depression.....other Ideas Besides Meds?

Exercise is what works for me. Now that the weather is nice, try to get outside as much as possible. I know that sounds too simple, but exercise is the key for me. I was on depression meds as an adolescent and don't ever want to go that route again and haven't had too. So, when I start feeling low, I try to get really active and it works. Helps you sleep better too.

Good luck.

I have depression - and I have had it for some time. I am on meds (wellbutrain) and it works well for me, I just gave birth to my second son and I am breastfeeding and this is a med that is safe. But I have tried to not be on meds, but I also have family history of depression and so I have just given up the fight and decided I will be like my mom and stay on meds for life. My life is better with meds, but I still have the up and down days. It has helped that we have joined mom's groups and it helps to get out and meet other moms. Then you will have a conection to other moms and you could get together and go to parks and others free places. That is what we have been doing and plan on doing this summer.
Stay strong - and things will get better - it does sometimes help to have someone to talk to, I have been in counciling before and it helped.
I hope this helps - just stay strong and I know how hard that can be, but you are not alone, even though we are not in the same state - you can contact me if you would like. Sometimes we just need to vent to someone.:)

Hi S., I am sorry to hear of all your heart ache. Do you have a positive support system? Anyone to help you out? Do you go to church?? I don't want to sound like "if you go to church all your problems will go away" but what I am getting at is you need support. I couldn't have made it thru everything I have been thru in my life if I did not have a "Church family" I was a mess 13 years ago. I knew I needed a change I started going to church, not just any church a small Bible believing church. They took me in as family and most importantly they loved me right where I was at. They helped me get on my feet, encouraged me, taught me to be a better parent and told me about Jesus and his unconditional love. I am now married for 11.5 years to a wonderful christian man who is the best father and I don't deserve how good he is to me. My Christian family that I "grew up" with is more of a family to me than my own family and I thank God for them everyday.
If you take my advise PLEASE be careful, there are churches out there that do not lead you to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. If you want to know more please contact me.
____@____.com
S.

I agree with the others. I don't have a medical background or degree in psychology, but would guess that, especially with the numerous losses you've experienced as well as that depression runs on both sides of the family, you need to make sure you take your medication daily/as prescribed. As for generic Claritin, there are other options that may be more effective. Allegra and Zyrtec are other options which are now both generic, and Zyrtec is actually available over the counter (i.e. in any pharmacy) like Claritin is. You may want to try another one- Claritin may not be effective enough with your severe allergies.

I would also re-evaluate your status with your fiance. I know he's the father of your child, but your first marriage didn't last long, not to mention that you met him and became pregnant before you were divorced from your husband. While no relationship is perfect, I get the feeling from the way you wrote that, that there may more to it than that. I suggest you take your time and make sure it's what you want. You're only 21... I didn't meet my husband until I was 33, got married at 34 and had my first child at 36. It was definitely worth waiting for the right one- there wasn't a doubt in my mind it's the fairytale I'd always dreamed of. You sound like you have plenty going on, and wouldn't recommend making any life changing decisions until you deal with your depression and start feeling like yourself again. Good luck.

S.,

You have been through a lot in your short life! A few things that help me to fight off depression are exercise and my relationship with God. I would definitely suggest you find things is your life that bring you happiness. It sounds as though depression runs in you family and counseling is a good option as well. I know it sounds costly but most counselors are willing to work with what you are able to pay. If you attend church, a lot of churches offer counseling. If you don't attend church, really consider it! Find a bible teaching church that has counseling.
As for your allergies, try generic over the counter zyrtec (ask pharmacist for help finding it)
feel free to write if you need more info or if you just need someone to talk to! I will be praying for you!
K.

Depression meds take 4-6 weeks to begin working at their full potential, so you won't see immediate results. Stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga and tai-chi are excellent. Physical activities such as aerobics, walking, biking, etc are very helpful, especially if you want to go a more "natural" route. I've had clinical depression for 11 years and do a combination of all three and I feel great now.

