The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mary (Los Angeles, California) on 07/09/2011 51 posts
I have heard so many helpful hints to help you heal. I use to listen to Louise Hay a very well known woman who helped to heal many people. Ms Hay had been abused by her father as a small child. I didn't pay for her tapes as I found them in the library and made copies for myself.
I listened to her tapes every night for 9 years and they helped alot. Another woman who became a doctor after being Agoraphobic for years has a hospital but sorry to say she charges too much for her programs and that's a terrible shame after knowing how bad these panic attacks and depression feel and most people I know who have it bad can not work. She geta a big lump of coal from me!!
I did a lot of research to help myself. GABA is a very important supplement to take because it relaxes your mind enough to let you sleep and find therapy to help you get through it. Magnesium for me is 700 mg daily but check for your size and weight this helps to keep your muscles loose and not tight. Exercise for depression is very important. Don't eat too many foods that contain MSG this spice can actually bring on anxiety attacks. If you can go and swim in the beach the salt water takes away many negative energies and relaxes you. If you cannot, take epsom salt baths. Laughter is very good for your overall health. I have bought movies that make me laugh or I look up jokes and keep them in a folder. When I am down I go for these things to cheer me up. God bless you all and may you heal and have very wonderful lives. Please don't forget to "pay it forward" and help others who are in a difficult place in their lives.
Blessings to all, Mary
5-HTP
Posted by Linda (Atlanta, Ga) on 07/01/2011
★★★★★
5HTP helps me very well when I have the Blues. I take only 50mg in the morning. It works very subtle. I notice when I do not take it. I also take PS (Phosphatidylserine). It helps me get up and do my work and it helps me with procrastination. I found with 5HTP that it works better in low dosages. When people take too much they experience anxiety.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jason (Peoria, Az United States) on 06/30/2011
★★★★★
Wow, I'm totally shocked how well this works. I have been dealing with depression for 18 years and have tried medications, supplements, everything except for this. Last Sunday I was feeling down in the dumps and I thought I would just go for it and drank a whole shot down. Within 15 minutes, I was full of energy and ready to do things. I would exercise caution and reccomend only doing a tablespoon and chase it down with water and don't drink too much apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach your first time. The shot I drank got me out of the dumps but it was way too much and too strong, I couldn't fall asleep and felt a little hyper on the edge. I was extremely productive with my work over the next couple days, so I decided I wait wait till I felt depressed again and only do a little bit before trying the ACV again.
Well now it is 4 days later and I was feeling pretty hopeless, depressed, and no motivation to do anything. I took a tablespoon of ACV and drank a bottle of water right afterwords. This is truely magical, I can't believe how good I feel, this is not placebo. I'm going to go to the gym and get some work done, and work on some music, something I did not feel like doing all day until I had the 2nd dose of ACV. I reccomend this with all my heart. Who would have known? Be sure to get the raw, unfiltered kind with mother!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Denny (Clarksville, Tennessee) on 06/25/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Tried apple cider vinegar for depression and did it not help.
Cold Showers
Posted by Memphismiss (Memphis, Tn, United States) on 06/04/2011
★★★★★
I think the cold shower has helped with my depression. Before I took the shower I had that feeling of poor concentration and tiredness and a bit of confusion. After the shower I feel better and can think better and im more energized. Before I took the shower I took an Omega 3 pill and bit it and squeezed the oil into my mouth. I also ate a banana and drank some lemon water to wash it all down. While in the shower I did let the water cover my entire head and body and I couldn't help but to began really deep breathing because of the shock of the cold water(I think the deep breathing helped).
I have been dealing with depression on and off for about 7 years. I think it is very possible that I was depressed as a child too. It became a part of my personality, I was always negative. I would always expect the worse. I have been working to be more positive and it has helped the depression some. Recently I have been under a lot of stress and as you may know stress can bring on depression. So I am trying to avoid a major depressive episode at all costs as they are very scary. I have had scary major depressive episodes but I find that meditating on the Holy Bible and positives rather than negatives helps.
