Question:
Does anyone have experience with natural and nutritional therapies for
depression? I am specifically interested in anything helpful for rapid
cycle depression. A relative has been diagnosed with this and is
currently on medication that is very effective, but the doctor has said
he doesn't want her on it forever. Also, if anyone knows of a competent doctor who is knowledgeable about
treating depression naturally who lives in the Nashville area, I'd be
interested in their name and address.
Answer:
There's a simple and fairly effective natural means for allieviating
minor depression -- exercise.
Our brain is much more effective in dealing with stressors than synthetic
drugs are. About a year ago I exercised at the local gym for 45 minutes
per day, 4 to 5 times per week. I felt great, and never had any signs of
depression. Then I began a hard semester and stopped going to the gym.
My depression returned, and I went on medication. And I did have some
depression before I began exercising.
The point is, exercise causes your brain to produce endorphines; natural
pain-killers, which also alleviate mood. If you're looking for a good,
drug-free treatment, do aerobics 4 to 5 times a week and work up to 45
minutes per day. After a month or two, you'll find that you cannot
miss a workout.
I agree entirely. If I didn't work out I would be a total mess. Avoiding
sugar helps a lot too.
I have used exercise to help get me going, however there have been
times when a work-out has knocked me right out. Exercise is good and
helps in many ways, but I have learned that I need to really "listen" to my
body. There is a huge difference between not wanting to do something and
not being able to do it. I also find that exercising helps my mood. However, I also want to
point out that, when one starts slipping into a depression, a clear
sign is finding it difficult to get exercise. So, exercise may not be
enough on its own to get a person out of a derpession.
If you can get up the motivation to do such a program, good for you. I
can tell when my depression is worsening because I *stop* exercising
(and also taking care of my teeth). I think most people who are dealing
with depression, however, could benefit from some exercise, if they can
handle it. (The original poster, IMHO, is abusing endorphins, and will
perhaps be very sorry.) GEEZ...If I could make myself brush my teeth every day even ONCE when I fall in
that hole! I always brush at least 2 times a day and floss once when I'm
*normal*, but when the depressions hit me it takes a terrible effort to wash
the scum out in them morning, and I'll avoid it the rest of the day, all the
while telling myself how important it is, not only to my health and self-image,
but to the people around me. Especially since I drink coffee all day, chased
down with cigarettes!