Avoid foods high in sodium nitrate and preservatives (packaged lunch meats, hot pockets/frozen entrees, processed foods, etc) also avoid alcohol in excess because it's a depressant. Do you have a local mom's group you can join? Even if you only get to meet up once a month, it's nice to have that network of other moms who understand what you're going through on a daily basis.

Hang in there and give your prescription time to kick in. If you're still feeling tired and down after a few months, talk to your doctor and try a different prescription. I had to try three different ones before I found one that works well for me (I'm on Zoloft and I love it). I hope you find something that works for you. :)

Hi S.,
I have gone through depression and a family friend (also a nurse for many years) told me to try Vitamin B Complex because it helps with stress and your levels (can't remember exact terms right now). She also went through depression and took vitamin B complex because she didn't want to be on medication for it. I used it for many, many years and do believe it helps. My husband has used it and also several cousins have. I love it and totally believe it helps. I get mine at GNC vitamin stores but I would think most places would have it. They have it in different strengths also... I would go for the most powerful... I did when I started taking it. I took 2 a day then later on just one.
Also I would suggest a counselor. One day I told my husband I needed to be in a mental hospital so he called. They asked about my history and they gave him the number for a counselor. We (together and serperate) have both gone to her and she has given us many tools to help in every day life. She is a huge help to us and we still visit her throught out the year at different times.
You mentioned moving back by family. That is exactly what we did to help me get out of my depression. And it did help! Sure, it is always hard at times, but family is a huge help. They love and support you and that is what you need right now. Life is hard and family is there to help you through it.
Hope this helps some. Hang in there!! You can do it! Find a good counselor... they help!!! They will also help with all your past things. I'm here if you need to chat too!
L.

S.,
I was diagnosed with depression about 4 years ago. I was hospitalized for about 2 days, and started on a regimen of medication and counseling. At first the medication made me tired all of the time, and I also got very bad heartburn. I stuck with it though and now I am amazed at how much I have changed. I am not a different person, just a better me. The only thing was, at first it was very scary because I didn't feel better right away. This made me feel worse, like I was never going to get better, but the changes were very gradual and took a few months, now I am doing great! Stick with it, keep seeing your doctor, Lexapro alone may not be enough, or you may be taking too much.
J.

Hi S.-
Sorry about your loss and I wish I was there to give you a big hug. Isn't that what most of us need, a friend to just lean on. Do you have a local MOPS program? If so, please go. It's a great support group.

You have lots of good responses and a lot to read and process so I'll make this short. I am contemplating starting a natural balancing cream but am scared. So, this weekend I started reading a book Hormone Balance A Matter of Life and Health by Kristine Klitzke, R.N., B.S.N. The book is amazing! I didn't know how harmful progestins and products with mineral oil (lotions, moisturizers, makeup, etc.) are. I am a consultant with Arbonne and knew we had great products (no mineral oil) but it's so good to read an outside source saying the same thing Arbonne says. I am only on page 55 of the book so I have still so much to learn. They did talk about how hormones effect depression and a wide variety of health issues. Please get your hormones checked and then find a good natural balancing cream. If you want to try Arbonne's (your decision) please let me know. This book is a good resource.
Take care of yourself: ____@____.com

Sara - First and foremost, I am sorry for all the tradgedy you have seen at such a young age. When you went to your Dr this past week, I H. they did blood tests to check for things such as Anemia, which could explain your lack of energy. While life can be hard, and some of us have to face more trials in life than others, you are a mother now, and must get beyond your past for your child's sake. Take some time to think not only about the horrible experiences you have had, but what knowledge you have gained from them and use that knowledge to make life better for your child. I feel if you allow yourself to think long and hard and pull out any positives that came from these tragic events and spend your time helping others who are now going through them, you will feel better. It will allow you to vent, as well as getting someone else through what you are familiar with. Alot of times, if we are allowed to just talk about things, the depressed feelings lessen on their own. H. this helps!

I suffered clinical depression a few years ago, and here are some things that helped me.... I kept what a I called a "mood journal". Every day, I recorded when I woke up, if I slept through the night, what and when I ate, what I did that day, when I went to sleep--and most importantly--how I felt. You might be surprised at how food can affect you. Someone else mentioned this, but eat healthy.