I am going to try my hardest to exercise because when I do exercise(dancing is my favorite) I do feel better. Also when I juice fresh apples, oranges, carrots, and grapes, I have better concentration and energy. I noticed this week I have been eating poorly all the sweets and fats I wanted and my body has suffered for it, no doubt. That's why I was here looking for other cures to try to get rid of this depression once and for all but I guess it's gonna take some time and effort as it took some time and effort to get depressed. But the cold shower sure does help also freshly juiced fruits and vegatables also, positive meditation (I prefer those of the Holy Bible).... exercise(dancing, swimming and walking)..Omega 3 and vitamins, active social life(volunteer, facebook or something... be mindful of what you are watching or listening to( you need all positive stuff nothing negative).
Since there are so many things that can be going on in a person's body to cause depression it may take trying a few things. Our bodies were not built to withstand the current fast food lifestyle of today or the high stress.It is important to make sure that your depression is not because your body is short on vitamin and minerals Think about your eating habits even if you are not super obese like me. Blessings of all things good and no depression to all, you are not alone. HALLELUJAH... in Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Cold Showers
Posted by Elise (Perth, Australia) on 03/11/2011
Yes, cold showers can be ever so deadly... It actually boosts your immune system im afraid... Unlikely cause of death.. Perhaps try sky diving :/
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Loretta (Phoenix, Az, Usa) on 03/11/2011
My husband has weaned himself off prescription drugs for depression and anxiety. Now we are wondering if it is safe for him to take St. John's Wort and Passion Flower at the same time? He has been taking melatonin in the evenings to help him relax so he can sleep better. Is it okay to take all three (in moderate doses)?
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide...Loretta
Fish Oil
Posted by Naturelove (Ft. Polk, Louisiana) on 01/20/2011
B complex vitamins will have not only a positive impact on your mood, but help you stay regulated during your period.
Sun Gazing
Posted by Entheogens (Palo Alto, California, Usa) on 11/22/2010
I found the following link to be a bit more cautious and sensible as regards Sun Gazing. What I like is that this person (Vinny Pinto) is a Sun Gazer but is willing to play "Devil's Advocate" and consider the potential negatives to Sun Gazing. He is not afraid to sacrifice "Holy Cows", especially this notion that 44 minutes is some kind of miraculous number that you should shoot for:
http://sungazing.vpinf.com/
Sunshine
Posted by Lis (Ny, Ny, Usa) on 11/22/2010
"Sunscreens, even weak ones, almost completely block your body's ability to generate vitamin D. Rays cannot penetrate glass to generate vitamin D in your skin."
"If you live north of 37 degrees latitude (approximately a line drawn horizontally connecting Norfolk, Virginia to San Francisco, California) sunlight is not sufficient to create Vitamin D in your skin in the winter months, even if you are sitting in the sun in a bathing suit. The further you live from the equator, the longer exposure you need to the sun in order to generate vitamin D. "
Source: drfranklipman.com/vitamin-d-faq
Sun Gazing
Posted by Lis (Ny, Ny, Usa) on 11/22/2010
Most people who sungaze do it when its relatively safe, that is within one hour after the sun rises and one hour within the time the sun sets. I believe Ted in other posts has even talked of not looking directly in the sun as well. And when it is done, you start at only 10 seconds a day and continue to build in 10 second increments until you reach 44 minutes. Some never go this high but still do experience some benefits. If you google you can find out more details. Often they say, if you have worries, then its better not to do it. Most people in sungazing forums I have read, experienced many positive results, not all of them experienced the miracles like not having to eat (or eat much at least) anymore but a few did. There were a few who developed eye problems of some sort. Anyways, regular checkups with the doctor and being observant of your own body should help you know if to stop or lessen it. I did it a handful of times and enjoyed it and did not feel any negative effects, especially when I did palming after (rubbing hands and gently covering eyes with them for a minute). I would have done it longer but I got lazy and the weather is on and off a lot.
