The answers I found on how to deal with depression "naturally"...

[BeckyB]

I found "Natural" supplements that work for me! :thup:

I know that everyone is different, but I also have suffered from depression for several years. After seeing countless doctors and psychology experts over the past thirteen years, and being on about fifteen different prescription medications during that time, a psychiatrist told me about a book that explains the use of "natural" supplements. I read the book, tried using the recommended supplements and, I am very happy to tell you that they have been working for me for several months now! In fact, I feel better than I ever did on prescription anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, or sleep medications!!!

His suggestion was that I read a book called "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross. It's based on over ten years of clinical study and gives you several alternatives to prescription medication for treating depression, sleep problems, food cravings, mood swings, menopausal symptoms, etc.

It helped me and it may, in fact, have the answers that you are looking for. I bought my copy off of E-Bay, so you don't even need to find it in a bookstore.

Never Forget: Tomorrow Is Always a NEW Day...

Good luck!!!

[paty]

Would you mind posting a few good examples for depression, anxiety, cravings, etc. that the book recommends? I'm curious to hear what she has to say. Thanks!

paty

[Karen]

I haven't read the Mood cure but I've read the Diet Cure and imagine that they are quite similar. Julia Ross is a big proponent of amino acid therapy. Here are a few examples:
L-Glutamine - for sweet, starch and alcohol cravings L-Tyrosine/L-Phenylalanine - depressions, lack of energy, drive, focus and concentration, ADD GABA - stiff and tense muscles, Stressed and burnt out, inability to relax/loosen up D/DL-Phenylalanine - sensitive to emotional or physical pain, cry easily, crave comfort, reward or numbing treats, "love" certain foods or drugs L-Tryptophan/5-HTP - negativity, depression, anxiety, low self esteem, obsessive thoughts/behaviors, winter blues, PMS, irratibility, rage, heat intolerance, panic, phobias, afternoon or evening cravings, fibromyalgia, TMJ, insomnia, suicidal thoughtsMuch more is covered in the book. Balancing blood sugar, yeast, thyroid, fatty acids, addiction to allergy foods and hormone therapy are discussed in detail.

Karen

[BeckyB]

You are absolutely right. The Mood Cure and the Diet Cure are very similar (I have read both).

Thank you so much for summerizing what these books recommend as "natural" alternatives to several different conditions. I certainly could not have said it better myself.

I have a few questions for you, Karen. Did you, or anyone you know, try her suggestions? Did you, or someone you know that tried the suggestions, find them to be helpful? I know that I did, but I've never talked to anyone else that has read the book(s) or tried the alternatives.

Thanks again for the answer, Karen! I'm sure that it can help many others, like it did me. Especially those who are not big fans of prescription medications and/or find it difficult to lose weight while taking them.

[cathie]

thanks for the info, would love to hear any results of people who have used those supplements.
are they available at pharmacists?? or health food stores?

thanks again

[Karen]

I haven't suffered from depression in my adult years Becky and low-carbing took care of my mood swings. But there seemed to be something wrong with my ability to concentrate and do first things first. I take L-tyrosine and it has really helped with mental clarity and focus.

cathie, you can find them at natural food stores or over the internet. Most amino acids are not for sale in Canada and it may be true for Australia too. I highly suggest that you read one of Julia Ross's books. What she talks about is fascinating.

Karen

[cathie]

thanks for the reply. I'm seeing my doc on monday and think I should talk to her about this. I thought I could handle it without drugs or supplements but it's not happening. last nite was bad as well, I'm really not finding any motivation from within. I don't think a book will help me at this stage, sounds great, but I've read a zillion things on LC and I know that I feel better LCing, BUT, I still can't convince my mind. this is why I have to find a natural cure, I'm not a fan of drugs personally, so do u think doctors are open to these supps? I don't want to just self-medicate.
it's not just a weight issue, I feel everything is getting me down and I can't live a life in fear of walking out the door, which is how I feel lately...last 5 months:rolleyes:

thank you karen,
:rheart:cathie

[skeeweeaka]

I found "Natural" supplements that work for me! :thup:

I know that everyone is different, but I also have suffered from depression for several years. After seeing countless doctors and psychology experts over the past thirteen years, and being on about fifteen different prescription medications during that time, a psychiatrist told me about a book that explains the use of "natural" supplements. I read the book, tried using the recommended supplements and, I am very happy to tell you that they have been working for me for several months now! In fact, I feel better than I ever did on prescription anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, or sleep medications!!!

