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Depression Remedies

Updated: 10/31/2009

DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

CHLOROPHYLL

1 YEA

[YEA]  Karl from Thibodaux, LA writes: "I have found chlorophyll to be very helpful in improving mood. I started by taking 60 mg in the morning. I actually found the effect of taking pure chlorophyll to be quite strong, so I switched to taking chlorella, which naturally contains chlorophyll. I take a portion of the suggested dose per day."

COCONUT OIL

1 YEA

[YEA]  02/29/2008: Gislain from Phoenix, AZ writes: "I've had Coconut Oil sitting around my house and only used it for cooking. I heard it was a great alternative to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils. But since reading about the health benefits from Coconut Oil on this website, I thought it would be good to try for my depression and lack of energy I feel mainly in the mornings. Sometimes, I just cannot move or do anything! I ate a tablespoon and managed not to gag from the texture or lack of taste. Within a HALF-HOUR, I went from not wanting to be around and lethargic to INSTANT ENERGY! I was doing chores, showering, moving about and realizing that the Coconut Oil helped me start my day. It felt like I drank two cups of coffee! Throughout the day, my heart was beating pretty heavy so I will try taking half a tablespoon in the upcoming days. This is a WONDER FOOD!"

COLD SHOWERS

13 YEA
1 WARNING!

[YEA]  08/02/2009: Shannon from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada writes: "I recently started taking alternating hot/cold showers. I start off quite warm then gradually make it as hot as I can for about 3 minutes then switch to cold for about 1 minute. I do 3 cycles and gradually make the hot hotter and the cold colder each cycle. I've only been doing this for 2 weeks now but the chronic headaches I've had for 30 years have lessoned (only 1 in the last 10 days-absolute heaven) and I've mysteriosly lost 8 lbs. (I'm quite obese) without changing my eating habits. The fact that it has been stinking hot the past 2 weeks and I'm sweating to death with no air conditioning could also be a factor for the weight loss! LOL My body temperature stays cooler for a few hours after my shower, even in this 30+ weather. I've also been doing some awesome meditations, listening to binaural beats and watching subliminal videos so it could be a combination of everything.

When I went to my Dr. last week and he asked how I was, I told him he'd better sit down. I've suffered (and I do mean suffer-suicidal thoughts daily) chronic depression for the last 17 years. I've gone off meds 3 times - once for 4 years even- but always end up crashing and need to go back on. Anyways back to the Dr. appt... I told him I had been HAPPY!!!! for 7 whole days and I hadn't cried since Sunday. The reason I cried was because I didn't know how long this would last. Had a bum day yesterday but not too bad today.

I thought it could be the combination of all the above or just my meds kicking in after trying 3 different kinds in 2 months. Not until I read all these posts did I think my showers could actually being contributing to my emotional well-being. Being 45, back in college with a bunch of 20 year olds, dealing with my disrespectful, pot smoking 17 year old son, chronic headaches and migraines, depression, hormone hostage (peri-menapause)... well I can use all the help I can get. I've also developed tennis elbow from being on the computer most of the day for school and homework. The showers haven't helped with that yet so I'm going to try emmursing my arm between my 2 kitchen sinks in hot and cold water.

Thanks for reading and I will definitely be checking out more of this website and referring my friends to it."

08/02/2009: Connie from Manitowoc, Wisconsin replies: "Have you tried eliminating glutamate/excitotoxins from your diet? MSG, aspartame, etc.? I feel much better for it. That and adding borax, vitamin C, and turmeric. This is a great site. :)"

[YEA]  07/23/2009: Sveta from Des Plaines, IL writes: "I just want to say that cold showers are great for major depression and anxiety disorder, but they don't help much if you don't shower your head. First, I was doing cold showers but was avoiding showering my head. It helped but I still had a lot of anxiety and depression going on. Then, after trying to SHOWER NOT ONLY MY BODY BUT MY HEAD too with cold water (I was told it's good for hair loss), I felt like I was born again. Plus, my hair doesn't seem to fall out much any more."