Get some exercise every day, even if all you do is walk around the block when you take the trash out.

I noticed in my mood journal that being with certain people made me feel worse. Some people are always negative and they become like a vacuum--avoid these types if you can.

Take your medicine as prescribed. If you've been taking it, and after 6 weeks you do not notice a change, see your doctor again. It is not uncommon to have to switch meds.

Some people find comfort in religion/spirituality.

Lastly, talk to a therapist, even if your doctor didn't suggest it. Your "about me" contains a lot of hurtful memories and issues for you. They may be hanging over you like a black cloud. My doctor did ask me to see a therapist. I only went twice, but I found those two times beneficial. If you live in the Twin Cities, there are low-cost and free counseling services. The United Way can help you find one.

Dear S.,

I wonder if you could get a second opinion from a different doctor. There are clinical psychologists out there who can administer neurofeedback after measuring your brainwaves. I would bet you've got less alpha waves in your brain and too much beta. That is just a suggestion. Medication isn't for everyone even when their doctor tells them it is.

On the other hand, I think for a person who has been forced to endure so much saddness in her life so far already that your current state is appropriate. I mean, life has been difficult for you and you have faced a lot of harsh reality. Reality is overwhelming. Taking medicine is certainly a way to cope with it, but it doesn't solve the problem. I think if you have a regular support group or church/spirituality group or study group to attend you might find it rewarding. I think you would benefit from something out-of-the-ordinary.

I hope you can emerge from your depression a happier person than you were before. If you do decide to take the medicine for it, you are not doing anything wrong. After all, the solution doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. You could take the medicine and follow other advice as well. It is your choice how you choose to cope with depression and I wish you all the luck in the world.

Sara,

Wow! What a lot to deal with! It's no wonder you're depressed. The best advice I can give is to seek God first. Life is really, really hard, but there's a lot of joy in the Christian life. If you don't have a church you enjoy going to, try at least one meeting - what do you have to lose? Find a Christian women's group you can look forward to going to every week. My church, Elmbrook Church (elmbrook.org) on Barker near Bluemound, has a group especially for single moms. It meets on Sunday mornings when they have a nursery. There's also a group just for women in their 20's and other groups too. I'm almost 100% sure you'd enjoy it. Start there!

I said a prayer for you. Please feel free to email me if you want.

Eve

I am also sorry to hear about all of your problems. I am in the same situation, and I know meds are different for everyone, but Lexapro did absolutely nothing for me but make me more irritated and not want to have anything to do physically with my husband. My suggestion would be to ask for a different medicine. They say they give lexapro first because it is not as strong, but it only made me go downhill. I did take Wellbutrin and it helped a whole bunch. I know exactly what you mean about feeling tired all the time. Are you on any birth control? Believe it or not my birth control was the cause of my headaches, part of my depression, and my fatigue. If you are on birth control, I might suggest trying a switch. Good luck!!! I will be prayin for ya

I think with a family history of depression, the smartest thing would be to go on the Lexapro. Sometimes all you need is just a little bit. I'm currently on it, and I find it has less side effects than some of the others. It may make you drowsy at first, but this does go away. Give the med a try for at least 2-3 months, and see how you are feeling.

I think I would also try some counseling.

As for the Asthma, I was recently put on Advair, which is a type of inhaler, and have FINALLY gotten relief from my asthma. I try to stay away from meds as much as possible, but when nothing else seems to help...

Good luck.

if you stick with the yoga, it will help. but it takes time. other exercise will help...walking. i have exercise induced asthma, too, so i know how hard it can be to get good exercise. you take a multivation, what about B vitamins? magnesium? some people have good luck but cutting out refined sugar and/or caffeine. are you on birth control at all? i suspect the pill made my depression worse. how do you sleep? poor sleep contributes a lot to depression IMO. might go without saying...but do you drink alcohol? that probably wouldn't help. there's also acupuncture. essential oils.

i was on medication for depression for a few years and have been able to go without medication for several years. i use a sun light from oct-april/may. i do yoga. i don't eat many refined carbs (so whole grains...brown rice, whole wheat pasta/bread). i'm not cured by any means, but i am able to manage it.

are you going to see a therapist? i think that really helped me, but it takes time, too.

