Anxiety Depression

[rodan]

I've heard of taking St. John's Wort, and maybe Valerian root, to help people with anxiety depression.

Anyone reading this take either of these for depression, or, what other natural remedy do you use?

I have been taking cod liver oil every day, ( has Vit D3 in it), and, it does seem to help a little of the anxiety.

My doctor just started me on Sertraline ( Zoloft is a brand name ), for anxiety depression, so, I have to give it a few weeks, but, if that doesn't work, I'm looking to natural remedies.

[rijhumal]

i can suggest you a technique by which you may get out of anxiety and depression

[Lilyth Von Gore]

If you're on birth control, don't take St. John's Wort. It counteracts the effects of the BC pill. But both are good for anxiety and depression, however, speak to your Doctor before taking either.

[pgrundy]

A brisk walk every day for at least half and hour is one the best remedies for depression and anxiety. Of course, if you are depressed you usually don't feel like going for a walk, and if you are anxious you might be afraid to.

I take anti depressant anti anxiety meds and still try to go for a brisk walk daily. I notice the difference if I can't or don't walk.

Good luck! :smile:

[VisionQuest]

I've heard of taking St. John's Wort, and maybe Valerian root, to help people with anxiety depression.

Anyone reading this take either of these for depression, or, what other natural remedy do you use?

I have been taking cod liver oil every day, ( has Vit D3 in it), and, it does seem to help a little of the anxiety.

My doctor just started me on Sertraline ( Zoloft is a brand name ), for anxiety depression, so, I have to give it a few weeks, but, if that doesn't work, I'm looking to natural remedies.


Prescription drugs treat symptoms , not the underlying causes. That said , they can be of short term benefit, but are almost always long term dangerous. Cocaine use to be prescribed for depression.

Natural remedies include: Lemon Balm, Scullcap, PassionFlower, St. Johns Wort , Rhodiola Root , Fish Oil , Turmeric , and a host of other herbs.

A diet rich in Organic Produce is highly beneficial and aids the root of any physical problems, brain included.

Daily exercise in nature and a week camping out can reset the biological clock, which results in a far better mood.

The Mind issues are deeper and take some practices to get through. Try those outlined in "SuperMind" by Vernon Howard ~

[rodan]

A brisk walk every day for at least half and hour is one the best remedies for depression and anxiety. Of course, if you are depressed you usually don't feel like going for a walk, and if you are anxious you might be afraid to.

I take anti depressant anti anxiety meds and still try to go for a brisk walk daily. I notice the difference if I can't or don't walk.

Good luck! :smile:

Had my first counseling session yesterday. and the counselor to definitely get in the habit of exercising. She also explained to me what sertraline should do for me, so, I feel better about it. I notice no adverse side affects. The first couple of days, I had dry mouth and mild stomach upset, loss of appetite. These symptoms have now pretty much went away, and, starting to get appetite back.

I will give it a chance. When the weather gets a bit better, definitely plan on walking every day. It's something I can do, and I know it can't hurt.

[Arcturus]

have you tried preserving your essence, i.e. not ejaculating? many men report much greater confidence and emotional balance after about a week and this generally gets more pronounced as time goes on. might sound like a strange natural cure for depression but if you're deficient in sexual power, the base motor for everything else, it will, by degree, affect your mood.

[rodan]

have you tried preserving your essence, i.e. not ejaculating? many men report much greater confidence and emotional balance after about a week and this generally gets more pronounced as time goes on. might sound like a strange natural cure for depression but if you're deficient in sexual power, the base motor for everything else, it will, by degree, affect your mood.

There is a lot going on inside the brain than we don't know. Doctors can't even diagnose a person with dementia, as to whether or not the person has Alzheimer's disease or some other problem with the chemical activity in the brain.
Best they can do are subjective tests.

I was told by a neurologist there are no tests to do to see what the problem may be with a person's neurotransmitters, or even other areas. They can test for the adrenal and thyroid, sometimes those cause depression or mood problems.

From my point of view, I feel I have no emotional feelings toward things and events. For example, I would probably feel the same attending a wedding or a funeral.

[pens66]

You can add crystals - lithium quartz and any green stone help. Just put them in your pocket , works wonders for my anxiety.

[Belle]

Bachs Rescue remedy is something i like for an emergency

[Gem]

There is a lot going on inside the brain than we don't know. Doctors can't even diagnose a person with dementia, as to whether or not the person has Alzheimer's disease or some other problem with the chemical activity in the brain.
Best they can do are subjective tests.

