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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Berry (Washington,DC) on 08/29/2005
★★★★★
a tablespoon of vinegar in a half glass of warm water is good for calming my emotions. if i drink it when something has gotten on my nerves. It takes effect immediately. Try it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Connie (Portland, OR)
★★★★★
I suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. I tried at least six or seven medications over a five year period but nothing worked. They all were just expensive and had bad side effects. A naturopathic biologist told me to take ACV and after a couple of days I felt much better for the first time. I believe there are people who need the prescription medications -and counseling is a great help to most of us- but for those of us suffering from occasional recurrent depression/anxiety I believe it is a fantastic cure. I have only taken it when my depression pops up and found relief every time. After reading the benefits for weight loss though, I believe I will begin taking it daily - and brushing my teeth afterward!
Fish Oil
Posted by Colleen (Perry, Florida)
★★★★★
Omega 3 Fish Oils work great for depression!! Be sure to take them on a regular basis. They really work wonders for depression.
Dancing
Posted by Elise (Irving TX)
★★★★★
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.
Methylene Blue
Posted by Jeff (WI) on 09/29/2024
★★★★★
Look, if your relative died or you had a great loss, that's one thing,, but if you have a true family history and a feeling since childhood or young adulthood that you can't be happy and a brain scan that shows dark areas,,,, You have genetic depression and that is way harder to deal with. So let's look at the most high powered substances that exist for that.'
OK .... Food grade methylene blue has proven to change electrons and alleviate depression of every order. Do your own research. People take a mild dose of 15 drops per day...
CBD oil needs to be mentioned here because of it's ability to calm you and raise serotonin but not a true High power option.
Now for the big one:
Clinical and lifelong depression has been completely or partly eliminated in one day, one week or one month with this incredible substance. Hallucinogenic Therapy
John's Hopkins and Harvard Med School is studying human subjects and has been studying this for years. It was featured on 60 minutes and is shown directly in brain scans to open up centers and structures in the brain that have been closed off for years or since birth.
LOOK it Up!!!! *** Hallucinogens against depression..... or PTSD and more.
Hopkins and Harvard administer it every day (Psylocibin..but others also work) and the results are beyond belief in many cases.
Don't think of hallucinogens as drugs. That is a political and economic tool to scare you....
It cured my Viet Nam combat stress... Do the Research and Blessings to All
It is not legal in most states, but the Psychology world is catching on fast.
Proper Mental Diet
Posted by TessaBC (Okanagan) on 02/08/2024
Such an inspiring comment, Tiberius!
Thank you for those wise words.
I agree wholeheartedly with you about it being taught in schools. It would help so many young people on their journey through life.
I have printed it out and have it next to my computer as a gentle reminder to keep things in perspective.
Thanks again.
Cheers from Canada
Chlorella, Copper
Posted by Noohra (USA) on 08/05/2023
Hey Jeffrey!
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
I love Chlorella and fulvic acid. I should probably take it more often.
I was hoping you explain and give a little more detail about the chelated copper. I'm not depressed, but I am a big believer in taking supplements to stay happy and healthy. With 6 kids, I need to stay on top of my game :)
5-HTP
Posted by Dano (Ontario) on 10/06/2024
No, you can't combine them. 5-HTP raises serotonin which the SSRIs do as well. This can lead to the dangerous serotonin syndrome. If you want to stop taking SSRIs, it needs to be done very gradually over an extended period of time, and you should work with a professional who is experienced with weaning people off SSRIs.
Vanilla Bean Powder
Posted by dibro (Southern USA) on 08/07/2021
★★★★★
For stress, anxiety or depression - Vanilla Bean Powder
Vanilla bean fine powder melts anxiety & takes depression away.
Add a teaspoonful to coffee or tea/or simply remove the cap and use it as an aromatherapy! Add a spoon full to cereal/ even swish with a bit of toothpaste and prevent tooth decay!
Yes, it's a fine powder, not a liquid. Of course U can find it on Amazon.com
Ginger
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 08/09/2020
★★★★★
A one inch piece of fresh organic raw ginger, chewed and swallowed with water. Effective within minutes. Suicidal thoughts and depression had been happening for a few hours. Took more as needed, 3 or so times over the next few hours. Continued as needed over the next few days.