S.,
It's great that you are seeking treatment. I also suffer from depression. Like yourself I have a family history of depression and experienced childhood trauma that put us at a higher risk. The great news is depression is a treatable condition like diabetes or hypertension.

There is a great PBS documentary on depression that just premiered last month. At the end of the show Jane Pauley, who suffers from Manic Depression, interviews some experts on the topic too. It is full of credible information and includes some great interviews with both experts and people who have coped with depression including a mom who had post-partum depression.

You can watch the show online or find the next time it airs on PBS at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/depression/ The website also has some links to other information on depression.

Larkin McPhee who produced the show is from Minneapolis as is Dr. Kim who started a womens mental health clinic at HCMC. It is great that mental health is getting more attention. It's too bad that stigma often prevents many people from seeking help.

You might also consider talk therapy in conjunction with your medication especially during stressful times. My husband will be returning from his second deployment next month. Even though I'm happy he's returning the adjustment will be tough on me and my to kids. I see the stress returning me to my irritable sadder side so I'm calling my counselor to set up time to talk and my psychiatrist to keep my meds up to date.

Keep trying to get better be sure to take medications consistently as it does take a while for them to work. If your insurance doesn't cover Lexapro let the doctor know as there are other medications you can try with generic versions that are less expensive. Also know your son will also benefit as you take care of yourself and are less depressed since kids whose parents are treated for depression are less likely to suffer from it yourself.

I'm sure you'll find a brighter time soon!

I want to tell you that this is not in any way ripping on you. It's just advice.
You have been through a lot in your life and you need to decide to live in the future and not the past. You have to decide what you want out of life for you and your child and make plans. Where do you want to be in 5 years? If you think you can be happy with your fiance then marry him but if you're heading down the same road as before then you should wait. Don't make another decision that you aren't sure about or have doubts about. I got married and divorced at a young age and I gave myself 1 year to get my life together and live the life I wanted to. I met my current husband and we have been married - very happily - for almost 8 years and have almost 5 kids.
You have to do what is going to make you happy and instead of dwelling on the past and the problems that others had you need to imagine them watching over you and figure out what they would want for you. Would they all want you to be miserable and unhappy. They certainly wouldn't want you to live the rest of your life being sad but would want all the best for you.
Look forward and never back. It's fine to remember people but you can't dwell on things that you can't change. Work on the things that you can.
I hope this helps, you have a lot of life to live ahead of you and whether you do it happy or sad is completely up to you. Eat well, exercise and get out and enjoy life. You only have one life to live and you can't do it over.
Another suggestion is to get involved in some ECFE type classes so you can meet people to be friends with and have things to do that you enjoy with your child.
Best Wishes,
J.
Mom to 4 and soon one more through another adoption and hopefully more :o)

There are some other options if you find the right therapist to help you along. I personally think you should stay on the medication while you work on things, but that is just my opinion. It is not wrong to be on an antidepressant and you may only need it for a short period of time if you agressively work on therapy.

I highly reccomend this group as they offer a variety of therapy options that are not just "medication".

Partners in Psychology and Psychiatry. Just google it to find their website.

It sounds like you have a lot going on. The lexapro will probably help you, but it takes two to three weeks at least before it starts working so give it some time. It sounds like you could really use some therapy also.
I go to therapy and it really helps to talk to someone about your feelings and help work through things.
I hope things get better for you!

I have had a lot of success with a med called Busipar, there is a generic for it. It is an anti-anxiety medication. It does not affect me in any way and no real known side effects. The best part is I can choose not to take it when I don't feel I need it. There were a few months when i did, and then several when I didn't. I have found I prefer to take it all the time. You are right, medication is not a permanent solution, it is only masking a deeper problem, but you are aware of it & that is a big step. I would really, really recommend finding a good church, one that you can actively be a part of, I really beleive life is not meant to be lived alone, struggling day in and day out. You are so young, and have had a lot happen to you already. I had a very similar life, and am still struggling with things from the past, but God has restored my life and healed my pain in a lot of ways. It takes time, but you have to start the journey somewhere. The reason I suggest a good church is you can find people that are living healthier lifestyles (in general) and have encouraging things to say. Also, a good church should offer bible studies or small groups to help you heal from your past. Your past tends to follow you around your whole life until you deal with it. If you are like everyone else on the planet, it will probably be a mixture of several things that helps you heal. Don't be too hard on yourself, you have been through a lot. You just need to seek out a healthy spiritual, mental, emotional life & it usually starts from the inside out. Realizing you matter to God is only step one. I will pray for you in your journey sister, it takes time, so don't give up. and seek out some support from good solid people, people whose lives you would want - Not people who have the same situations, They must be doing something right! Loves!

