OT: Natural remedies for depression/anxiety

The med the doctor gave me is going to make me more sleepy (I've been sooo tired and lazy I hate to see this happen).  I have also been reading the side effects and I"m really not too keen on all of them.  Brought back memories of when I was on a depressant before.   Weight gain scares me, lack of sex drive really irritates me, nauseous (this never went away last med I took), insomnia, bad withdrawels wihen getting off of them..ect.  

I know i need it, but Im really starting to wonder if natural remedies work.  Plus theres the cost of this drug which is sixty bucks a month for this drug alone (i take others).  I know Mary's mentioned SamE before.  I've thought about St Johns Wort, do any of you know what else natural types of remedies that are out there?  

I keep thinking back on some videos I've watched on vegans on how they got off all their drugs eating only plant food.  I wish I could do that.  I really wonder how much food changes things, and how far we have to go before these effects happen.

Any thoughts on natural remedies?

Hunny, I took St.Johns Wort for a long time and it did NADA for me...

I know it's expensive, and I know that you'll be more tired, but bump up the coffee and cut back on junk to save the money.  You  NEED  it. 

Hol,  I slept on it before I answered you. My tendency was to jump on you and tell you you are copping out. my first reaction these days is not my best, so I am glad I waited!

But today I realize that I too hate taking meds, so this reaction of yours is once again, related to your anxiety tendencies. It's the reason i hate them.

Also please realize you may be trying to find a way to feel control of this situation. Holly, by your own admission, your life is pretty much at crisis level. I do not take it lightly when someone feels this worthless, this low that she talks about drastic measures.

PLEASE take the med and give it a try no matter what you think for 6 weeks. So many times, the meds take a while to take effect.

If after that time you really hate it, try another.  It can take a while to get this all sorted out.

Sweet lady, i feel for you esp on the financial part of this, but it is a viscious circle, you are not going to get your life together without help, right?

Lots of love, my girl. Please take the meds.

Hi Holly,
Yes, there are natural remedies that work, but you have to do the research and find out what works for the symptoms that you have. You have to decide if you're going to use allopathic medicine or natural medicine, and then try to gear your lifestyle in that direction. The natural remedies will be most effective with lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, getting rid of negative influences in your life, etc. I was on anti-depressants for most of 10 years, and I truly believe that was the cause of my weight gain. I have been off of them for about 5 years now and I still can't get this weight off. I battled depression and chronic fatigue syndrome for 5 years and I never, ever want to go back to that! Please do your own research and determine what may work for you. It may be natural or it may be allopathic, but YOU are the one that needs to be informed. I've been there and will help you any way I can. (And I'm all natural now.)
Sis

Holly,

I've been MIA for quite awhile, though I try to keep up with this board as much as I can.  I'm sorry you aren't doing well lately.  As Janina and Neecee said, please take the meds the dr. prescribed.  Since have WLS I take more pills than I used to and can't say I enjoy it.  I just keep remembering it's what my body needs.  Please give this anti-depressant a good six weeks to work.  Now as to being tired, are you taking your vitamins?  I've recently added in a Vitamin B Complex (or even Vit. B 50 I think) from Sams Club and it seems to give me more energy.  At least I don't feel as tired as before. 

Hoping these meds work for you.

Melinda

Ok Holly, I'm going to back up a bit regarding my last post. I'm thinking that I don't know enough about your story to be telling you to do research, etc. If you need those meds now, please take them. When you are more stable and if you want to take the time to do research, do it then. Now is not the time to begin natural remedies. It sounds like you might be needing lots of hugs and prayers. You have them both from me.

Hi, I work for a Naturopathic Physican in WA, the best thing you can do for yourself  especailly since you want to go  natural, is find one close to you and go see them. They will look at your situation and tell you about the natural things out there that can help you. Some states, your health ins will cover them. I know they do in WA. I wish you the best of luck and feel better very soon! 

THanks everyone.  I actually didn't mean for the post to go in the direction it did.  I really wanted input on natural sources and foods.  Although I know you guys care and thank you. :)  

I did start it yesterday and OMG I about went into the emergency room.  I'm still having some problems.  I did NOT like that pill.  It literally scared the crap out of me.  Not only was I so tired after four hour taking it that I didn't want to get out of bed, but blurred vision, dizziness, and I was having head "zaps", along with a MAJOR headache and anxiety.  I'm still having problems with my train of thought and anxiety even today, but not as bad.  It really scared me, so I'm not even sure if I want to try another one.  My husband thinks maybe I should go the natural way also and see what happens.  This is number three on anti depressants with all bad side effects.  Normal fatigue, ect., I can take, but what I experienced last night I would be in ER by tonight if I took another pill.  I felt like I was going to have a sievure or something.  I did call my doc and let her know what happened.  They said to stop taking them immediately and call me back.  But I'm really wondering about going another route now.  I don't want another last night.

So thanks Jennifer, maybe I'll call up my insurance and ask them about if they cover a naturopathic doctor.   It's worth a shot!  

Yes, Jennifer is correct. I'm sorry I didn't suggest that. In the rural area where I live, the closest naturopathic doctor is over an hour away. I did go to her for months (and was not covered by insurance), and she helped me through a difficult time, but it isn't worth driving over there for something I can pick up at the health food store or online. Best of luck to you.

Fair enough, Holly...to your original point i would answer that natural remedies MIGHT work for someone with mild issues. I would hate to think of how much money you may spend on those things that will do nothing for you.

I will add that nearly all remedies (short of diagnoses of  true psychosis), OTC & prescription are usually intended for the short term. It may be that you need counseling in addition...and who knows, maybe counseling alone would do you wonders.

I stand by my original post as well...I think you went to the doctor knowing full well what s/he would say - they are not in the practice of "prescribing" SamE or St John's wort. I think you went to a full on doc appointment b/c you were scared of where your head is lately.


I know in the end you will do the right thing. You get lots of credit for trying all things to work this out, fer shur.

Best of luck to you!