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Nancy Schimelpfening

Forum: Better Nutrition Needed for Depression, Not Drugs?

By , About.com GuideJune 23, 2009

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A nutritionist made a very informative post on our forum discussing how theoretically it may be possible that improved nutrition could be a better option for treating depression than pharmaceutical drugs. The post is too long to reprint here so I invite you to right click the link below and check it out. Then, return here and share your impressions about what he has said. Do you agree with his theory? Have you tried improving your diet? Did it help?

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Comments
February 7, 2007 at 1:11 am
(1) patty in chicago says:

fast drugs nobody wants to try anything healthy because the high is different. most people want to be outside themselves. sure it starts with illness and the idea of suffering is ancient so we take our narcotics or our mood altering drugs because a doctor says try it even though we tell them we are allergic to many things they say oh well this won’t hurt you..well every psychotropic drug has weight gain, bloating, or some other chemical change without it in the end after the drug alters our chemistry well you’re more messed up than before.
any drug that alters your chemistry via synthetic is negative> try good nutrition it works brewers yeast in shakes, carrot juices, so many things we can blend up in the morning instead of popping that pill.
buy a blender and try it for the same time you’d try
these toxic drugs equals toxic chemistry i guarantee after two days you’ll feel a change.
and exercise you must move ,
nobody wants to work anymore>
well try it or we all go to hell in a hand basket.
good luck

February 7, 2007 at 1:14 am
(2) katy in new york says:

RIGHT ON PATTY
BRAVE OF YOU TO SAY ALL THAT.
MY SISTER DID JUST THAT AND TODAY
SHE’S HAPPIER THAN I’VE EVER SEEN.
THANKS

May 7, 2008 at 7:42 pm
(3) brad says:

I used 5-HTP to get off effexor. It seemed to work for a while but then I started to feel fits of rage, even when I reduced the dosage to 25mg/day.

I’ve tried everything st. john’s wert, valerian, ginseng, ginkgo, vitamins, 5-HTP, nutrition regimens, detox, etc. I’ve resigned myself to taking effexor and clonozepam for the rest of my life. I come from a bad gene pool: bipolar 1, paranoid schizophrenia, pyschopathy–some people just can’t be fixed by good nutrition, detoxing and vitamin supplements–we’re just broken and psychotropic drugs holds us together.

I was born a math prodigy with an IQ in the stratosphere–now I’m a borderline psychopath that can’t remember what he did a week ago. That’s just the way it is. Life is a total comedown & I long for death. By my insane calculations, most of us will be dead by May 5, 2014.

April 14, 2011 at 1:12 pm
(4) MikeCP says:

By which means and how did you calculate that?

To me you sound like someone whose metabolism is too much influenced by some heavy metal or other poison that acts on mitochondria – could there be some connection?

Try and find out soon!

Best wishes, MikeCP

November 25, 2011 at 11:16 pm
(5) Jurriaan Plesman says:

Individual remedies may or may not work. But you need to start off with the hypoglycemic diet as a first step in treatment.

June 7, 2008 at 6:43 am
(6) carol says:

I am soo glad someone else is looking at this issue the way I am. After 40+ years of depression, its about time we began looking at our bodies in light of its natural functioning power. If we feed it properly, it will work properly.
People need to go beyond self treatment and look for bio-chemical testing to find out individual deficiencies. Some clinics do just that. Then they compound needs into vitamin and mineral supplement capsules. Its a long process, but I’ve been able to get off of one drug so far.

June 22, 2008 at 11:38 pm
(7) Margie says:

I have been using a naturalpathic doctor for the past seven months after getting off effexor(on for 14 years)and it was the best move I’ve made in a long time. Found out that I have deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, oleic acid and B vitamins and that my thyroid is not working properly. What a huge difference after taking natural supplementation and eating organic fruits and vegetables has made in my mental and physical condition. The weight gain that came with the effexor is starting to leave and my brain feels like it’s working like it should. Chromimum has helped also. I don’t see how our bodies can crave anti-depressants when they really crave nutrition. No wonder so many people are struggling with depression and weight gain.