His suggestion was that I read a book called "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross. It's based on over ten years of clinical study and gives you several alternatives to prescription medication for treating depression, sleep problems, food cravings, mood swings, menopausal symptoms, etc.

It helped me and it may, in fact, have the answers that you are looking for. I bought my copy off of E-Bay, so you don't even need to find it in a bookstore.

Never Forget: Tomorrow Is Always a NEW Day...

Good luck!!!


Hey this sounds very interesting... I suffer from manic depression and the PP has helped with some of the symptoms... You guys are right too much sugar definitely puts me in a bad place...suicidal at times... I think I will get the book myself... May I ask which ones have helped you and how soon did you notice a change.... I am taking Wellbrutin, Resperadal, Valium, but stopped taking my mood stablizer... I have been very antisocial for the past 4 years...barely going out....I really need some more help.... I've seen about 7 different doctors and taken every prescription med under the sun.... I also feel it's time to go natural which is why I am slowly eliminating the drugs...

Thanks again...

[Scarlet]

I read that book. Took all the supplements and her advice. Worked really well for about 2 months but then just stopped working. I cannot figure out why and now I am in the grip of a very severe depression so am back on an SSRI.

It's great if it works, but I think it's probably more helpful for mild to moderate depression rather than severe depression.

[pd Rydia]

I am taking Wellbrutin, Resperadal, Valium, but stopped taking my mood stablizer...
Going off mood stabilizers is very iffy for bipoles. When you take antidepressants without a mood stabilizer, it shoves your manias/hypomanias up higher, and because they swing up so high, they fall down that much further.

Good luck replacing your antidepressants but keep taking the mood stabilizer. I've never heard of any "natural supplement" that is an effective enough mood stabilizer for a bipole.

It's great if it works, but I think it's probably more helpful for mild to moderate depression rather than severe depression.
From everything I've read on the subject matter, that is exactly the case.

[cs_carver]

I'm outside of Raleigh, NC, and I found a doctor who is totally supportive of supplements for managing moods. She's got me on major Vit C (10-12 g), detox, B12, looking at food sensitivities, etc. She works with a lot of patients who have the "murky" conditions like fibromyalgia, etc.

I get raised eyebrows when I tell my "normal" doctor what I'm taking, but I go to him for stitches and infected parts and flu. I'm pretty much off-the-charts health-wise in his practice; he's not trained to work with the kind of good health I'm looking for. He'd give anything if half his practice had my bloodwork numbers. I assume he's doing the kind of medicine he wants to be doing, and don't talk to him much about my supplements.

A girlfriend found the "Whole Body" specialist when she read an article the doctor had written in a freebie Women's newletter. Look around the alternative community and newspapers, and ask. There are probably similar doctors in your part of the world. The trick is to not expect the traditionalists to be able to step out of their roles.

[tamij]

I also suffer form depression and anxiety-on prozac-trazadone and valium for 9 years and still not well-tried Relacortin (GNC carried it ) per my Dr. advise and the results were amazing!!!!A natural alternative w/ tons of benefits to boot-elavated mood-reduction in belly fat-fibromyalsia symptoms have eased a ton --after a little research into this i found out cortisol(stress reaction hormone)has alot to do w/ a ton of ailments-try reading book the Cortisol Connection by Dr Shawn Tolbert(found at barnes and noble) info was amazing!!!!!
tamij

[nirvanagrl]

I have tried alot of stuff for mood/depression/bipolar/anxiety and never heard of this one, whats in it? what is it? very curious:) I am always up for a new herb..lol

[kiko]

I am currently taking LGlutamine (500-1000 mg) 3times a day, 30 min before meals. I also take a vitamin C with morning and with evening meals. I was amazed at how much better I felt, almost immediately. I feel so good now, I just can't believe the difference!

[magnamater]

Under doctor's instruction I take 5-HTP, quite a heavy dose--started with 250 mg. at bedtime, then adding 100 mg. in morning and at lunch..

I quit my Effexor before starting the above.

So far, so good, and this is after 16 months.

I had been on something "seratonin" for the prior 9 years. (prescription)