Here is one place to read more info on sungazing: www.sungazing.com/652.html
Sun Gazing
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 11/22/2010
I will post this question all over again as I got no answer! Aren't you afraid that it will burn your retina? Dr. Bates, the eye expert talks about it in his book but nowadays others say that it is very dangerous.... Is it, isn't it? I have a lot of eye problems like myopia, eye floaters and I am always on the look out for something which might help!
Sun Gazing
Posted by William (Charleston, Sc, Usa) on 11/21/2010
Michael, when you began sun gazing do you start off just gazing for a minute and progressively more each day? or did you start off gazing five or more minutes. I just began and this is what I do. Now the sun gazing guru Hiran Ratan Matek says to start gazing for a small moment, maybe less than a minute, then gradually in weeks or months doing it for 30 minutes or so? cannot remember exact time. The sun helps to clean the body, mind and spirit this is why you feel good.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Dosti65 (Castries, St. Lucia) on 10/11/2010
★★★★★
I have suffered with depression from childhood which I feel has wasted a huge chunk of my life. I now try to treat it with diet, etc, I hate the thought of taking any form of drugs into my body. I feel that they are more damaging in the long term. Always on the lookout for natural ways to relieve the depression, I stumbled on your site last night after reading about OP on another site. Though I was skeptical, It sounded interesting, so I kept reading the testimonials until I came across what one person said about the effect that OP with olive oil had on his depression! Well... I immediately shoved a tbsp of olive oil in my mouth and swirled to my hearts content for 20 mins. What do you know, my mood lifted immediately, I felt motivated, positive, I was singing and dancing, my energy was back! Hey, I was back! I hadn't felt like this in many, many months. My mouth felt great too. I woke up the next morning without the usual panic attacks and feelings of foreboding. I'm stoked! I OP again this morning and my motivation has lasted through out the day. No depression! I just realized that a pain in the throat before doing the OP is completely gone. Hadn't noticed it before, so amazed at the renewed spirits! Still cannot believe this 'miracle', so I'm going to keep monitoring and listening to my body while doing the OP. I plan to do it just in the morning using the olive oil. If this keeps up words will not be able to express how this site and all your comments have given me my life back... No words. Thank-You! Q:Does it make a difference whether one uses olive oil or evoo? I'm a newbie so feedback would be welcome.
5-HTP
Posted by Anonymous (World) on 08/25/2010
I agree. But ideally you should do this with the assistance an experienced professional who is willing to help you with the switch and is aware of your medical history. If you want to do it alone, make sure that, at the very minimum, you are very knowledgeable about the risks involved, and talk to people who have done it as well. Even so, consider the risks: this change can trigger a serious reaction, these are anti-depressants we are talking about. Any change in your existing drug regimen will result in chance for your brain chemistry. Be safe.
5-HTP
Posted by Anon (Somewhere, Usa) on 08/25/2010
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE talk to either your doctor or a pharmacist before you proceed with this. I took meds for panic attacks and the side effects were the most horrible experience to go through during the weaning process. A family member went through bad experience with it too and ended up trying to end her life. These medications are dangerous and should be illegal for doctors to pass out scripts the way they do.
5-HTP
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Australia) on 08/25/2010
Hi Gtijes, the best thing to do is ask your chemist/pharmacist if 5htp is safe to be taken with the meds you are on and then if it is safe you can go into one of the hundreds of forums on the internet that help you and suggest how to reduce and finally stop taking your prescription medication. You can then add in your dosage of 5htp that you think is necessary to replace your reducing meds. I hope you succeed with ease. Lily.
5-HTP
Posted by Gtijes (Allentown, Pa) on 08/24/2010
Hey, I have always struggled with depression and anxiety since I was young. However, it wasn't until my father passed away very suddenly that I started taking lorazepam & citalopram for extreme anxiety and depression. I am really not into prescriptions unless absolutely necessary. Does anyone know how to start to switch off of prescriptions onto 5-htp? I can never find any answers if it's ok to start weaning off of the prescriptions and introducing the 5-htp right away. Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I really want to get off of these meds right away. Thanks!