January 14, 2011 at 8:22 pm
(8) Karyn says:

I have an appointment to see a naturalpathic doctor as well because I have panic, anxiety, and depression. Sometimes this can get severe. I am so sensitive to anti depressants, they really mess with me. I am pretty sensitive to all medications though so not surprising. I have been off my last me for going on 5 weeks now..and feel pretty bad but not as bad as I was on the anti-depressants. I really hope this alternative way works. I am a little nervous about it. But it is nice to see that some people have had good results :)

March 25, 2011 at 5:08 pm
(9) laura says:

i understand what you mean it make you feel like a nitemare when you take pills i did and i felt like i was crazy . im not working for the moment but im bored i still feel sick i know it takes time to get back to your self but i pray that one day i will smile now cry late.

August 14, 2008 at 11:43 am
(10) Preston says:

I have to wonder.. Has Nancy ever suffered from depression? What about bi-polar? I am a health enthusiast and do my very best to avoid refined sugars when I can. But regardless of any vitamins or supplements I take, or foods I avoid, depression and mania are inevitable. It is an endless cycle. I have been off of medication for 4 years and have been extremely conscious of my nutrition and vitamin intake – no help.
I just have to wonder… is she talking about CLINICAL depression? or Situational depression?

August 14, 2008 at 2:41 pm
(11) Nancy Schimelpfening says:

Preston,

This post was written by Jurriaan Plesman, whose contact information is located at the end of the post. I’m not sure what his history with depression is. My own history with depression is that I suffered from it throughout most of my lifetime, starting at the age of 7. I can vouch for the fact that nutritional factors can and do play a role in depression. Not for every individual, of course, but for many of us it does. I think I differ with Jurriaan in that I don’t think it’s the complete answer for everyone.

November 25, 2011 at 11:36 pm
(12) Jurriaan Plesman says:

I was myself a victim of mental illness and a iatrogenic drug addiction.
I agree that any treatment is not the complete answer, because each person has a unique biochemical personality and hence no single treatment applies to all people. A person needs to be tested for their individual biochemical make-up to fins out causes symptoms. But what I can say is that most people with mood disorders have been proved positive to a hypoglycemic test, so that pre-diabetic insulin resistance (mainly unstable blood sugar levels) is a very common element in mood disorders. Hence most people with mood disorder benefit from the hypoglycemic diet. This is not to say that ALL people with mood disorders have necessarily hypoglycemia, but may have in addition suffer from other metabolic disorders contributing to “mental illness”. See:
Silent Diseases and Mood Disorders at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/silentdiseases.html

What is important to remember is that: Whenever a mood disorder is caused by a biochemical flaw, this needs to be treated BEFORE considering any other factors such as “psycho-social” factors.

This means FIRST eliminate biochemical factors before considering “psychological” or other factors.

August 23, 2008 at 1:12 am
(13) Thomas says:

Nancy,
Before I respond since I had to give you my emial address to sign up can you please let me know if excessive sweet fruits can do the same damage as regular sugar. I tried raw honey and even that my body did not respond well to.
Now
Excellent work with your article!!!!!.You confirmed and validation what I already believed.

I am on a host of meds and take aspirin daily. meds are for depression and anxiety. I believe as you do.
Sad. I have prescription plan and get very,very expensive medications for free. I am hurting financially right now so I cant afford to buy and more supplements.

I did research and it shows sunshine and exercsie and meditation and keeping sugar to a very low level all increase serotonin and relive depression.Eating salmon and taking fish oils can also help with low serotonin.

Dopmaine is increase by laughter and being around supportive friends we enjoy.
Amazing how these cost free activities improve our mood.

Keep up the good work.

November 26, 2008 at 1:58 am
(14) Donna says:

I have digestive problems and my body does not absorb any of the vitamins I could take orally. I have been taking a B complex that mels under the tongue, but it doesn’t seem to help. I’ve had pretty severe depression since I lost my job in June and without proper insurance, cannot afford the psychologist I was seeing for this. Also, it’s more difficult for me to find work with this digestive problem (IBS-D – considered a disability where I used to work.) Someone suggested B3. Are there B3 supplement patches or sublinguals I could take? Any suggestions on anything else that might work? I can’t take prescription drugs because my system doesn’t process them like a normal person’s would and I get real sick from them. The doctors have given up on me for depression prescriptions. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

November 29, 2008 at 6:29 am
(15) Heidi says:

I, too, have suffered from depression, both in my adolescence and more recently post-natal depression. I also have digestion issues and problems with absorption. I began taking a number of dietary supplements and eating more raw fruit and vegies about 6 years ago, but it was not until I started taking glyconutrients that I really felt a lot better. I now take them daily with probiotics (which are important for digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as helping with food intolerances and immune function), spirulina, essential fatty acids, green barley powder, antioxidants and a wild yam hormone support supplement.
I had been feeling pretty good until recently when I had a couple of fillings done and felt really tired and depressed for several days afterwards. I did some reading and realised it was a reaction to the anaesthetic, and that it had depleted me of vitamin C. So I took some vitamin C, quite a large dose, and felt a lot better within an hour or two.
Many things can cause depression. Nutrition can always help, even if it doesn’t fix the problem completely. Vitamin C – large doses, at least a few grams per day, or maybe around 5 to 10 grams or more – is a great place to start because it is inexpensive. I would also highly recommend glyconutrients. They are involved in the structure and function of probably every cell in the body, and are very beneficial for a great many health issues.
Remember that with nutrition/vitamin therapy, large doses are required. If it’s not working, then either you’re not taking enough, you haven’t taken it for long enough, you’re taking the wrong nutrient, or you’re only taking some of the nutrients you need and you need to take others.
I sincerely wish you all success in your quest for health. Feel free to contact me at heidi@thewhitefamily.com.au if you have anything you’d like to ask me.

July 27, 2011 at 3:57 am
(16) Faith says:

I have depression for 2 months now. It seems to happen after i took herbalife shakes for lunch and apple cider vinegar mixed with manuka honey for breakfast. Can you please advise?

Faith

February 3, 2009 at 1:00 pm
(17) HoreAllolla says:

Hey ppl, i’ve diggings depression.about.com when i searched google
for a heedful and upon-adequate forum, and i concluded to what’s what here)
if you secure rate for my english bad… so be it, i’m authorized learning

April 16, 2009 at 12:06 pm
(18) Lori says:

I am off prozac for the first time in 10 years. I am walking 2 or 3 miles 5 times a week and eating only foods that are good for me, (not man made). So far I feel great, my doctor said exercise is the key for your brain.

April 24, 2009 at 4:38 pm
(19) Zero says:

What I think the author is saying is that, in many cases, doctors are overlooking simple nutritional deficiencies. She does not seem to be insinuating that there are NEVER people who just have chemical depression. Please keep that in mind, everyone, when discussing. I believe this is true, because I’ve been struggling with depression for a while. Well, I decided to eat some Total cereal, because I can’t always remember to take vitamins. Unfortunately, it was really really hard on my stomach, but during those three days I felt GREAT emotionally. Two days after I stop eating it, I am down again. That’s how I got to this article; I suspect a b-vitamin deficiency. But if I had ever had the money to see a psychiatrist, I am sure I’d have been on antidepressants for years now. Thank goodness I didn’t. I may have never made this discovery.

May 6, 2009 at 7:25 pm
(20) Paul says:

I remember probably 20 years ago, you used to be able to buy L-Tryptophan over the counter in Vitamin or Health Food stores. I loved it because it would relieve depression and elevate my mood with using a perscription. Then, for some odd reason (which I think was contrived by the big pharas) it was taken off of the shelf. I would like to see it available over the counter again. Is there any hope for that?

May 21, 2009 at 10:37 am
(21) maryfergussonn says:

Just saying hello to you all .. Still a bit confused about the goings on here, but I guess I’ll keep poking around.

June 20, 2009 at 10:22 am
(22) jentilpet says:

“Is There A Better Treatment For Depression?” I say yes,but not if you don’t know where to look& if you’re not an avid reader re: the exploratives of such a subject…wait,before I forget “SAM-e” is NO GOOD if you’re bi-polar!I knew it was too good to be true!I mentioned “AMORYN” for depression,it’s been around on the alternative sites over 5+yrs!As far as one of the comments,saying “Not until Scientists….well,not true,because there ARE exact minerals,one can take,of course if you have the resources,like $$$,right,money,because there are the right type & the not so right!The correct amt’s of the natural plant extracts,the purity right down to the packaging process!Temperature also is a vital!Yes B6 IS good,but look at the others,like Vit D,Chromium-L-Carnosine-Quercetin-Vanadium-RhodiolaRosea! Don’t EVER mention these to any MD,they’re too threatened by the mere mention of vitamins!Alternatives? never! You may not come back! They cannot make a living if you get better,AND,they’d rather you stay sick anyway!First,they really don’t know what IS good,they only tell you what that alternatives must be “watched” for too!Dear me!you mean those pesky 2 side-effects,instead of the 10 from Prozac? Effexor? weight-gain,blowing up within one week? Do they tell you that? Oh,yes,by-the-way,you’ll “quickly” suddenly see your ankles blow up!They’re suppossed to tell you,warn you as to what to expect,& mine for 6yrs never did!Now,this new dr. said about “AMOURTHYROID” instead of Synthroid…”you have to watch out for them too,you know” he thought he was slick,until I went home & found out that Amourthyroid is BETTER and that Synthroid IS the 30lb demon that’s always been the problem!Afterall synthroid is “Synthetic” Amourthyroid” is NATURAL..watch out FDA!Greedsville is getting smaller…Seledyn for anxiety also w/ AMORYN for both depression& Anxiety? I am about to buy them both!Lithium-Synthroid is pioson,I want out of Lamictal,Gurdon etc Phyciatrists are also sicko’s/jentilpet

June 24, 2009 at 3:39 am
(23) Sparky's Mom says:

What a crock! Nutrition is for your physical well being. I was pretty bad until I took Lexapro. I am much better now. A nutritionist is not a doctor, and should not be giving out advice like this. Listen to your own body. If you feel better on your meds, then take them. Better for you to have a good quality of life, than to think you might be healthy for eating a carrot. I really don’t believe that nutrition has anything to do with depression.

June 24, 2009 at 5:55 am
(24) Jean says:

I vouch for the fact that for some people, nutrition is the entire answer to depression. I thought I ate well, but apparently I didn’t do well enough for my particular brain. Whole foods were the answer for me, especially one particular whole food supplement based on a wild grown type of algae. My 20-year battle with depression was taken care of overnight. Then I stopped taking this supplement. A month and a half later, the depression returned. Needless to say, I started back on it. If you wish details, please contact me directly. j5adamson@verizon.net.

June 24, 2009 at 6:43 am
(25) Beverly says:

Whilst I agree better diets are very important, there are many instances of someone doing ‘everything right’, ie. eating properly, exercising, blahblah.. all those things we are told again and again to ‘get over it’; and they don’t work; then we end up feeling GUILTY. like we are doing something to cause this to ourselves.. NOT! sometimes, modern pharmaceuticals are necessary.

June 24, 2009 at 8:02 am
(26) lisa says:

ill try this instead of drugs next time:)

June 24, 2009 at 8:05 am
(27) Becky says:

Nutrition is not wrong. Medication is not wrong. Psychotherapy is not wrong. Stress reduction is not wrong. What is wrong is that people feel that there is only ONE answer to any question, but unless you are talking about MATH…there are MANY answers.
Nutrition and exercise are key factors to your body working correctly…that means voiding when you are supposed to, waking and sleeping in a regular pattern, and creating the chemicals necessary to regulate your moods and behaviors.
Your brain was formed while you were in utero. You had more synapses (brain ‘connections’) than the total population of humans on the Earth when you were born, but your experiences trimmed and shaped the excess. Unfortunately, many of us had experiences that trimmed WAY WAY WAY too much…leaving us unable to EFFECTIVELY create chemicals to regulate our behavior and mood. The body, being the most remarkable unit on Earth, can…with proper handling…re-grow or repair the damage done, in some cases. However, sometimes the damage is too excessive and sometimes the ANSWERS are not found out until WAY too late in life (this repair job takes many years…not weeks.)
If we could find the children early enough, give them exercise, nutrition, tools to deal with stress and love with boundaries, they will not be using this page in 10-20 years; but that does not help you or I.
You and I should try proper eating habits (not vitamin habits), proper exercise, psychotherapy, a night out with friends, increasing our social circle, sleep in a regular pattern (6-8 hours a day/night), medication if necessary, religion/spirituality, massages, SAY NO (to favors/YES to new experiences), relearn social etiquette (which varies per region, country etc,) or UNLEARN social etiquette and understand that depression is often a MAN-MADE disease, created by our view that we are different and lacking…when in some cultures…lacking is apex of achievement.
Just try not to say…this works…that doesn’t…there is no ethical study that we can do that will decide WHAT WORKS…but if we use it all together…and not expect miracles (Bi-Polar – Depression I or II will not be cured, if it is recurring…same goes for hypothymia/cyclothymia.) And remember, be aware of the signs…know when you need medication or hospitalization, listen to your loved ones who tell you that something isn’t right, take care of yourself…BUT don’t give up…that would be STUPID!