I was told by a neurologist there are no tests to do to see what the problem may be with a person's neurotransmitters, or even other areas. They can test for the adrenal and thyroid, sometimes those cause depression or mood problems.

From my point of view, I feel I have no emotional feelings toward things and events. For example, I would probably feel the same attending a wedding or a funeral.

Interesting man who says interesting things http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esPRsT-lmw8

[neptvne]

often times diet is the primary thing that is out of balance and this can have an extremely powerful effect on the psyche. fresh unprocessed food is best for balancing the body and therefore the mind. I'm not a fan of antidepressants, they only served to create more problems for me.

[rodan]

often times diet is the primary thing that is out of balance and this can have an extremely powerful effect on the psyche. fresh unprocessed food is best for balancing the body and therefore the mind. I'm not a fan of antidepressants, they only served to create more problems for me.

I'm not a fan of any type of prescription medicines, by no means.

I went down the rabbit hole too far to come back on my own, so I gave in and spoke to a doctor. The good thing in this, he referred me to a counselor, who will have sessions with me, probably have a psychiatrist examine me.

One side effect I don't approve of, is I no longer remember my dreams when I wake up. I'm thinking it's this sertraline I'm taking. Hoping when it kicks in ( six to eight weeks I was told ), I can remember them again.

[Djurplagare89]

My mum tried St. John's wort, but Ive heard that it could actually make it worse if you got a serious depression and is suicidal.

I didnt see any sign of improvement from it though... Keep standing skeptical to it. All I see is to be as occupied as possible doing things you really like, stay in nature, dog walking and take a coffee/tea with friends and family.

[rodan]

Update:

The Zoloft ( sertraline ) doesn't seem to be helping, at least I don't think so. Plan on weening myself of it. My family doctor & counselor think I should stay on it, and add another antidepressant SSRI drug.

Started taking L-tyrosine (an amino acid ) 500mg, twice a day, along with B-6.

Going to start taking 5-HTP, 50mg, twice a day, with this. This combination is supposed to normalize the neurotransmitters in the brain.

Someone posted exercise half hour a day. You are exactly right. Both my counselor and family doctor harp on me to start walking 30 to 40 minutes a day, every day.

I have cut way back on sweets, now I don't crave them. Craving carbohydrates is a sign the neurotransmitters are not balanced. When you crave sweets, eat protein, instead. Protein is what the brain needs.

I do keep crystal quartz rocks around my computer, and on my bedstand. I will try to get in habit to keep one or two in my pocket.

Meditation is on my list, too, but just like exercising, I'm having a hard time jump starting.

Now the the weather is warm where I live, and, I do have a good place to walk, going to start that.

[rodan]

Update:

For the last few days, I have been taking 1,000 mg of L-tyrosine, early in the morning, on empty stomach, along with 75mg of B-6. I do this again around 1pm. Also take cod liver oll ( liquid ) twice a day, with food, ( has vit D in it )

I also halved my dosage of Zoloft, ( from 100 mg to 50 mg ), and, getting ready to half it again.

Cut way back on my carbs and increased protein.

Haven't really go into excersising yet, but, I feel that coming as my energy is coming back.

The last three days have been great! I actually feel good and feel like doing stuff around the house again!

The anxiety/depression forum I'm a member of, don't have a section for natural remedies to help heal anxiety/depression, they just believe in medicines.

Does anyone know of an anxiety/depression forum, that has a section for those that want to follow a natural remedy approach? ( a forum that is dedicated to this topic )

Thank you

[Electric_Dreams]

Hiya hun.May I say something here, as I accidentally ended up here as dont even use this part of the site yet lol.
Im not quite sure Sertraline is best pharmaceutical for you as Im getting the feeling you may be manic depressive not down depressed(meaning you have on off depression with a over possitive break from downside)...Im not a doctor(disclaimer), but I am an empath who has had manic depression for years, which is probably why with all feelings surrounding me.
I was put on sertraline and it put me into full blown mania, up up and away, over the top happy happy, but its not real.
If I am wrong and you are not MD or bipolar, I appologise for intruding...but if you are suggest to the doctor taking Mitarzipine instead as you will be able to sleep without taking extra medication and you wont be bouncing off the walls lol
I have also used st johns wort during milder periods and it helped immensly:D

Ever so sorry for blurting out just sometimes spirit wont shut up unless I do.
Feel better ❤❤❤