Psalms 139

sweetheart that is quite the story. First off, give the Lexapro a try. Personally that is what i use and it works wonders for me. I'm not what you would call "deppressed" i use it more because I deal with alot of work related stress and pressure. It helps me alot but i have to be consistent with it. Second, get your doctor to refer you to a qualified therapist. That is alot of death in your family and past issues that you need to deal with, trust me on this one too, my mom died in my arms from a massive heartattack. Talking to a qualified person can be very very helpful. Good Luck to you honey, I will keep you in my prayers.
R.

S.,
Boy, I hope this information helps. When reading what has happened to you in your life, it feels like you are partly stuck on events that happened in the past. I have almost died 3 times, have had several tragedies also, and I was depressed for about 4 years. Finally, I met a doctor who really cared about me, an old school doctor and not a "give 'em a pill" doctor. He asked me what I liked to do. I haven't thought about that in so long because I was always so busy taking care of someone or something else, I had forgotten. After thinking about it, I only had a few interests as an adult to relax me. Don't ask me why but I have a weed feddish, I hate them! Pulling them and making everything look pretty makes me happy. Find that small space deep within yourself, that says, "I want to be happy, I want to be a better person for my child, I want to have a wonderful life". I know it sounds corny, but after a little time has passed, you start noticing how the little things in life make you happy. You don't need money or expensive things, just look at what you have positive in your life, and enjoy them. The negative things in your life, stare them in the face, realize they are hurting you, and let go or get rid of them. I know that is easier said than done, but I have cut a lot of people out of my life because I realized they brought me down too. Being with yourself, is ok. You don't need to have 15 people in your life to be happy. Realize the past are things you cannot control and cannot change and IS NOT YOUR FAULT! I know it sounds like I am babbling, it took me about a year to realize these things, I will never take medication again. It is within you to pull yourself out of this "FUNK" and take your life back. Find a goal and stick to it. It will not happen overnight, it will take time, but stick to your positive thoughts and feelings and surround yourself with the basic things in life, and BE HAPPY with them. Don't expect from everyone and you won't be disappointed. Then when they do something extraordinary, it is really sweet. I went to college at the age of 37, I am 38 now and have 2 1/2 years left. I thought about what I really wanted in life, not what I was supposed to do, but what I wanted. Thank god I have a loving husband who works his butt off for me to go to school and not have to work right now. Supporting people are a key, they make life worth living every minute of it. You will want to give instead of dreading on what you haven't received in life. I hope this helps, if you have any questions, or can't understand my ramblings, email me back at ____@____.com Get outside and feel the sun and wind on your face today, walk and get some exercise. My doctor told me that if you walk continuously 30 minutes every day, all of your stresses go away. He is right, life is much easier to handle when your heart is pumping. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, my advice to you is no medicine, dig deep, give it some time, stop dreading on the past, look forward to your future and appreciate the people who really love you. Life is full of disappointments, as you get older they come easier to handle, but are still there. I know you've heard this before, but life is what you get out of it. Enjoy it! Even when it sucks, you are still here and I am glad.
C.

S.,
I am a nursing student who has taken a couple of psyc classes. My Gen Psyc prof who has a PhD in clinical psyc told us that meds do NOT work for mild to moderate depression. They might have a placebo effect, but they don't work on the chemicals in the brain for those who aren't more severely depressed.
He told us that talk therapy is the best for mild to moderate depression. So find yourself a group with a licensed moderator and I think you will find you can get feeling better soon.
I'm with you in that I also wouldn't want to take the meds. My Dr also prescribed a mild anti depressant for me after my father passed away in 1997, but I will tell you that it did me no good at all. (Time was my best med.)
I finally understood why it didn't work for me when I took the Gen Psyc class.
Good Luck! H

I have struggles for most of my life with depression. I finally started on an anti-depressant after my second was born. It has saved my life.

