Hey there, this seems like such a cool site. I was just looking up some natural supplements for depression and this site came up so decided to register.
I'm always a little confused as there's always about a million different "cures" for depression out there, yet I haven't come across it. I'm currently on anti depressants but would like to find some natural supplements to go with it. At the moment I'm taking Ginko, as this apparantely helps with the sexual dysfunction side effects of my meds, plus I have bad concentration and memory anyway, and I can feel it helping with that. Most sites mention omega 3 fish oils for depression, but since I'm a veggie I've decided to take flaxeed oil instead, which is a legitimate alternative. Can anyone reccomend anything else? I used to take B complex but couldn't feel any change. I'm also more depressed during the winter months and heard D3 can be good for that? Do you think if i took Ginko, Flaxeed oil and D3 that that would be too many supplements?
Welcome to the forum greggorious. Not as bad as prescription medicines, but many vitamins and herbs have side effects. Both natural and prescription drugs can have negative effects when they interact with each other. You have to do your homework before starting any alternatives, and consult your doctor beforehand if taking prescribed meds.
The best thing would be to slowly wean yourself off the anti-depressants with the guidance of your physician. After that, you can start some more natural treatments. Remember, different things work better for different people, and you have to use something for a good amount of time to judge if there are any results. Life isn't always a bowl of cherries, and I think we all have depression to some degree now and then...it's natural. Anti-depressants may lead to violent or suicidal behavior, because they supress the person's negative feeings and they just build up inside, not a healthy situation.
Omega 3, D3 and flax are not too many supplements. I don't think you can get a therapeutic dose of Omegas only from flax. Here's a few threads that you may want to look at.
Thanks Kindtocreatuers. I take Flaxeed cos I'm a vegetarian and wont take fish oils. I've heard from many sources that flaxeed oil actually contains more omega 3 than fish oils, but because it's more expensive to market it's not as well known.
I understand what you mean by anti depressants, although they do help with getting rid of the depression, they bring up other problems. For instance anger, I've noticed I'm much angrier with people than I used to be. I've also gained loads of weight, can't perform in the bedroom if you get my meaning? and some other mild things. I'd only reccomend anti depressants as a last resort, if nothing else worked for someone.
I understand what you mean by anti depressants, although they do help with getting rid of the depression, they bring up other problems. For instance anger, I've noticed I'm much angrier with people than I used to be.
They refer to it as 'agitation' toward the end of this article.
Since you are a vegetarian you need to look into your B12 levels as well as folate...Many vegetarians are B12 deficient and this can contribute to depression.. all the b vitamins are needed to function correctly.
I have attached a book for you to read writtnen by a psychologist regarding nutrition and mental states. Now this book is a little dated and deals mostly with schizophrenia but It will show to you some of the basics as to why your state may be caused by your diet as well as some other issues doctors don't generally think about. If you want to get out of using antidepressants you will do will to give your self a well rounded education on the issue of nutrients and mental states... and all too often one mental state can morph into another, especially when using drugs to treat it. OCD often comes to accompany depression and I think it has everything to do with the drugs,, not to mention skin disorders, digestive disorders, hormonal disorders etc etc
Well the file is too big so here is the address... I downloaded it from here https://www.acrobatplanet.com/non-fic...-bate-phd.html
Most of your neuro-transmiters are produced in your gut and are reliant for a balanced bacterial flora for their production. Ever have a doc tell you that? Well it is true.
Do you have allergies? Allergies can affect mood... and some allergies only show in mood disorder... again that is back to the gut as most allergies have a gut related issue, aside from nasal allergies or drug allergies. Altering the diet and healing the gut is key... if the gut does not heal then figuring out what the allergen is and avoiding it can be priceless.
Taking St Johns wort is the last herbal that I would try. Its side effect of light sensitivity is very concerning to me.
Look at SAMe and GABA as well as finding out what you lack in your diet. Certainly D3 could be an issue as it is deficient in most people and could it be that your case is that simple? It is possible. Get tested for that also. Often mega dosaging is required for a while.
Hormonal imbalance can also be an issue. Do you have any hormonally related symptoms?
Hope this is helpful to you
__________________
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." Marcus Aurelius
I'm always a little confused as there's always about a million different "cures" for depression out there, yet I haven't come across it.
Do some research on niacin and Dr. Abram Hoffer, I think he has some videos on youtube.
An optimal level of D3 is also beneficial, as well as hemp oil. (yes, hemp, only you don't smoke it, you put a drop or two under the tongue a couple times per day).
Its not a good idea to stay on prescription drugs of any kind for long periods, but you probably already know that..
Hello! Nice to meet you. A very warm welcome to the forum.
__________________
....It is our deeds, the accumulated acts of goodness and kindness, that define us and ultimately are the true measure of our worth. Service is the coin of the spirit.
Hey :)
Not as bad as prescription medicines, but many vitamins and herbs have side effects. Both natural and prescription drugs can have negative effects when they interact with each other. You have to do your homework before starting any alternatives, and consult your doctor beforehand if taking prescribed meds.
Anti-depressants may lead to violent or suicidal behavior, because they supress the person's negative feeings and they just build up inside, not a healthy situation.
Hybrid Mode
