways such as pounding heart, dizzyness, can't breath, and intestinal problems? The autonomic nervous system controls mood, anxiety, digestion, sex, etc. I think it's a kind of imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. It might have been there to help our prehistoric ancestors get away from an enemy or something but maybe the purpose of this isn't as practical in modern times. Kind of left over instincts for survival that are no longer applicable. (Just an idea.)
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I've heard people say that what you eat is how you feel and if you are on a certain diet it helps w/ certain things, even autism. What kind of diet would or could help you w/ how u feel and with depression or anxiety?
Depression and anxiety are the result of chemical and sometimes hormonal imbalances.
While there is no specific diet that will help a person who suffers from depression or anxiety, it is very helpful to maintain a diet free of preservatives, fats and processed meats.
A person with depression and anxiety should consult with their doctor for specific dietary recommendations.
Good luck.
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I have been living with extreme depression for years. In 2007 I experienced my first bout of panic attacks and anxiety developed as well as hypochondria. I won’t take western medication unless I absolutely have to. So instead I look more towards natural methods of healing. What are some ways to help control and prevent depression, anxiety, panic attacks and especially hypochondria? Advice, personal experience and links are welcome! Thanks!
I lived with depression for decades, tried different kinds of anti-depressants, but nothing seemed to work until I tried St. John’s wort. I’m still upset that no doctor thought to try it in that time, it’s usually the first thing tried in Europe rather than expensive medication.
I wasn’t expecting anything at all, but the effects were immediate and dramatic. I had been living with depression for so long, I didn’t remember what not being depressed was like. I remember thinking, “So this is what anti-depressants are supposed to do.”
I also take Valerian root and melatonin for sleep and depression and fish oil which promotes brain function and has tons of positive physical effects. At the same time, I quit using vegetable oil and margarine, switched to canola or olive oil and real butter.
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i have been in therapy for 3 years and on 20mg lexapro for the same length of time. a psychologist friend recently told me that 3 years is too long a time to treat depression and anxiety. (i would say that i am a “run-of-the-mill” depressed individual, if there is such a thing.)
Hi Butch,
I honestly think you can’t put a time limit on getting over depression. You can only keep trying. I see a therapist every week. It’s a long slow process. It takes commitment and to have a good match to a therapist.
I told my therapist I didn’t feel I was progressing, she told me she sees it and it may take a while before I do. My therapist and pdoc also work together. She is what I call my voice of reason.
I have just been dx with Bipolar. That’s something that never goes away. But it is something that can be controlled with the right meds and tools you learn from a therapist. Read my profile, you’ll see what I mean.
Don’t let anyone, even a friend tell you it’s taking to long, everyone is different and has different issues there working on.
You should be proud of yourself for trying to get what ever is bothering under control.
Feel free to email me anytime.
Take care and never give up!
Cella
i saw my contraceptive nurse 3 months ago, i asked about the sterilisation, but that was it. I asked my neurologist today what he thought about the issue RE infections (oh yeah, I have multiple sclerosis! and could pass my faulty genes on to a child.) What other options do I have? I Dont want to foster or adopt, some times I have bad fatigue, and depression + anxiety, I can't get stressed, thats the main thing. and the thought of having a child stresses me out. Me and my OH(whos 33)have thought long and hard, people think cos i'm 27 I shouldnt be thinking to have it done YET. (my OH's mum has ms too,) Please can you give us any info you know about?
weve already tried the depo injections, mini pill, (they made me v. depressed and made me agressive too) what would be best for me? even for OH (he said hed take the male equivalent of the pill)
thanks ppl for reading this epic post, any suggested ideas will be appreciated
Sterilization will not lead to early menopause. You will still get your period. Having your " tubes tied " will only prevent pregnancy. You are young to consider sterilization but, if you have thought hard about your options, then that is what is most important. But, you seem to have doubts as well. Many women have second thoughts about starting a family , completely normal. Perhaps, your OH can takes measures to prevent pregnancy. This will alleviate some of your stress and yet, give you more time to think about having your tubes tied. Have you spoken with a Genetic Counselor ?? Most OB/GYN offices have counselors available. I hope that this is helpful and Good Luck !!
Curious? I am on Effexor and just feel like the anxiety is not subsiding. My Dr and I talked today and she said to give it a little more time and that we would add something else later on. I want to be educated on my options. Any suggestions on additions?
I am also going to see a psych. to just talk things out…
Please only serious answer. Thanks in advance!
There is a great web site at:
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_medication_drugs_treatment.htm
It discusses all the pros and cons of the various classes of meds used for anxiety. I won't make a recommendation because my cocktail is set up for depression, DID and anxiety/PTSD and includes five different meds including atypical antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and an atypical antipsychotic. In addition, what works for one person may not work for someone else.
I do agree with the poster who suggested that your doctor who prescribes the meds should probably be a psychiatrist — not a primary care doc — once they get into mixing more than a couple meds — and some primary care docs don't even like to mix two meds. Also, be aware it does take time for meds to work — they have to build up to therapeutic levels within your body before they do anything — unlike antibiotics which we are all used to taking for a couple days and feeling better.
Hope the web site gives you the info you need to be educated when you talk to your doctor.
Michelle
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