Rhodiola
Posted by Cayita (Fenwick, Ontario) on 04/27/2010
Rhodiola is a mood altering herb.
Cold Showers
Posted by Cayita (Fenwick, Ontario) on 04/27/2010
Lol, Jeffy, you have a great sense of humor
Rhodiola
Posted by Jim (Anniston, Alabama) on 04/11/2010
I took the prescribed amount, one capsule a day, of 340mg or Rhodiola. It showed on the bottle that it contained 3% rosavins = to 10.2mg. I bought it in the hope that it would help with some depression that I've been having. I didn't want to take anti-depression medicene and hoped this would be a good route without the terrible side effects of any of the anti-depression medicines. About 20 minutes after taking the capsule of Rhodiola, I began to feel light-headed and so far that's all that's happened. No reduction of the depressed state of mind, no energy, no nothing.. just the light-headedness. Maybe I need to take it for awhile? But based on what I've read already about it, I should've gotten some response other than light-headedness.
EC: Hi Jim,
It's helpful if people wait at least a few days before sending in feedback about a remedy or supplement. From your post it appears to only have been an hour or two... Thanks.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Anonymous (Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Usa) on 04/05/2010
★★★★★
Multiple remedies for depression
Obviously it depends on what's really wrong, but here are some suggestions that have helped me. I scanned the list of titles on the right and did not see the following:
-adequate sleep
-quitting coffee
-massage
-tanning/sun bathing
-loseing weight/body image/new clothes
-doing things you've always wanted to but were too afraid to do
-jogging/runner's high - this works well
-fresh fruit and vegetable juices/smoothies/fasting on them
-clean water - not fluoridated/chlorinated tap water with additional mystery chemicals
-spending time alone with Jesus/getting close to Him
-church
-getting enough fiber in your diet - apples
- Drink 2 tablespoons of olive oil mixed with the fresh juice of a lemon and the juice or minced bits of a few cloves of fresh garlic.
-staying out of co-dependent relationships - love people the way Jesus did
-being honest with yourself about who you are, what you want, etc. For example, don't tell yourself you want to be married, if all you really want/need is fellowship. Be real honest with yourself about your wants and needs. Isaiah 58:4, Matthew 19:12
Wiggle the Toe Method
Posted by Joe (Hartford, Ct) on 03/09/2010
★★★★☆
Can you go into detail a bit more about this? Do you wiggle both feet or just one? How long should you wiggle for? I tried it and it seems to have lessened my depression and would like to know more about this method.
Rhodiola and St John's Wort
Posted by Felista (Las Vegas, Nv, Usa) on 02/11/2010
I, too, suffer from these. I have been doing a ton of research, and I will share with you the three best supplements for women with PMS/depression/anxiety. From what I have read, they are safe, with few negative side effects, unlike St. John's wort, which can cause sun sensitivity, and interacts with some medications. #1 & 3 have been found in studies to work as well as SJW or even SSRI's.
1. Chasteberry aka chinese vitex - helps balance hormones. People with PMS usually are progesterone deficient, and this helps balance that out.
2. L-Theanine - found in green tea, but can be found in supplemental form. Very calming, takes the edge off. Does not make drowsy. Safe.
3. Inositol - found to be particularly helpful with depression, bi-polar disorder, and OCD.
I would also highly recommend taking an Omega 3 supplement in conjunction with, specifically B-12, Folic Acid, B-6 and including a B vitamins complex.
When I do these, as well as avoid too much sugar and get regular sleep, I feel like a new person. If I slip and don't do these things, the monster comes out.
Important note: Anything involving balancing hormones or deficiencies usually takes at least three cycles to notice the positive effect. It's not usually a try for a day or two thing. Also, trying one at a time helps you to see which one is actually helping or not. It's not an overnight solution. This kind of thing takes time and patience, but I believe there is natural help out there with these things.