Flaxseeds
Posted by Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/24/2019 233 posts
★★★★☆
Hello all it is early days but caught up with a friend who suffers depression and anxiety and is on different meds, twice a day. She was strangely severely affected by afternoons. She about 6 weeks ago started my suggestion of the spoonful of linseeds (flaxseeds) soaked overnight in water, consumed in the morning. As it had been awhile I asked her how she was doing on it. Apart from actually enjoying drinking the seeds, she grasped my hands to advise she no longer had the dark cloud over her head in the afternoon, and often didn't take her afternoon antidepressant because she didn't need it. We both had tears in our eyes at this development. Hope this encourages someone who needs it.
Dietary Change
Posted by Eliza (Vermont) on 09/19/2018
★★★★★
I have enormous help with depression by avoiding all animal protein and limiting plant protein. (Plant protein is nuts, beans, and seeds.). Also avoid GMO foods because the high pesticides on them contributes to depression. Also avoid wheat, oats, and barely unless they are organic, because in a process called "desiccation, " they are sprayed with pesticides a few days before harvest. Also experiment with avoiding nightshade foods. Supplements that help are zembrin, inositol, and P5P ( active vitamin B6). But most crucial for overcoming depression is to minimize eating protein. It would be too lengthy here to explain how this strategy increases serotonin. Especially avoid animal protein. (don't eat anything with a face and avoid eggs and all dairy). You already know to choose whole grains over refined grains, and avoid sugar. (Most sugar is GMO beets, anyway.)
Please comment on whether this helps you. It is saving me from unbearable misery. I did a great deal of research on this.
St John's Wort
Posted by Ron P. (USA) on 11/16/2021
+1 to Leilanie... -1 to Tif .. Not to be mean but... yeah. even the people I encounter who advocate Rx now and then don't even get relief from them.. it's just an old program that people repeat out loud like parrots; that doesn't work anymore..
Cold Showers
Posted by Bryan (Pensacola, Fl) on 09/25/2024
★★★★☆
This therapy works wonders, BUT be careful not to overdo it. It can cause mania. Justa word to the wise...
Low BCAA Protein Diet
Posted by Lilac (New England) on 04/28/2016
Tyrosine increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Those neurotransmitters speed up the brain and make one more alert. For some that may be good, while for others who are low on serotonin, it could be harmful. Tyrosine is found in protein foods, so eating more protein, especially animal-source, will increase this alert, speeded-up mentality. But if one is worrying and sad and angry and obsessive, it's more likely serotonin in short supply, in which case complex carbohydrates are better.
I've tried Tyrosine from time to time. It does make me more alert, but not in a good way, more in a "wired" way.
Anyone wanting to increase their serotonin can try Tryptophan or 5HTP. Again, don't take them with any other protein. Sometimes I take Tryptophan or 5HTP before bed, as they cause drowsiness. My experience is that a diet low in protein and high in complex carbohydrates, NOT TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME AS PROTEIN OR WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF PROTEIN works just as well to raise serotonin. Fruit and vegetables don't have much effect either way. By complex carbohydrates I refer to whole grains, potatoes (white & sweet), and winter squashes. Take without added oils/fats for quickest effect, and watch out for white potatoes as you may be sensitive to nightshades.
Remember to take ANY amino acid supplements on an empty stomach or at least not with within an hour or so of any other protein, since the amino acids in the protein will compete with the amino acid(s) in the supplement. Taking amino acid supplements with fruit should be fine.
Thank you for your suggestion.
Exercise
Posted by Jaminn (Alberta) on 07/31/2015
★★★★★
Exercise for Depression and Anxiety:
I am surprised to see that exercise is not mentioned in the list of remedies. It is a life saver. The ones that work best are high intensity low rep exercises that boost your serotonin levels. Do it in the morning to get most out of it.
Test for Hypothyroidism
Posted by Ravi (Mex.) on 10/22/2017
Originally I took Armour thyroid, before their formula change. When I reached 2 grains, the depression vanished and my basal temp. was normal. Basal temp. under arm) must be taken as soon as you awaken in the am, and are still in bed. Read the easy to read book Hypothyroidism by dr Broda Barnes, which explains the very simple protocol. In my case, years of depression had nothing to do with life circumstances.
B12
Posted by Sandhya (Maui, Hawaii) on 10/29/2014
★★★★★
Depression can happen as a result of concussions. Have you hit your head ever? Good luck with the B 12.... you might even try B 12 shots.......