[YEA]  05/29/2009: Bill from East Stroudsburg, PA writes: "I suffer from periodic severe depressions. I have taken every drug known to science and have undergone shock treatment. By accident this spring I discovered that a long, very cold shower, as long as I can stand it provides the best treatment I've had in 50 years. I can only assume it is not suggested by doctors because the drug companies don't recommend it."

05/29/2009: Michelle from Los Angeles, CA replies: "A friend of a friend is going through electric shock therapy to treat depression. Why oh why don't people try cold showers first? From the feedback it appears to be a very successful treatment for mild to severe depression!!"

[YEA]  05/04/2009: Rob Dillon from San Francisco, CA writes: "I feel sad for a very odd reason. Why on earth did I not find this simple cold water shower cure earlier. I suffered from a lot of diseases all life and this cold water shower cured this. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND A MUST FOR EVERYONE WHO WANT TO STAY HAPPY AND HEALTHY."

[YEA]  12/31/2008: Jeff from Houston, Texas writes: "Cold Shower Therapy for Depression:

I didn't initially read about cold shower therapy for depression here, but wanted to comment on the positive benefits and why scientists think it works.

I've suffered from treatment resistant or refractory depression since the age of sixteen and am now forty-one years old. I've tried over 50 medications (MAOI's are the best in my personal and medical option), had over 70 ECT (electronvulsive or shock therapy treatments at the age of 18/19), and have tried every other known treatment for depression in the history of mankind.

Cold showers (or baths, swimming in lakes) has been a complimentary or adjunct therapy for me over the past several years. Scientist think it stimulates the blue spot or locus cerulus in the brain which is the main source of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline), but it also stimulates endorphins and has other effects on the hypothalamus/pituitary like stimulating thyroid hormone, helping with hot flashes (I have them with depression) and helps normalize circadian rhythms. I believe it works wonders and am living proof.

I also want to add something else for those who suffer from depression that they might want to try. Sleep deprivation for one or two nights. You might think it would cause depression, but it stimulates most of the neurotransmitters in the brain and is useful for enhancing the antidepressant effect of medications.

Lastly, if one is not so depressed that they're bed ridden, exercise can work wonders."

[YEA]  10/20/2008: Sarah from Nailworth, Glos UK writes: "I have been an avid reader of your site since i found it. I use many of your suggestions such as acv, bsm and baking soda for a cleanser. I heard about cold showers and depression and decided to give it a try. The main reason i tried it was because one day i was with a friend and we do wind each other up a bit and hurl joking insults at each other, but this one day i got really down about some of his comments as i suffer from depression and menopause i was feeling very vunerable. I could not get over his jokes and as much as i tried to reasure myself that he did not really mean them they still hurt and i was in tears for days. I thought i would take a cold shower to see if it cheered me up. All i can say is WOW. I must admit although i had lost the will to live i honestly thought i was going to die in the shower and decided i am not only depressed i am bloody bonkers, i was convinced i was going to die from heart failure, shock and hypothermia all at the same time. But after i stopped shivering and my teeth stopped chuttering i realised i was going to live after all and actually started to enjoy it. That was only this morning and i have been in such a good mood all day i cant wait to try it again tommorow. My face has also been glowing all day without any make up and i cant stop looking in the mirror, maybe it's just because i feel better but it has took years off me.I have got curly hair and heard it is good for curly hair as mine is going a bit frizzy. I will give you an update in a couple of months to see if it helps . I am one of the few women who love my curly hair and would not touch a straigtener. Everybody comments on my hair and how nice it is but lately with the onset of the menopause it seems to have died so i would love to see if something this simple gets it back to normal."

[YEA]  01/19/2008: Jasmine from Edmonton, Alberta writes: "GOD BLESS YOU EARTHCLINIC. Cold showers cured my depression. I have never felt so alive and so happy and grateful to be alive. Thankyou Earthclinic for sharing this great remedy. I have more energy and less stress. Oh and some other pleasant changes I've noticed - my hair is shinier and curlier (perfectly soft curls too, not frizzy like before), and my skin is clearer and softer than before. Right after I do my morning stretches and calisthenics routine I will jump into the cold shower (I almost can't describe how incredible it feels!)"

[WARNING!]  09/22/2007: Remy from Buffalo, NY writes: "Please tell website users that they have to be very careful if they have low body weight and use the "cold shower" method to alleviate depression. I have low blood circulation and several health problems because I am suffering and loosing to an eating disorder. Cold showers can be dangerous!

