SAM-e or St. John's Wort or something for minor depression...

[apirateslifeforme]

Anyone ever tried something like this? I've had a particularly bad year...divorce, I hate my job and I'm trying to find one but nothing is coming up, I have a crush that IS returned but he's so busy that we end up taking a leap forward, then 2 steps back, so it's not moving forward as quickly as I'd like...

I have a friend who is insisting that I go get some ADs. I do cry a lot, I'll admit. But I feel that it's from frustration. Nothing is moving ahead. I see a counselor and she feels it's situational depression; that once something gets moving, I'll be much better. She doesn't want me to try meds. I've been on them before - 3 different kinds - and really, they messed me up pretty badly. I swung from slightly depressed to completely manic and it just wasn't pleasant (never mind the withdrawals when I stopped taking them).

So what about some of these types of things? Just to get over the hump? No flames, please...I'm already unhappy enough...but not THAT unhappy. I do know that "this, too, shall pass." Eventually.

 

[Christine]

No flames! I've been on the antidepressant roller coaster before and I think they are some serious stuff. Personally, I also don't really think you should use medication during "situational" depression, which is clearly what seems to be going on with you. I wholeheartedly agree with them in cases of depression caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and where not outside cause can be found. They are lifesavers.

I have never tried the "natual" remedies because I feel, natural or not, they are still drugs to the body and I don't feel comfortable messing around with that stuff without supervision.

That said, St. John's Wart is supposed to be very mild and have very little side effects. I don't think it would hurt to give it a shot. Be very careful though if you take other meds. Apparently, it interacts with quite a few things.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well....never tried the stuff but your load sounds very heavy for a herbal remedy. Divorce is a heavy load to bear.

I might try another counselor quite frankly before using herbal drugs. Perhaps the person you are seeing is just not the right person for your issues.

 

[VirtuallyMe]

Former psych nurse here- and although some have had some help with SAM-E and St. John's Wort- both are not the safest of herbal remedies. They enteract with many other medications and can exacerbate other conditions.

There are many mild antidepressants out there and you can take them for a shorter time if you no longer need them.

I would recommend that you speak to you doctor about a referral to a counselor and also a prescription for antidepressant medications- tell them to look at the side effects of the medications and request one that doesn't usually increase appetite.

 

[EdiePA]

Exercise ! Those natural endorphins really do help.

When I was going through my divorce, my doctor made me promise to put on dark glasses, and get out and walk every morning. Even if I cried the whole time, I was to keep going. (The dark glasses were to hide the tears.) It really did help me focus on taking care of me during this really tough time.

Edie

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

Hope things look up for you soon.

 

[mrsv98]

Be aware that St John's Wort can interfere with bc pills so be careful!

 

[dcentity2000]

Heat helps depressive states, so take regular hot baths. Nibble on some chocolate, especially dark chocolate - it often helps. Eat salad with your evening meal - green leaves are sedative and help you sleep. Exercise is very good for you and fights depression. Massages are beneficial and natural remedies certainly have an impact.

One of the best 'natural' treatments for depressive states is animal interactive therapy, as so to speak. So if you can afford to and really want to, why not try swimming with dolphins?

Hop you feel better soon!



Rich::

 

[Deb in IA]

Here is a very helpful site you should look at:

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/#cautions

Note that in a large study, sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found this to be no more effective than placebo in treating moderate to severe depression.

Also read the side effects and cautions section.

And yes, you should tell your physician if you start taking these compounds.