Good Luck. Sorry this didn't have to do with Rhodiola, but I had to share.
Saffron
Posted by Star (Brooklyn, New York) on 02/07/2010
which saffron was it: american false saffron in latin cathamus tinctorius, the safflower or was it 'crocus sativus' asian indian true saffron???
Rhodiola and St John's Wort
Posted by Shellie (Sevierville, Tn) on 02/03/2010
I am still wondering if it is a good idea to take rhodiola and st john's wort both?
Rhodiola and St John's Wort
Posted by Shellie (Sevierville, Tn) on 02/01/2010
Rhodiola has done wonders for my anxiety. But I am still having problems with depression and pms. I was wondering if I can take St John's wort and Rhodiola? I am takng 500mg of Rhodiola (3% rosavin and 1% salidrosides) Also, my husband takes St John's wort but it is 300mg (0.3%Hypericin) is this the right kind of St John's wort to take?
Bach Flower Remedies
Posted by Bob (London, U.K.) on 01/13/2010
★★★★★
The Bach Flower Remedies have worked wonders on my depression. I have been in and out of depression for the last 3-4 years, and only a few months ago I discovered the flower remedies and was amazed by the results. I use them still, whenever I feel I need to. Deciding which remedies to take is not easy. It takes alot of looking into yourself and understanding yourself and your emotions. You need to think about what you feel at that specific time, not what you might have felt at previous phases in your life. I hope this helps.
Rose Oil
Posted by Lorica (New Albany, Indiana) on 01/09/2010
★★★★☆
Aroma Therapy & Depression
I am on Citalopram 20 mg. a day. I exercise and eat mostly organic & avoid sugar & other no nos. Also, I take tons of supplements like magnesium & fish oil. Still, the depression has not all gone away. I heard that rose oil was an antidote for depression & decided to try it. All I did was put 1 or 2 tiny drops of rose absolut (the real stuff) on my upper lip, well massaged in, under my nostrils at my "droop time" at night. About an hour later I would also do a bit more aroma therapy by burning just one stick of good incense (not the kind that is made from cow dung, really healthy kind, any "flavor".) I waited an hour for the incense because I wanted my olfactory sense to get the full benefit of the rose oil by itself. (I also rubbed the left over bit on my finger onto my wrists.) The effect has been wonderful. Boy does it put me in a happy, even joyful mood. And this lasts about 24 hours! Also, I noticed it was helping me with attention deficit order, definitely. Well, at first I could find no one else saying that it helped A.D.D. But since then, I have found on the net that yes, people say it helps with A.D.H.D. (A.D.D. is sometimes lumped into that category.) per empirical studies. Now A.D.D. & depression go together commonly. No way I believe this was placebo effect. I didn't dream it would help with A.D.D. for example.
Rose absolut is pricey. However, I get it at a major discount vitamin site that sells everything for about 40% off. It could last me several months at the rate I'm using it, personally.
Milk Thistle
Posted by Sophia (Lewisville, Tx) on 01/08/2010
★★★★★
For depression that gets worse at that time of month, Milk Thistle works great for me. I usually start feeling better within 20 minutes. It works great for the kind of depression where you just feel bad. It also works for guys' depression (I give it to my son). Try not to take it every day. I've read, and found from my own experience, that taking it daily lessens its effects.