[rodan]

Hiya hun.May I say something here, as I accidentally ended up here as dont even use this part of the site yet lol.
Im not quite sure Sertraline is best pharmaceutical for you as Im getting the feeling you may be manic depressive not down depressed(meaning you have on off depression with a over possitive break from downside)...Im not a doctor(disclaimer), but I am an empath who has had manic depression for years, which is probably why with all feelings surrounding me.
I was put on sertraline and it put me into full blown mania, up up and away, over the top happy happy, but its not real.
If I am wrong and you are not MD or bipolar, I appologise for intruding...but if you are suggest to the doctor taking Mitarzipine instead as you will be able to sleep without taking extra medication and you wont be bouncing off the walls lol
I have also used st johns wort during milder periods and it helped immensly:D

Ever so sorry for blurting out just sometimes spirit wont shut up unless I do.
Feel better ❤❤❤

I don't think I'm MD or bipolar, my counselor did several tests on me. The most recent test, shows I show moderate to severe attention deficit disorder.
And, I tested moderate to severe for anxiety/depression.

Anyway, the good news, I'm now down to 25 mg of sertraline, do plan on getting completely off it.

I've been taking approx. 1,000 mg of L-tyrosine( for the dopamine ) with 75mg B-6, in the morning, then, late morning/early afternoon, 500mg L-tyrosine with 50mg B-6.

Also started taking one tablespoon of spirulina, twice a day.

Today is my second day on 5-HTP, 100mg ( for the seratonin ) Just once a day, for now.

Yesterday was my best day for mood. I really felt great, and got things done around the house, and, actually liked being at work.

No more getting sleepy, yawning or taking early afternoon naps.

Just about at the point of beginning to exercise.

[Electric_Dreams]

Oh..well in that case Im glad you are feeling better hun :D
And sorry for the intrusion⭐❤⭐

[rodan]

No intrusion. Glad for your concern and I always welcome peoples' advice.

Friday was my last day of 25mg of Zoloft, hopefully the amino acid and diet will work without any major side effects, and, looking forward to maybe getting some much needed exercise, too.

[nofearonlylove]

I have really bad anxiety. I started taking Valerian Root and it has helped tremendously. I am so grateful to have found it! I also wear a crystal pendant necklace that has bits of crystals related to all the chakras when I'm feeling especially anxious. It really does help too.

[Silver]

Hi Rodan. Just as valerian has a calming effect, rainbow fluorite is a healing type stone that has had a very calming effect on me, and I have a couple pendants that I wear at night sometimes to help me sleep, and they work beautifully. I'm wondering if you've had a check-up with your doc to see if there's anything going on that might cause the anxiety.

[Aquarisun]

If you're on birth control, don't take St. John's Wort. It counteracts the effects of the BC pill. But both are good for anxiety and depression, however, speak to your Doctor before taking either.

Huh, interesting! I have considered taking it but I have been on a BC pill for a year now :P (not sexually active, it's just because I have osteoporosis even though I'm way too young to have it so the doc is just trying to help rebuild my bones, I take strontium too).

I did try Rescue Remedies, hm I didn't feel it helped, I dunno D:

I am on meds but I feel like I didn't treat them well as i could like I should have went up a dosage or two to see if it helps or not. I am on Prozac. I am on 30 mg. was on 20mg from june until dec. I haven't felt a difference from 30mg. I really don't :/

I should try those different things tho :D

I Have mild depression and moderate to severe anxiety mostly social. Sometimes it feels worst than mild depression but I guess that's possible to be mild to moderate depression for a few days then calm down a bit eh? I guess it depends how I am feeling and what's going on. I think my problem is self esteem issues.

[bird*]

I bought some organic sesame oil, as a facial treatment, but I was astounded at how much my mood improved, after putting it on my face. As it turns out, sesame oil has Vitamin B in it, which is good for people with depression. Also, dry skin brushing is fantastic. Before I get a shower, I put the sesame oil on my face, then use the dry skin brush all over my body, and it really energizes me. Look up the benefits of sesame oil, as well as dry skin brushing. It's good for your physical being, but it can also improve your emotional and mental well-being.

[Aquarisun]

Neat! Is it safe on sensitive skin?
I think that's really cool how there are natural stuff that can help your moods :)

[bird*]

Neat! Is it safe on sensitive skin?
I think that's really cool how there are natural stuff that can help your moods :)

Yes, it is! I have sensitive skin and sesame oil and coconut oil don't irritate my skin at all. I'm trying to get away from using products with a lot of chemicals in them, since I think they can cause or exacerbate health issues. Every little thing you can do to improve your physical health, can help relieve anxiety and depression.