For people who are "underweight" it may be a good idea by slowly decreasing the temp. each time you take a shower, followed by taking your temperature afterward.

Core Temp. Side Effect
95 Shivering
90 Confusion
85 Lethargic
80 Coma
78 Death

Measuring the length of the shower is important, as the longer you expose your self to cold water, the lower your body temperature will drop.

I hope this helps, and as always; if you think you may have an eating disorder, you may have one, or develop one!"

07/26/2008: Jeffy from Chicago, IL replies: "The 78 percent likelihood of death from cold showers is indeed a reality in our society today. There is a study on Cold Shower Death I read in college, and I am certain I have experienced it!"

07/28/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hi Jeffy, excuse me for asking, but if you experienced death from a cold shower, please tell me whose computer you sent this message on!"

[YEA]  07/01/2007: Christina from Charleston, WV writes: "Cold showers cured my depression. I just want to thank you for the advice about cold showers. I have suffered from depression for a long time now and nothing seemed to be working. I have been taking two cold showers daily now for about four weeks and I feel a 100% difference. I actually have energy to do things again. Before I started the cold showers all I wanted to do was sleep. Thanks again. You don't know how much your advice has helped."

[YEA]  05/03/2007: Jacklyn from Vancouver, Canada writes: "I've been living with depression for two years, I wanted to find a natural way to help ease the stress of life, cold showers every day have helped me feel better and have elevated my mood substantially, I feel less stress, I especially love taking a cold shower after a workout or jog, I am so happy to hear that cold showers have helped do many people, we have to get the word out!by the way, my hair is a lot shinier too!"

[YEA]  02/28/2007: Marc from Toronto, Canada writes: "I've been suffering from anxiety and depression for years, and recently I've started to get panic attacks. I finally got motivated to start researching my problem on my own because I've discovered that doctors (at least the ones I've been too) are useless.

I've discovered a lot of useful information on this website, but what really caught my eye is the cold shower therapy. I've never taken a cold shower in my life so I tried it today. Honestly, I've never felt so great. I don't know what it did to me, but I got a terrible fit of the giggles that lasted half an hour. I feel a lot better, and motivated, which is rare for me especially in the morning. I'll keep it up and see what else happens, but I definitely recommend trying it, for whatever reason. And Thank You for this great website!"

[YEA]  02/26/2007: Cory from Tacoma, WA writes: "I am 52 and have been swimming in cold water all my life, and always enjoyed how the cold water made me feel afterwards. I only recently started taking cold showers, and I wish I had started years ago. I had been taking Prozac and other anti-depressant medications for eleven years and desperately wanted to get off them, but the withdrawal symptoms would hit like a nightmare. The cold showers have enabled me to get off these drugs cold turkey. I keep the water ice cold for at least five minutes, then switch to warm and finally hot. I aso discovered that targeting the armpits is absolutely essential."

[YEA]  08/04/2005: Trevor from Cambridge, NY writes: "My hot water tank malfunctioned recently so I had to take cold showers. At first I dreaded the idea but have since found that tepid showers invigorate my spirit and lighten my mood. I'm bipolar and have crushing depressive episodes. Believe me when I say that I feel my cold showers mitigate the effects of my dark moods and project a feeling of well being and joy throughout my whole body and mind!"

[YEA]  06/06/2005: Jerry from NYC writes: "I have found out that taking ice cold showers works wonders for depression, also my skin is much healthier."

COUCH EXERCISE

1 YEA

[YEA]  05/08/2008: Gary from Mesa, AZ writes: "Dear Earth Clinic, I may have some good advice on how to drastically cut or eliminate depression/anxiety. An exercise. I lay over the edge of the couch face down with my lower stomach on the arm. Keeping my legs straight on the couch I lean down with my torso and back up straight. This works the back muscles and takes pressure off the spine and nerves. Also, a simple visit to the chiropractor helped tremendously.Thanks, Gary."

EC: We emailed Gary for more details...

