the last few months

[typeing]

Hello
as you can probably all tell i am new here. for the last few months i have been struggling with depression, even getting out of bed to start my day is... well, it takes a lot of work. I really dont want to get put on antidepressants, because in a way i guess that signals loosing control and giving up for me. Anyone know of any herbal stuff that helps, preferably that does not mess with other meds?

Thanks!

[wannabfree]

Welcome!

I'm sorry you're going through this right now. I'm glad that you found this site and I hope that you find some answers to the questions you have. I really don't have much experience with medications or herbal remedies, as I don't use either, but I'm sure you will get a few replies as to other people's experiences.

Have you spoken to your doctor regarding your depression? Perhaps they could recommend some alternate therapies for you.

Anyway, welcome again!

[JULES]

My first piece of advice for you is:
If you haven't seen a Dr, do so.
Depression is an illness - and like any other illness, it needs medical attention.

I guess the thought of meds is different for everyone - and alot of the time i think its the stigma surrounding mental illness - and feeling ashamed.
It certainly doesnt have to be a long term thing - but I don't think that you should see medication in a negative view. People take medication for alot of things.
That said, its not for everyone. Try doing some exercise - and of course talking to a professional always help. Dr. generally put things into clear perspective for you.

I hope you get well soon.

[laura124]

You need to really assess the severity of your symptoms and how much they are impacting your quality of life.  You know how you truly feel.  If the depression is causing suicidal thoughts or if you are unable to get up to go to work and perform daily life functions, then you may need to talk to a doctor about therapy or antidepressants.  I know St. John's wort, GABA, tryptophan and 5 HTP is an alternative method of treating depression but I would never recommend self medicating without the advice of a doctor.  "Natural" methods have their drawbacks in that you're treating yourself blindly and may unknowingly over or under medicate.

One thing I do know for sure that is proven to improve mild to moderate depression: exercise! I know it can be a challenge to start exercising when you can barely get out of bed but if you start small and work your way up....

Also, no time then the present to start therapy.  It won't improve symptoms as quickly as antidepressants or exercise but it is crucial in the healing process and to prevent the depression from reoccurring. 

[westiegirl]

Hello
as you can probably all tell i am new here. for the last few months i have been struggling with depression, even getting out of bed to start my day is... well, it takes a lot of work. I really dont want to get put on antidepressants, because in a way i guess that signals loosing control and giving up for me. Anyone know of any herbal stuff that helps, preferably that does not mess with other meds?

Thanks!

ok. You sound so much like me 5 years ago! I had been told for years from my family that I was depressed and needed medication, and I refused. I, too, felt like I was giving up control, that I didn't need it - I was strong and I would find a way to fix myself without help. You know what? I WAS WRONG. Only when my marriage was hanging on by a thread and I felt I couldn't live with myself anymore was the reason I finally gave it a try. It was my last hope since nothing else was working. Can you believe that the anti-depressant actually made me feel "normal" again. I had forgotten what that felt like! I felt like it saved my life. It didn't cure me. I still struggle, but I find it easier to cope now. Taking a pill is not succombing to weakness. There are people that need anti-depressants to help them function - much like a diabetic needs insulin.

I am not saying that you should go on anti-depressants. I think, in fact, they are over-prescribed. If you don't want to resort to that, there are a lot of things you can try. You can make sure you are eating right and trying light exercise daily. (I know this will be difficult to do because depression make it difficult to do these things, but you could try going for a short walk or something). You can also find a therapist who could help you with different techniques to cope. I also would be careful of taking herbs (if you feel you need herbs, why not go with an anti-depressant that is regulated and controlled)?
In the end, if your depression becomes severe and nothing else works, and you end up having to resort to an anti-depressant, there is NOTHING wrong with that! Don't punish yourself and delay treatment for too long like I did....

and even if you have to resort to them, nothing says you have to be on them the rest of your life...

Good luck to you...

[typeing]

Thanks yall, i did end up seeing the doc. she diagnosed me with major depression and GAD. things have gotten decently better.

[AnxiousGuy86]

That's Good that you have seen a doctor and have started treatment,from experience,the next step you should take is to find a CBT(cognitive behavioural therapist) it will help out with the anxiety and depression which are interconnected. If money is an issue ,there are CBT books that you can complete on your own that will help you out. if you would like a list of them ,you can private message me and I'd be happy to help.

Good luck