Fish Oil
Posted by Nirinjan (Traverse City, Michigan) on 12/30/2009
For those who are vegan or don't want animal products you can try hemp oil which has omega 3,6,and 9. Hemp oil with bragg's or tamari makes a great salad dressing!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Nirinjan (Traverse City, Michigan) on 12/30/2009
I would recommend using Molasses from cane sugar and not beets. Most sugar beets are GMO and could have other side effects or make sure it's organic grown.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, USA) on 12/26/2009 113 posts
Thanks,, from Merryanne in Florida,,maybe the bread carbs are my problem,,I have been crying several time a week for 1 and 1/2 years and blamed it on the fact my dog died,,but it has been 1 and 1/2 years!!! so i think i will cut down real low on the sugar and bread and see what happens in the next couple weeks,,Thanks
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tina (Venice Beach, Cali) on 12/23/2009
★★★★★
Update: after one day off sugar and flour products, my depression totally went away. I am back to normal. WOO HOO!!!! Glad that this was such an easy fix and boy, do I feel like a fool for letting it go on for so long before figuring out the overload sugar connection to depression. Hope this helps someone else to cure the holiday blues!
To Carmen, yes yes "glum" is a great description for what I was feeling!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Carmen (Nova Scotia, Canada) on 12/21/2009
oh yes!!! I too am feeling something, not a depression but an underlying GLUM feeling. I too am eating holiday junk to excess, it is everywhere!!! I went to a holiday party last night and ate a late supper, eating foods i rarely eat at an hour I never eat, slept very poorly and had odd dreams all night. I made the connection this morning, it must be it!!! Let us know how it goes.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tina (Venice Beach, Cali) on 12/20/2009
Holiday Depression
I have been feeling more & more depressed the past month. I don't usually get depressed, so it's strange even though it IS around the holidays, a time when many get depressed. Anyhow, today I realized that maybe my depression has something to do with the radical increase in white flour and sweets, thanks to the constant supply of pastries, cakes, chocolates, candy canes and m&ms at my office during the entire month of December!!!! I normally don't eat much gluten and sugar products, which is why I am making a connection here.
Thank goodness I am on holiday now and don't have to be around the sugary temptations for a couple of weeks, so I am going to detox (stop eating junk food) and see if my depression disappears. I will let you know if I am successful. I know the holidays can be tough times for many people, but maybe we should also be highlighting the fact that people are eating so much crappy food that they might also be going into candida overload.
Thank you for reading! Happy Ho Ho Ho to all.
Dietary Changes, Exercise, Supplements
Posted by Luiz (South America) on 12/19/2009
I totally agree with this post. Well being is tightly associated to our diet.
About three years ago I lived on fast-food and frozen processed food. I was addicted to cocaine, got drunk every day, and had bouts of depression all the time where I simply could not function.
I started to change things little by little, first with education by monitoring sites and forums like this, reading books, trying diets and new "real" foods. My theory is that we were made perfect. We just need to put our physical body in a position to heal and maintain itself: literally give our body a chance.
Today I crave things like brown rice, sauerkraut, chilled açaí bowls with granola, steamed vegetables, etc. When I feel like eating something sweet, I have a can of coke (not very often). I no longer crave coffee, but I do drink cups of green tea tea with molasses and VCO. Yum!
I do not crave or desire any of that crap anymore! I have a frozen lasagne in my freezer and ice cream that must have been there for months and months. I just get this stuff for emergencies or when people visit, and end up not needing them.
I still eat meat, french fries, fast food, but it's just not part of my daily diet because my body no longer see that as "food". It's just something to have when there is nothing more nourishing available, a filler.
I learned the difference between being hungry and "feeling like having something to eat". I can also now tell the impact of foods in my life... my mood completely changes after eating a lot of barbecue for example. Coffee now puts me in a state where I feel a anxious and apprehensive about everything, and sometimes a bit shaky.
I still have my struggles with life as everybody else as well. I drink beer more than I should, but things are changing slowly. I no longer have that urge to change everything overnight. That's just not sustainable in the long run. You have to commit a small positive change, and wait a few weeks to see what the impact it. Once you do this over and over, one day you will come to the realisation that you are a whole new person. And also in love with it!
I haven't been sick in years. I take no medication of any kind. No doctor can scare me into doing anything. I'm not opposed to seeking help if I need it either, but I understand now that a good doctor is one that understands that he is an instrument in healing, nothing more. I can't run from pompous doctors fast enough.