05/09/2008: Gary replies: "You would lie on the arm of sofa with your stomach. Legs on couch and head off. Use your arms like a pushup to help straighten your body. Your legs may want to raise up but you`ll have to secure them somehow.

In the exercise, I use my arms to help me straighten myself almost like a push up. Most people will not be able to do it without using their arms. I guess whats important is to use back muscles without straining them of course. Also, I just want to tell people with depression to go to a chiropractor,therapist or qualified trainer. This gets dismissed because they don`t have back pain. Spend $30 It could be the answer. It`s well worth it. Hope this helps."

DANCING

2 YEA

[YEA]  06/05/2008: Gloria from Santa Rosa, CA writes: "I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 6 years ago and i tried the meds for a while, but i hated the side-effects.

I had always wanted to take dance classes so in college i took a class for p.e. credit. It was extraordinary how much dancing affected me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I got into better shape while being challenged to learn steps and movement and when i danced, i felt so happy like i could fly!

Since then, I haven't had any need to see a therapist or take meds and I've now changed my major to became a movement therpist (who knew there was a whole field dedicated to what I had experienced). I hope to inspire others to make that connection with their body and mind and I will continue to pursue this awareness for the rest of my life.

Here's a tip for those of you interested in trying this. Most community colleges have beginning adult dance classes and it's usually really cheap (in california it's $20 a unit and dance classes are normally only 1 unit)."

06/05/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Yea and congratulations. DANCING is a whole lot more fun and safer than popping antidepressants (which I have read are mostly fuorides, which is another excitotoxin or neurotoxin). The only adverse side effect I ever heard of from dancing was, my physical therapist, telling me that one of his male patients said his knee went out on him while he was dancing - Must have been "break" dancing, huh?"

[YEA]  Elise from Irving TX writes: "I am a manic depressive and i found that dancing gets my mind off of things when I'm feeling down plus it's a good exercise."

DAY LIGHT LAMP, DIETARY SUGGESTIONS

1 YEA

[YEA]  01/23/2007: Toma from Chicago, IL writes: "Day light lamp not only helps to relieve the symptoms of SAD, but it also works great for depression. Make sure the lamp has a filter that blocks UV rays. Also, the supplement Isocort helps to fight every day stress.This diet will help your mood swings and depression a big deal: avoiding diary products, sugar, caffeine, canned foods, red meat, roasted foods, and alcohol. Doing deep breathing exercise 3 times a day helps to fight anxiety, and, also, a good remedy for panic attacks. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day may help to relieve depression symptoms, too."

DHEA

1 YEA

[YEA]  05/21/2008: Brian Mahoney from Bellingham, Washington writes: "I've been on different antidepressants the last several years, natural and pharmaceutical and have found DHEA supplementation to be one of the most effective for myself. I'm currently taking usually 150mg /day of dhea and 200mg of Zoloft. Added in deer antler velvet this last month. The jury's still out on the DAV. I aso just tried Saint John's Wart standardized for hypericin and hyperforin and can't say it did any good. D3 didn't help. Will probably try urine drinking last if at all. Rhodiola may be next and/or a trip to a sunnier climate. I just saw some info at Perlmutter Health Center (Naples Fl) web site about hyperbaric oxygen giving some people depression relief, so that will be in the future as well."

05/22/2008: Debbie from South Bend, IN replies: "Brian,
Please don't discount D3 so quickly. If you are deficient it can take months to rebuild your levels.The RDA that the gov. has been recommending is way below what we need. Please, everyone, have your vitamin D levels checked. It's not a vitamin, it's an essential hormone and every single cell in your body has a receptor for it.

Please visit http://www.vitamindcouncil.org for current and improtant information on vitamin d.

Debbie
South Bend, IN"

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS

1 YEA

02/10/2009: Charles from Burlingame, Calif/USA writes: "58 year old male with a former history of great health/runner/government worker who worked out doors. Forced retirement with foot/heal and hip problems. Those are tolerable but have self diagnosed and one doctor diagnosed depression. Absolutely cannot get out of bed...when awake seem to ruminate about everything wrong with the world or the economy. Sorry to dump on all but ...almost at a very scary point in my pysche. I am reaching out to all. Charles"

[YEA]  02/11/2009: Sid Davis from Springfield, Missouri, USA replies: "When I was younger I was sad most of the time and often had bouts with fear. Mine turned out to be dietary. I ate a standard US diet with plenty of sweets and refined foods. I also drank a few times a week and the drinking would deplete my body even more than just the crummy diet.