[Verunia]

I deal with the same things. I can't even really tell you how I will feel from one day to the next. One day I might be happy, the next feeling depressed, and anxiety kicking through my mental door whatever the theme of the day may be.

I've spent years trying to figure it out and the only things that ever change my behavior are important life experiences. Going out, meeting new people, breaking through old barriers I have, and going to new places. Placing trust in people. PEOPLE. Human interaction. It can be a lifesaver.

[SaintMatthew]

It's the cross that we all must carry unfortunately,

Happens to the best of people.
All I can say is...try to stay sober as often as possible.

I have tried to numb the pain repeatedly and all it leads to in the end is more misery.

The emptiness you feel will make you stronger in the end when you find ways to combat it that aren't straight up escapes like drugs or sex.

Also, the Internet is another escape that becomes unhealthy.

People hate their life and don't want to focus on their poverty (I don't mean financial poverty) and what they find despicable about themselves so they escape online where the mind can be sedated by focusing on another world.

It is okay in moderation.

[MaryPrarp]

St Johns wort without a doubt I would recommend. Germany uses it for mild depression and especially for young people, its prescribe there very often.
I personally use St Johns wort, not because of depression, but it does make me feel better and I notice a slight improvement in sleeping.
My brother-in-law recently lost his job and had bad anxiety and depression and it did wonders for him, but if you have extreme depression Im not sure how much it will help, but I would give it a try.

Theres some studies with 5-htp really helping people with depression as well.

[KaidaMidnight]

Hi, is St johns wort ok to take and still be able to drive etc, does it in any way make you feel drowsy?

[bhoyay7]

imo, stick to the prescription the doctor gave you, because that will more than likely sort out the chemical imbalance....and once you have more balance mentally, then you can get to know yourself better by looking within...its very hard to 'look within' when you are unbalanced, because you are not well enough to do anything, but to be in that state etc.....

probably a good idea to look at your medication as a short term solution...it will 'numb' the underlying issues enough so you can confront them. it will then become far more easier to look within and to possibly allow yourself to be vulnerable....which is the key i think.....when you accept vulnerability, you can then understand the 'why's'....hope you feel better soon.

[Green.Heals]

Also, for depression for myself: I stay away from the following foods if & when I can help it: (it might be different for you of course) - one could always try a trial period without,

Gluten, Corn, Root Vegetables, such as potatoes - someone once told me potatoes were very grounding, & I thought they were nuts, but after going raw for awhile, & coming back into cooked, A) unfortunately anything cooked brought on a bit of depression/anxiety, B) potato's really brought me down & grains - such as rice: I don't know why this is, but cooked grains make me feel super super depressed.

& than any of the following also lead to Depression for me - some of the above happens within 5 mins or a few days if I am eating it daily, such as a slow build up, which for the most part brings on the fatigue as well.

Too much fat in my system, with not enough exercise, the next day can bring a terrible mood drop.

Salt or too much sodium, will cause me inflammation over night & upon waking - my head will feel full/puffy/achy & depressed.

Corn Starch/syrup, processed foods: Anxiety like no other. Also some sprays on foods, like preservatives/pesticides -

& of course as some have pointed out, not enough natural supplements in our system could be out of sorts that we may need to implement.

I think I have 5-HTP ( I haven't utilized it yet ) & L-Theanine, & Taurine

& also as others have pointed out in other threads, Vit D3 - if it's not doing anything, up the dose. I tend to take about 2-3 whole syringes(droppers)/day when I am feeling under the weather over a few weeks, & just feel better. I tried the Vegan (mushroom version too) but it was far too expensive for the quantity I needed & wouldn't last very long.

[Green.Heals]

I forgot to add one other. I have my list written down for myself, I'd have to hunt it down.

Also to do with diet,

Caffeine, Alcohol, & Chocolate: Serious Anxiety, & paranoia for me, they all really severely stress my system out.

The more of these foods, I drink or eat, or what have you, the more over time I don't feel the intensity right away. The above I've just mentioned give me major crashes in my system. Even pure cacao makes me really sick.

I always have to ask myself, do I want this consequence? Sometimes, I don't want to care as lately my food choices have been awful. But it just means I feel awful longer.