Random Thoughts
Posted by Kc (Montebello, CA) on 08/16/2014
★★★★★
You are truly our Mama. From you words I feel immense amount of love and caring that heal.
Random Thoughts
Posted by Timh (KY) on 08/17/2014 2048 posts
What really bothers me is the fact that someone of almost unlimited resources could not find proper care and some working improvement. I realize that mainstream medicine seeks to maintain a certain level of a disorder so therapy can continue indefinitely thus improving profit margin, but w/ such resources this problem can be transcended. Also there is that "victim syndrome" thing going on in our culture as if one is "proud" to be ill. The recent Seymour Hoffman heroine overdose kinda fits in w/ Robin's tragedy. Now both these celebs are more the heroes despite the illness.
From a classical or common sense model, both these cases (as well as many other suicide) have what appears as a chronic sense of loneliness which is often accompanied by self-indulgence. It seems a crime against family & friends to check out and leave them to suffer. I worked for a man several yrs ago that confided in me the financial hardship of being an independent farmer operating on financial loans and pushed around by big bankers. I never sensed his anguish but a few yrs later committed suicide leaving his wife and children behind. It's something treasonous or immoral to have such disregard for others. Human freedom & happiness are well within reach for most folks, yet many live miserable lives.
The words from music from Neil Young seem appropriate here as the possibility of a cure ---"Change your mind, change your mind".
Niacin
Posted by Jo (New York) on 02/13/2014
★★★★★
My daughter suffered from depression and I found a doctor who advocated niacin we tried it, she was 20 and found that the flushing was painful and then she switched to non flushing Niacin. Now still on Niacin at 21, we have come to realize she must not go a day with out it and we have even increased the dose, she is vitamin B dependant! We have also noticed a remarkable difference when she adds Omega 3's it helps her even more and she notice a loss in weight. She might be bi polar, it runs in the family, but NIACIN has been a MIRACLE and EVERYONE should try it!!!!!!
Rhodiola
Posted by Mary (Sussex Corner, Nb Canada) on 07/14/2013
★★★★★
Third day of using Rhodiola, cannot believe the changes in me. So much more relaxed and slept like a baby for the past two nights. Wish I had seen this post five years ago. Anxiety attacks all but gone. I feel like a new person. Thank you and god bless. I have emailed all my friends and have advise this of this site.
Exercise
Posted by Annie (Chicago, Il, USA) on 07/01/2013
★★★★★
The way I beat depression? Not medication, but Exercise, exercise, exercise. I had a bad bout of depression after my husband and I separated. Leading up to the separation, I went to the office every day and worked until 8pm every night. I had no energy to exercise or take care of myself. After we separated and I spent many a weekend laying around on the couch, I realized that my long hours with little energy left at the end of the day hurt my marriage. I returned to the gym and spent at least an hour a day exercising 4 times a week, either before or after the office. My depression diminished, my spirits rose, and I was able to handle the end to my marriage with grace.
Niacin
Posted by Paul (St Louis, Mo) on 05/19/2013
★★★★★
In regards to Niacin, it has absolutely changed my life. I take 500mg of it twice a day. The depression seems to just melt away after taking it. I like the niacin flush I get. Be careful when you first start taking it, I recommend starting by cutting the pill into 50mg increments.
Medication Side Effects
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 03/22/2013
I can't say I like prozac , but for some reason for three years I could eat normal food, sleep 12 hours a night and a four hour nap during the day and NOT ONE YEAST INFECTION WHILE EATING NORMAL: PIZZA , BURGERS, FISH AND CHIPS, CHINESE FOOD, STUFF I COULDN'T TOUCH MY WHOLE LIFE , once or twice a week, never had a yeast outbreak, and prozac makes constipation MUCH worse.
I suspect that cortisol from fight or flight emotions feeds the yeast. Three years on prozac, no emotions, no symptoms. I don't think it is good for people to take prozac, I felt suicidal the whole time I used it, but wasn't depressed anymore.
Having HAD been both most of my life, there is a difference, depression is hopeless dark tunnel and suicidal is like BEAM ME UP, I HAVE NO DESIRE TO LIVE! Your mind constantly thinks of ways to end it . Of course you have to resist.
I don't have those battles anymore! Whew!!!