As far as not having energy, get your hemoglobin checked. I just recently was diagnosed with anemia- low iron, and I have since started taking quite a few iron supplements with vitamin b12, and it has made a word of difference for me. There are different types of Anemia, so it is best to have a full check up by the doc. Also, if you are overweight at all, maybe considered obese? Check to see if you have sleep apnea. I am overweight and had difficulty sleeping, went in to the clinic, had a sleep test done, and it turned out I stopped breathing 89 time per hour, and NEVER hit deep sleep. Talk about being tired all the time!

Loss is very difficult to deal with. I lost my brother very suddenly 4 years ago, and the situation was bad enough that the Medical Examiner would not allow us to see him. We HAD to cremate him. Talk about thinking he is going to walk through the door any minute!! I miss him terribly, and some times it hits me really really hard. I find that if I focus on my kids, and try to give them a little legacy about my brother it helps. Talk about you lost loved ones, talk about them all the time, the kids can grow up knowing them without even meeting them, and they can still be a part of your life.

As far as your relation ship with your fiance, what you are going through right now is very difficult and stressful. Divorce, new baby, new relationship. You guys need to give yourselves some time to adjust. Do not rush into anything just because society puts the pressure on to do so. You need to do what is right for you and your child.

Take care, you can get through this!!!

A.;)

Go to your county and see what services are available to you, & get a complete medical and mental check up. This way you know where you are starting. One in five people are effected by mental illness. Another source of info is NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness.

In my opinion, depression shows itself as a symptom, meaning something else internally is out of balance. I recommend finding a natural practioner that can help you regain balance. A few natural things you can do that will help is take Omega3s, lots of them. Go on long walks.

S.- I am sorry for your lose.
You have received a lot of good advice and information.
Hang in there! I agree with the others, you should get counseling, but you should look into some natural alternatives, too. I know that vitamin B-complex and OPC3 together help with depression. You can learn more about and get these at www.marketamerica.com/vanderson or email me with any questions.
Val

S.,

It sounds like you've got plenty of reasons to be depressed! Hopefully the meds will help make things a bit more bearable for daily life, but I would strongly suggest you see a counselor to work through you sadness. Most counselors will work on a "sliding fee scale" so you can pay what you are able to afford. Also check into your insurance to see if counseling is covered. If that isn't an option, contact your house of worship. They may offer pastoral counseling for little or no fee.

I wish you well and will be praying for you!

N.

Medicine is not always a bad thing...however, you may need to see a counselor. It sounds like there are MANY things in your life that you obviously feel has shaped who you are AND that it seems you may be having trouble getting past. The meds alone may not be able to help with that. However, meds are something that may help keep you more even-keeled while you work through your issues with a counselor. However, your regular doctor is not someone that should be handing them out and then not following up on them. You should be working with a counselor and a psychiatrist who are trained in how these meds work, so they can make sure you are on what you truly should be. Meds aren't always a permanent thing, but can help. It's nothing to be ashamed of at all.

Other than that, make sure you are doing things for yourself. Yoga is GREAT. Make sure you find other things as well and get out with your girlfriends too. They can be a tremendous support.

Good luck!

I am not going to suggest you go off the meds because I am not a doctor, but here is what I suggest in addition:

Regular therapy sessions (weekly probably to start) as research shows that drugs don't work well in isolation

Find a good chiropractor to check you over for spinal sublaxations that may be contributing to your asthma (very common).

Find exercises that you can do, even if it is just a daily walk (vigorous) with your child in a stroller. Exercise releases good chemicals in the brain that improve mood. Being on your feet all day is not the same thing. If possible do the walk in a natural wooded area rather than a city street.