June 24, 2009 at 8:51 am
(28) Diana says:

The nutritionist writing this theory was basing their premise on the fact that nutrition is the foundation for our health and well-being. The old saying, “you are what you eat” is not just a cliché. Excellent nutritional habits have been proven to cure many ailments and diseases—sugar and fat have both been proven to be the building stones of most ailments and diseases. I am a healthy lifestyles consultant (exercise science w/pain management) and I believe that the nutritionist has a valid theory. While neither of us are physicians, we both have studied the body in great detail and know that a healthy lifestyle (exercise, excellent nutritional habits, and some form of relaxation/meditation technique) will in most cases result in a healthier body. Our society has become so fixated on ingesting chemicals to resolve all of our ailments and diseases because the alternative, living a healthy lifestyle, means we must give up the sedentary lifestyle and fast food regimen. Again, we are not saying that living a healthier lifestyle will cure all ailments and diseases, but it is a proven foundation to alleviate most of them. A good website to visit is http://prevention.nih.gov to see all types of ailments and diseases as well as the pros and cons on a variety of treatments. As I suggest to all of my clients, research you! May God bless all of you with excellent health and wellbeing.

June 24, 2009 at 3:13 pm
(29) Crystal says:

Lots of people are drinking green tea and eating fish oil pills or omega 3 to help them out of their depression. I have been doing it for almost a year becuase I dont have health insurance. You know what … I dont need meds just excersize, something to do, something to love and those pills, not drugs.

June 24, 2009 at 7:22 pm
(30) sharonkrropxx says:

Hi all!

I`m new user on this forum. My name is Sharon I`m 23 yo girl from New York.

I hope to have good time here

June 24, 2009 at 8:02 pm
(31) Kate says:

I totally agree with this article. I have suffered depression on and off since the age of 14/15. I have been medication several times and had extreme adverse reactions, I was actually much worse on them. I have met many people who have had severe reactions to efexor, noticing them when they first go on them or after they come of them how much better they are. I am interest in doing a Recall Efexor Petition, asking for them to be remooved, chances a slim but with positive thinking we can do anything. If anyone is interested please email me on kate_nixon_53@hotmail.com It wasnt until I walked out on a job, my man and took some me time that i started to realise the nutrition, excersise and sunshine that i was missing, i met a travel buddy and went around eating amazing fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, etc; started excercising and spending time i the sun. I broke my depression, I am now fully recovered and am organising functions and events to raise depression awareness here in wagga wagga, nsw, australia! i look forward to raising more awareness around aus and educating people about depression and the impact your situation in life as well as your lifestyle (right down to the last bit you put in your mouth) can have on alleiviating it. Some of my proven happy foods are, bananas (tryptothan i think), almonds (serotonin), milk (tryptothan), turkey (cant remember), st johns wort tea, chocolat (not to much!), yoghurt, etc. in a balanced diet combined with excercise and sunshine, i shall always be happy and smiling brightly!

June 25, 2009 at 11:38 am
(32) PETER says:

I understand Brad’s concern about rage when he used 5-HPT. I also experienced those feelings however, I was off antidepressants for a year before going back on them for only 3 months. After the 3 month period I start using the 5-HTP. The rages ended for me after 3 months. The tapered off after 2 months. Prior to being off antidepressants I had been taking numerous kinds for about 20 years. I have experienced many withdrawal symptoms and many benefits of not having all the side effects the antidepressants bring. Everyone’s experience will be different as the body eliminates the stored chemicals.

June 25, 2009 at 9:22 pm
(33) Joyce Jones says:

I am new. I know that exercise is good for the depressed person. But what no one understands is that some of us have had a stroke and we can’t do that very much. And it really depresses a person when you can’t do what you used to do. I take Attivan and Zoloft
and vitamins and still I get depressed so easily. tahoejoy

June 26, 2009 at 12:36 am
(34) debbie says:

i was wondering if you have ever heard of true hope, a vitimin/mineral supplement specifically made for people suffering from bi-polar disorder? It has helped my son and myself. We are both off all p’drugs and doing well. A change in diet (sugar processed foods etc) is also neccesary.