On the insistence of a friend, I started taking a high dose multiple vitamin from a health food store, plus a separate vitamin B supplement, separate vitamin C supplement, and separate calcium, magnesium, zinc supplement. I also cold turkey cut out all refined sugar, soft drinks, coffee, and refined flour. I ate about three pieces of fresh fruit a day and had three servings of fresh vegetables per day. I got my protein from meat and cheese, and ate whole grains like whole wheat bread and brown rice. I also exercised 20 minutes a day, five days a week which I had to force myself to do at first.

It worked for me and 35 years later I still follow this regimen, although not quite as strictly as before. I continue to be optimistic and I think I have a normal energy level for someone 65. Once I started to feel better, I experimented with dose levels, but I take well above the recommended daily allowances every day.

My own view is that medications just cover up the symptoms and may actually contribute to the problem. I hope you are able to change your life to one that you enjoy living; time keeps running out.

It worked and I continue today to be optimistic and have normal energy for a 65 year old."

02/11/2009: Rick from Montreal, Quebec replies: "Greetings Charles, There are many substances in nature that are useful to treat depression. Rather than try a hit or miss approach, I would suggest you find a book that will help you understand what is happening and what to do about it. An excellent choice is a book by Gabriel Cousens, a noted psychiatrist who uses natural means to cure depression.

http://www.amazon.ca/Depression-Free-Life-Gabriel-Cousens/dp/0060959657

Next suggestion, water.... www.watercure2.com I think learning about the effects of water would be a solid foundation in any quest for better health, mental or physical.

All of the best Charles,"

FISH OIL

4 YEA

[YEA]  01/03/2009: Calista from Penang, Malaysia writes: "Fish Oil (Omega 3 Fish Oil) REALLY helps with depression. I have been battling severe clinical depression for over 2 years now. Though I'm emotionally & mentally better, I had problems with irregular sleep pattern, excessive sleepiness and lack of energy. I read that Omega 3 can help, so I tried taking it. After just 3 days on 3000mg a day (taken on breakfast, lunch, dinner), for the first time in years I noticed I slept less during the day and slept better at night. It's been weeks now and I continue taking 1000-3000mg a day, and I keep feeling better. I now wake up feeling more refreshed and motivated to do things. I have the energy to actually do them. My naps are short, or sometimes I can go without one. I feel sleepy after a certain time (at night) and can actually sleep throughout the night and wake up ONLY when it's morning. It has regulated my sleep cycle! I can't remember the last time I feel this great! It's amazing such improvement can be achieved with just a simple thing like Fish Oil. Do try it. There can be no harm, only good."

[YEA]  11/29/2008: Shanon from San Antonio, Texas writes: "Fishoil helped my depression. I was about to consider Zoloft when I ran into an article about the benefits of fishoil. I started taking 3-4 grams I divided doses and in less than 5 weeks I felt better! Then, I started sleeping before 11 pm and found out that I functioned better and my thoughts were more positive. Everyone used to tell me that in order to cure depression you had to think positive...fishoil taught me how to do so! it's been four months and I only get depressed during my period. I'm working on that...any suggestions?"

[YEA]  Colleen from Perry, Florida writes: "Omega 3 Fish Oils work great for depression!! Be sure to take them on a regular basis. They really work wonders for depression."

[YEA]  11/20/2008: Ethan from Nashville, Tennessee replies: "I take fish oil at least twice a week. I have been doing this a year now. Though it has not cured my depression it seems to help. I also take a multi vitamin occasionaly. I was skeptical of a natural cure working after having tried ST Johns Wart because it did not seem to work for me but I gave it a shot and I have been doing fairly well. I still get depressed but not for such long periods of time like I used to."

11/22/2008: Laurie from Wolverine, MI replies: "In reply to the person taking fish oil. Fish oil is very good, trying different types of omega threes would be beneficial. Vitamin D3 is essential in winter months, especially if in the northern states; no depression when vit D3 is around. Best regards"

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