Contact Nutritional Weight and Wellness http://www.weightandwellness.com/
They are experts at figuring out the foods you should and shouldn't eat to help your brain chemistry. Get a private consultation with them or check their class schedule, but private consult would probably be best in your case.

Good luck and be sure to let us know how things go for you.

I"m on Lexapro and i like it, no side affects so far. Also when i was diagnosed i started therapy right away too. IT helped ALOT!! I'm still on the meds but havent been to therapy for almost a year. I really enjoyed it and it helped me to deal with past issues that were causing some of my depression. Any questions or just want to talk.. message me!!

It sounds like you have had many sad situations in your life. If you have been on the Lexapro since April, it sounds like it is not working. I could call your doctor to see if he/she could prescribe another antidepressant. Hang in there. If you can do some cardio exercise, this also helps with depression. Good luck to you.

I would try counseling. Ask your Dr for a good referrel; It sounds like you could use someone to just talk with and get all your stresses out. Hang in the there.

just wanted to let you know your not alone. I got a case of the blues and needed a little help fixing them. I resisted for a long time taking antidepressents cause i thought it made me a week person. After taking them for about three weeks I couldn't believe the difference it made in me. I finally had energy, I could enjoy spending time with my kids and not yelling all the time. I even felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Try it for a couple of months. It might surprise you. I also took Lexipro. The first week on it was crazy, i was tired and a little moody but once it got into my system It made a world of difference. We are all here to listen if you need to talk more. Good luck

I have found that when my seasonal allergies are bad I feel really low and lack energy - a depression like feeling. I've read articles about the two being linked seasonal allergies and depression. Have you tried to take a stronger allergy medicine? It has helped me get some of my energy back. I use Allegra. You need a prescription for it. Maybe you could try this in addition to your other medication. Also, you cold try and get some exercise....the kind where you get your heart rate up and sweat a little....it really helps you to have a more positive mind. I know it changed my life.

S. - you have been dealt more blows in 21 years than most people will in a life time.

Begin the healing now without pharmaceuticals with Star of Bethlehem - a Bach Flower Essence (flower remedy) for grief and loss. I have pasted a page from the net that explains all about it. I think you will find the description comforting:

http://www.essences.com/vibration/june98/bethlehem.html

There are a myriad of websites where you can purchase this product for just $10.00. Buy 2 or 3 bottles when you go there.

How to use: Put four drops in a glass of water and sip throughout the day. You will feel your sadness lift almost immediately.

Take it every day for a year... or until the sadness stops creeping back in (which it will). As you go through this, do more research on these life-saving remedies.

Also, if you are consuming any artificial sweeteners (diet pop, etc.), stop now! Google on "what's wrong with aspartame" and "what's wrong with splenda" to see how these substances CREATE DEPRESSION by attacking and destroying the central nervous system.

Hello S.,

I am sorry to hear about all of the tragedty in your family. This no doubt has contributed to depression.

One side of my family has significate issues with depression. I suffered from it after my second child was born. I was on 2 anti-depressants for 4 years. After deciding they weren't working I went off of them. Last year, after many years of feeling like an emotional roller coaster, gaining an ungodly amount of weight and being so exhausted, I found a doctor who gid a number of lab tests and found other health issues for my depression and my the exhaustion I was suffering from. You might want to find a doctor who will do some further testing to make sure your homone levels and vitamin D levels are where they should be.

Counseling will also help you. This person will be an unbiased person who will let you openly discuss your feelings without judging you. If you are associated witha church, ask them for a referral.
Best wishes for feeling better.

yes you have been through a lot ask your Dr about talk thyrapy groups most importation start visiting churchs get the word it helps alot.you and your friend should fine couselling and how to budget this you can also fine in church also food pantry's ,if you have a sw ask her were you can fine free help,start taking you and baby for nice walks in the evening it is relaxing can also clear the mind of a stressful day GOD BLESS!

It see you have already gotten tons of advice - just want to throw this in there :-) I had problems for years with major depression tried many different types of meds and therapy. Two years ago I went off birth control pills and it is still hard to believe, but my depression is gone!
Best to you!
M.