June 28, 2009 at 2:56 pm
(35) madnana says:

Psychs are supposed to refer to a physician for blood tests to determine thyroid levels among other potential physical problems before making a diagnosis of depression. I personally think that their cut-off point for thyroids is too high, but I am not a doctor, just someone who has been diagnosed being bi-polar.
Running has been a tool for treating depression for a long time because of the release of endorphins. Still, I have many friends who have suffered depression for many years who have tried supplement and retooling their diet with no success. Being bipolar, I have not found any organic assistance. It is certainly wise to use milk thistle for one’s liver and a good b-complex vitamin. Still, correct dosages so one does not od on B-12 and come up with aplastic anemia.
I believe diet plays an important part in everyone’s life, especially children’s. I worry that people who are very ill will use the nutrition road and deny the severity of their illness.

June 28, 2009 at 5:14 pm
(36) HoosierK says:

After over 10 years of severe reactions to various preecribed meds, I finallay made it my fulltime job for 3 months to research more natural treatment options for my bipolar NOS. It has taken a lot of trial and error but with none of the severe bad effects of the prescribed meds.

I wish pdocs would start by focusing on the basics to good health quality nutrition, exercise and sleep. Docotors should know how to help people be healthy not just how to sell them a drug to treat a symptom.

July 2, 2009 at 9:30 pm
(37) Juinlyadvanna says:

Hi iam newbie to this forum my name Mark

December 22, 2009 at 10:34 pm
(38) Shando says:

I have tried the nutrionist route, the drug route, AND the alternative route. I ended up sticking with homeopathy. It cleared up most of my issues, not just depression, I have a chronic pain disorder as well.

Its important to remember that not everyone’s body is the same and that something that works for you might not work for other people. There are numerous factors to take into account when someone is suffering from depression b/c it can have so many different causes. One time I had an episode, so I started taking a multivitamin and it cleared up. Other times I’ve had to try other things.

Its also important to remember that vitamins and supplements can help, but if taken in extreme quantities they can mess you up too. Just because vitamin C is good for you doesn’t mean you should load up on it. There is such a thing as having TOO MUCH vitamin C, A or whatever. You can have adverse reactions to supplements when used incorrectly. Thats why its important to see a professional, whether a doctor or nutritionist, before taking a bunch of supplements.

My nutritionist had me on 5HTP and Melatonin. It got to the point where I had a side effect from the melatonin. It made my heart race and I started to get hypothermia. So be careful before you fool around with supplements. I found my nutrionist to be almost as ineffective as my doctor, which is why I stick with homeopathy. No drugs, no supplements, just a remedy. But as with all things, it can have its side effects too.

December 28, 2009 at 5:36 pm
(39) steve foster says:

You are a “clinical nutritionist” and you don’t even mention omega 3 deficiency when talking about depression? Amazing.

March 1, 2010 at 4:34 am
(40) Karen says:

(to Paul – #14) L-tryptophan is available again.

Has anyone else taken it? I took 1500 mg the other day, as recommended on the package. I felt way too “buzzed” and lightheaded. Do some people react the opposite as expected with tryptophan? Or could it have just been too much for me and maybe I should just try a lower dose? Would love to hear others experiences with tryptophan.

March 29, 2010 at 10:57 pm
(41) tic says:

I truly beleive that your Doctor should test you for anything they possibly can that would be causing the depression prior to prescribing meds. I took 2 Prozac 15 years ago and got full blown Tourette’s and still have it … not fun, pretty embarrassing for my young sons when their Mom is doing all this crazy stuff out of the blue.

About 5 years ago, I displayed all the symptoms of Lupus. Had a test done, it came back negative but the test isn’t 100%, it works something like a pregnancy test, it may come back negative but it doesn’t mean you don’t have it.

So here I am depressed all over again trying to figure out what to do with myself.

I will recommend a good book I stumbled across a few weeks ago…Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glenmulluen. I thought I was the only one on the planet who got tics from Prozac but he has written a book on it.

March 29, 2010 at 11:04 pm
(42) tic says:

One more comment I neglected in my earlier post…

I have tried to explain to the family doctor, the shrink, etc that taking anti depressants takes all the color out of life. You are no longer depressed but you”re not happy, nothing is pleasurable like it used to be, you don’t laugh like you used to, your not irritated when you should be, you’re not anything, you are just existing. AND THEY JUST DON’T GET IT!!!

