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.
Depression
Posted by Lucy (North Vancouver, B.c Canada) on 08/24/2012
★★★★★
I been doing for more then 10 years, happy all the time, never ever sick!
Depression
Posted by Kp (Punjab, India) on 05/07/2011
★★★★★
i read about cold water shower yesterday and tried it today. it took me off from my depression medicine.
Depression
Posted by Shannon (Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada) on 08/02/2009
★★★★★
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.
Depression
Posted by Jeff (Houston, Texas) on 12/31/2008
★★★★★
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.
Depression
Posted by Jasmine (Edmonton, Alberta) on 01/19/2008
★★★★★
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!)
Depression
Posted by Sabrina (Libertyville, Illinois) on 06/23/2007
★★★★★
Hi, wow how interesting to read these reviews. I have severe depression. It comes and goes, I'm 24 and can't stand having absolutely no control of my thoughts. I was desperately searching the web today (while at work of course) to find more cures. I am going for a jog, and taking a cold shower. I will follow up with all of you to let you know. Sounds inspiring to me.
Depression
Posted by Jacklyn (Vancouver, Canada) on 05/03/2007
★★★★★
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!
Depression
Posted by Blanco (San Diego, CA) on 03/28/2007
★★★★★
I have recently started taking cold showers. On 03-16-07, I was feeling very depressed because I lost my job (nothing I did), isolated from previous co-workers (I really miss them), concern about finances (having lost a few weeks of pay and dealing with unemployment), and other issues related to stress that can trigger my health; which leads to a cold or fever. While I was at the gym on 03-16-07, something told me to go home and take a COLD SHOWER. Maybe because I believe in a higher power and was talking to my higher power about my concerns, worries and depressed moment. I got home and debated for about 30minutes to take a COLD SHOWER or not. At first, I felt my hands moving towards hot, but something told me not to and to challenge myself with a cold shower. I shivered. I stayed frozen. I couldn't move. I felt I was in Alaska dipping into a frozen lake. I took a deep breath and after doing that I felt sooooo good and wow did I feel so good and actually I stayed in the shower for like 20minutes feeling the cold water hit all over my body. I am feel like I am getting a cold, but I only hope is the changes in body temparature and that it is for the best for me. My skin feels so soft and I see a change in my face. COLD SHOWERS are WORTH a TRY....
Depression
Posted by Cory ( Tacoma, WA) on 02/26/2007
★★★★★
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.