You have a lot of "stories" about negative events and situations throughout your life. Where are the other stories about the supportive people in your life, your son, etc.? As a PhD student in Psychology and a Life Coach, I see over and over how much power we have over our minds and our bodies. We get to create our life by our thoughts, words, and actions each day. When our thoughts, words, and actions are all about negative, "depressing" things, we create depression. If this depression gets engrained enough, meds might be necessary to get you over this. Other options are finding a good counselor or Life Coach to work with you on how you are being in your life. If you put new thoughts, words, and practices in place day by day, you can create positive attitudes and outcomes in your life.

Hi S., You have received a whole bunch of responses, which shows you that people do care for you.
I will strongly advise you not to take any meds. One pill creates two more problems!! What kind of multi-vitamin are you taking??
Without the hope that JESUS provides each one of us could truly become depressed. See death is not the end. It has no victory over Christians! Find a good church in your area that teaches of Jesus, Born of virgin, died on cross for our salvation (and much much more), and conquered death and rose on the third day!! Start reading the Bible, Book of John is a good place to start. God will lead you from there.
You are precious!

Hi S.,
I'm B. J
I'm a 47 med. prof, wellness coach and mom of almost 7 yo twins.
You have reason to be depressed certainly, yet you can choose to live and move on, or live in a state of "victimness" too.
As a med prof, meds might help?? I'm not a fan of prescriptives.
As a wellness coach, you're missing basic nutrition, and you might be deficient in omega 3 fatty acids- one thing your baby steals from you that takes 3 years to replenish following pregnancy if you don't supplement - and deficiencies can lead to depression, lack of energy etc.
So- if you want to talk, email me.
I am affiliated with a nutritional company- but won't talk much about it other than using it (reluctant starter as it took my best friends 2 years to make my pigheadedness give in) changed my life with energy, vitality, no more restless leg symptoms or migraines and I feel better than I did in my 30's!
My Doc asked me about meds following my twin birth too- thought he was crazy but I guess it's even more common......

____@____.com
verizon cell out of St. Paul ###-###-####
B. J

I am so glad you asked for help. That is a hard first step for most people. I was on antidepressants on/off for 15 years and then I decided I didn't want to have to take antipressants and anti anxiety pills anymore and searched for other options. What worked for me was cutting out all wheat, dairy and sugar. I only eat fruits, veggies and meat (organic if possible) and drink reverse ossmosis water. My body detoxed, all the chemicals that were in me, for a week and then 2 weeks later I was astounded by the difference. That might help your allergies too. Here is a website I go to for reference http://www.bantusa.com/

You certainly have had a full live with lots ups and downs. I work with a medical doctor who has a website onine that gives some information about different diseases and nutritional recommendations - Dr. Ray Strand. If you want his specific recommendations for depression, respond to me and I can send them to you. You might also want to start changing your diet. Eliminate as much processed food and fast foods as you possibly can - processed foods are usually void of nutrients. Yes, the package may list nutritional information but it's because it's been added back into the item. White flour for instance is stripped of everything good and then nutrients are added back. Try to eat as many whole foods as possible - fruits and vegetables. Eat them in the natural form not canned. Diet can play a huge role in how we feel and how we handle situations in our lives. My guess is you already know that or you won't have included in the information about yourself.

Feel free to contact me if you want more informaiton about Dr. Strand and good food choices for you and your baby.

Oh, My Gosh!!!

There is a lot in your life that could very well make you depressed, BUT you have to find ways to be positive. For one, you have a son to think about. Children have ways of making you feel needed, and they can always make you smile. You need to find something you enjoy doing to get your mind off of everything. For every negative find a positive. It sometimes helps to think of all the people who are worse off than you are. I realize you have had a lot of sad things happen in your life, but you need to work through it. Keeping busy always helps....the more you sit around the more time you have to think about things, so maybe find a hobby. Hopefully, one of these suggestions will help you in some way.

C.

I would highly recommend the book: The Instinct to Heal: Curing Depression, Anxiety and Stress Without Drugs and Without Talk Therapy by David Servan-Schreiber.

Take care!

I am really sorry about everything. But are you in church, I think that if you spend some time in the house of the lord you will be surprised how you will feel.