May 12, 2010 at 9:05 pm
(43) Twist says:

I was on my knees with depression. I was also alcoholic, and under stress from every which direction, work, domestic, family, you name it.
I took prozac and hated it, then citalopram which partially helped, but still have the problem.
I started to do my own research into nutrition, and rapidly discovered that many vitamin deficiencies are associated with depression. I also learned that stress prevents the natural “neurogenesis” of the brain, which effectively regrows neurons and that certain things can help bump-start this process. Strangely, SSRI’s are one of them, similarly MAOI’s, and these can be in certain foods or herbs or spices.
I also got counselling, and that helped – a bit.
However, I still sometimes get into a bad place.
I also did a course in CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and that helped – a bit.
So, I researched into nutrition, though my doctor advised me to seek out a dietician. (what is the difference?)
If we don’t eat anything we get sick. If we eat too much we get sick.
Balance is key, but also knowing that modern foods are deficient of vitamins and trace elements and minerals due to modern farming techniques and food processing techniques and junk food and cooking methods – and just simply eating the wrong things.
I also figure the gut may not properly digest things, either because of the antibiotics we took, or ate along with the animals we ate that ate the deficient food from the depleted soils.
The big Pharms profit from deficient fertilisers, pesticides, antibiotics, preservatives, colourants, additives, flavourings, and ultimately, when we get sick because of it all, then they sell us the medecine to cure our ills.
Doctors don’t know everything, nor have many pyscho-therapists actually suffered from depression.
What did we do before Doctors? Well, we probably ate natural food from the land and never had the levels of depression we have today.
*sighs* I wish I could find one person to advise me how to solve ALL my problems. Nobody is treating the condition holistically. So, Who to believe? I am my own experiment. I found some foods were bad for me and some were good.
Stay off the booze, caffeine and cola, and of course, refined sugar. our bodies don’t need even a fraction of the sugar that is in our diets today. We can’t even deal with it, and it only uses up vital nutrients to get rid of it.
The body is complex, and why therefore are so few of us actually educated in what constitutes a good nutritional diet? We eat what we like the taste of, or what our parents or the works canteen serves up.
The food companies don’t give a damn, profit at the expense of good health.
Do your own research, it might help you. I don’t believe a good balanced diet rich in nutritional components will do you any harm, and at least help you to get fit enough to fight depression and other mental illnesses.
Be wary of complimentary therapies and alternative medecines, but then again, think of the name of any big pharmaceutical and key it into Google along with the word “lawsuit” and see what you get.
Similarly, key in any medecine and add the word “risks” and see what returns you get.
There is no magic bullet. Some things help some people, but there are SO many factors.
I was part of a study looking at just two variables in depression, but I wondered why they never asked about booze or cigarettes or drug abuse. Likewise, whether any of us liked a lot of garlic in our foods.
I think I found some ’secrets’ that help me, one day I might publish it to help others, but I am not a doctor or a dietician or psychiatrist, or a nutritionist, I am just a sufferer who is desperate to try ANYTHING that might offer a solution. I believe nutrition is indeed one of the keys. Even if you are not suffering from depression, it will help you to eat properly.

September 5, 2010 at 4:18 pm
(44) Ilse says:

Brad – i hope you are ok.

October 6, 2010 at 2:15 pm
(45) Christine says:

I have been taking vitamin B complex and carnitine for years to combat depression and it is amazing! It’s been a blessing for me and I feel like I have my life back!

March 19, 2011 at 2:16 pm
(46) Denise says:

Christine, that is the road I am going to start with and see where it takes me. Don’t know anything about carnitine. What is that?

February 10, 2011 at 9:44 pm
(47) Marydale Hansen says:

can you give me information of True Hope,,vitamin program for treatment of depression. i wonder how they would know what you need, what should be in your supplement. thanks for your help,your information is very valuable.

March 19, 2011 at 11:42 am
(48) JohnathanDMac says:

I understand this might be off topic, but I’m wondering if anyone in this community has experiance with ecigarettes?

I’ve been planning to stop smoking for 3 years and have tried everything from the patch to perscription drugs. I’m desparate, I have cancer and I do not feel like being scammed or tricked into trying somthing even worse. E-cigarettes look like an interesting approach to stop smoking cigarettes, but would they work? And how do I know which one to get, most appear to be hundreds of dollars and I can’t afford to toss money away. I have treatments to pay for.

If anyone has any experiance with this I would really apreciate some advice.

Thanks.

May 12, 2011 at 10:29 pm
(49) Lace Santos says:

Hi I’m Lace from Philippines I’ve been struggling for deppression since 2005. I just want to ask want vitamins or could vitamins help to overcome my depression. Also what book or is der any book that could help me? Thanks in advance.

June 5, 2011 at 8:35 am
(50) Nanette says:

I believe I have suffered from anxiety since I was a child. I could never sleep during the day without wakeing up in anxiety. As I got older I started to become depressed and have more anxeity attacks depending on the time period in my life and also realizeing what I was feeling is anxiety. Im 26 and am a single mom of 2boys and on a low budget. I am scared to try drugs for depression and anxiety in fear that they will make it worse. I much rather try something natural that will help me than something that may make it worse. My mom has anxiety issues too and has given me vitiamin B12. It seem to relieve the pressure off my chest and help me feel a little relaxed,but I really would like to know exactly what else I could take to help me feel better? I also have a slight insomia problem,i have a hard time falling asleep and if I remember a dream its only the nightmares which cause my sleep issues to get worse. My 2 boys need me so any help would be great.

July 9, 2011 at 6:01 am
(51) Joce says:

Nanette and anyone else wanting help with depression, please feel free to contact me! I would absolutely LOVE to help you. Nutrition has been my #1 tool in recovering from very serious depression and other health issues.

I went to nutrition school a few years ago and studied over 100 dietary theories there. Then I kept studying and experimenting with nutrition ever since then, intensely. When I started out, I just focused on taking lots of vitamins. But then I gradually started doing what REALLY makes a difference, which was changing what I actually EAT.

I kept experimenting with different diets until I narrowed it down to the highest nutrition diet of all: low-fat raw vegan. It is based on mostly fruit and also plenty of leafy greens and other veggies and small amounts of nuts and seeds – all in their most natural, complete, nourishing form: raw (uncooked). My health and happiness has completely transformed. I’m a new person – I look and feel totally new.

I also made other lifestyle changes of course too – exercise, sunshine, barefoot outdoor walking, fresh air, positive thoughts, relaxation, meditation, improving self-esteem, healthier relationships, more fulfilling work and hobbies, etc.

Coaching people on nutrition is my passion. I love it so much. Please contact me if you’d like my help with working SIMPLE, gently-combined, LOW-FAT raw vegan meals and other healthy lifestyle changes into your diet! I DON’T do the complicated raw diet many do that involves expensive blenders and dehydrators and tons of nuts and oils and ingredients. I do SIMPLE meals, usually just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes. No animal torture. No disease-causing high-fat. Just fresh and simple.

joce (at) moreroomforjoy (dot) com

http://www.facebook.com/MoreRoomForJoy

July 9, 2011 at 6:10 am
(52) Joce says:

Hi there, I tried commenting a moment ago but it’s not showing up so I’ll try again:

I used to have severe depression and was on many, many meds and spend tons of time in therapy for being Bipolar for years. My depression was incredibly severe sometimes – so painful. I’ve had other health issues throughout the years too like awful muscle aches, some acne, very underweight, ADD, low self-esteem, abusive relationships, did some drugs, etc.

Nutrition has been the #1 tool that healed me from this rough stuff. I’ve also made lots of lifestyle changes like learning to manage my emotions and express myself in healthy ways and think positively, building my self-esteem, creating healthier relationships, getting more exercise and sun and fresh air, walking and laying on the earth, decluttering, using less chemical products, and choosing more fulfilling work and hobbies.

But above all nutrition helped me most. I studied over 100 dietary theories at school and have spent over 3 years carefully studying and experimenting with nutrition, until I finally came to the highest nutrition and simplest way of eating there is: low-fat raw veganism. Just raw fruit, raw veggies, and small amounts of raw nuts and seeds. My life has completely transformed. I’m happy and healthy in a whole new way. Please contact me TODAY if you’d like me to coach you on diet and lifestyle – I am so passionate about helping people heal depression and other issues like I did!!!

joce (at) moreroomforjoy (dot) com

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