Homeopathic Remedies for Depression

Dong Quai or Black Cohosh works for women only...TERRIFIC! Do not take depressions meds, etc. This works...in pills or liquid.

Google Sam-E. Works great for me. You can get it at GNC or any vitamin store. I buy it at GNC & use the 200 which is their lowest dose.

Try walking every day. I know this will not solve any problems but whenever I start walking I fell a lot better. Sometimes I have no energy at al but still make it out for a walk and after I start I don't want to stop.

I know that when you are suffering from depression getting out the door to workout at the gym is difficult. I, too, have suffered from severe depression for some time. Some days it was so bad that I would have rather put needles in my eyes and blown off my kneecaps with a 12-gauge than go workout. However, on the days that I forced myself (literally) to go to the gym even when I didn't want to, it helped tremendously. By consistently working out, it helped to minimize the feelings of depression. I am now working out 3-4 times per week, and I feel (and look) so much better.

Other things that work for me are:
*cry when you feel like it
*go to bed at the same time EVERY night (even if you do not feel tired)
*try to eat meals about the same times every day
*take the time to bathe, get dressed, do your hair & make-up EVERY day - even on the days that you are just going to stay home - believe me, just doing this can change your whole mood about yourself
*take time at least twice a week to do something just for yourself - read, bubble bath, take a walk, go to lunch with a friend (even if it is just a frozen pizza at home), etc. - YOU are important, you have to take care of YOU before you can take care of anyone else

Try using positive affirmations, too. Look at yourself in the mirror several times a day (I do this every time I use the bathroom), and tell yourself that
*you are a great mother
*you are a great person
*you are beautiful
*this time in your life WILL pass, and better things are ahead for you
*(tell yourself anything that you can - just say it in a positive way)

I wish you the best during this time.

in addition find an exercise buddy and move. put on music, whatever it wont cure it completely but it will help. good luck i hope you feel better soon.

Hi I am hoping you are getting along better. I don't know if you know about post partum depression. Brook Shields had this. I looked her up on the internet and there was a lot of information about it. I know some hospitals have free groups for this. You might want to check it out. If your breast feeding becareful what you take it goes to your baby too. Even some natural things are not good for your baby. I know if it is post partum depression sometimes thoughts can get very strange. Take care.

Hi, S.,

Here's what I've heard from my sister, a psychologist, is available without prescription: St. John's wort and Sam-E.

Based on what I've learned in my graduate psychology courses, this is what I would consider investigating in the situation you described:

1. Contact a community mental health clinic, such as Didi Hirsch or Kedren. I understand your concern about free or almost-free clinics and services, but sometimes you can find a highly qualified provider at these places. (I've known a few, who I think offered better service than practitioners who charged very high prices!) Both of these are in Los Angeles, but I would guess that their is a similar facility somewhere around Lompoc.

2. Read Jon Kabat-Zinn's book, Full Catastrophe Living, on mindfulness (which includes meditation). You can probably get his book at the library for free. Some of Dr. Kabat-Zinn's talks and guided mindfulness exercises are on-line. After listening to mindfulness and guided imagery CDs by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Tara Brock, Belleruth Naperstek and my mindfulness instructor, Gloria Kamler, I feel the same way I do after leaving a spa and sometimes I come up with solutions to problems, without having tried to solve any problem!

What type of job have you been looking for? in what geographic area? What is your academic/professional background?

Good luck,
Lynne E

Another vote for SAM-E.

You might want to google amino acids and see which ones are recommended. I can't remember if it was L-arginine or L-carnitine but I was taking one of those and it REALLY helped my depression. I had to stop taking it though b/c it made my periods really heavy. I don't know if that was a common side effect or not. Also, some amino acids can make you sweat at night depending on the amount you take. That doesn't happen with everyone so it may be worth a shot. Please remember that even if you take natural remedies/herbs you are still taking drugs. Herbs can be dangerous if taken incorrectly. Also, most are not FDA approved and are less regulated during manufacturing. Herbs and homeopathics def. have their place, but you still need to be careful. Good luck!

I'm sure this won't be the only suggestion for Saint John's Wort .. but I swear by it. My doc prescribed lexipro and a few others but the side effects were too much to bear.

I did some research and decided to try 'the wort' .. I am totally pleased with the results and they were/ are definite. I don't deal with ANY of the symptoms of my depression any longer.

Best of luck to you~
W.

Sorry for your hard times. Good for you for trying to find a way to help yourself through it. A few very quick thoughts: Rainbow Light Green Foods Vitamins, (Vitamin Shoppe carries them) they are not giving them away but are the best I have found to helping me stay in balance (take them with some food in your stomach). Also an extra dose of B12 when my energy seems low. I use Chamomile and Calms Forte homeopathy for nights I can't fall or stay asleep. Also maybe try finding a networking group within your field, or a church/temple group, local hospital often offer free support groups, or even going to a 12 step program meeting, (find one that fits your life and needs, maybe Codependence Anonymous, Al-anon, maybe Spenders Anonymous, find one that may not be a perfect fit, but you can learn and grow from some small token of information), to just listen and share an idea, it's free (give what you can) and it's important to be with people who are also working to get out of their holes. It has been proven over and over again that a person in a support group does much better through their personal challenges than people that try facing it alone. The best advice I can give is get out of bed, it is warm and safe and oh, so magnetic, but get up and get out and network, volunteer, make commitments and stick to them so that you meet the person who is going to help you get the lead to find a way to help yourself. It only takes one person to change your world, you just have to find that one person. Sometimes you have to take life one moment at a time. Break it down to the smallest of increments, and get your self just as far as you can and the next time, maybe you'll get further. Good Luck to you.

S., good for you, for taking charge of your health!

I was depressed for much of my life and was on all kinds of different meds, none of which really helped. After my daughter was born I had PPD but didn't want to take drugs because I was nursing. What I did was started taking coral calcium, which has magnesium in it as well - magnesium deficiency can cause depression. I took it in powder form - tasted a little nasty, just drink it quickly, I mixed it with cranberry juice. I ordered mine online; not sure where you can buy it "in person." Try to force yourself out to exercise every day because it will make a difference.

Sending positive thoughts your way... you can and will get through this.

I just responded to another question about depression/PPD. You can read my answer here:

http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/16725517365193801729

Basically, I strongly suggest exercise, exercise, exercise as an incredible, all natural remedy. YMCA's usually have a sliding scale or perhaps could wave their fees completely. (Ours offers a free membership to those who work there for a minimum of 6 hours a week, plus free or inexpensive babysitting. You'd get paid min. wage plus a free membership, get out of the house for a bit to do something constructive, as well as meet new people.) You could also power walk at the local mall if the weather is bad.

I've also read that pharmaceutical companies often have programs that offer various medicines free to those who cannot afford them. I'm sure there's something online about this if you're interested.

Things will get better eventually. Keep your chin up and keep moving forward one step at a time. Best wishes.

Hi S.,
Sorry to hear about your hard times. Melatonin can be bought over the counter. Also, drop the gym, go for walks out in public where you can smile and greet people. Get yourself a routine where you see the same people everyday. Find a neighbor friend to go with. Do yoga at home, plenty of online beginning classes. The more you exercise, the more you oxygenate your brain, the more seratonin you produce, the better you feel. Make a commitment everyday for a routine, come hell or high water, that'll get you out of the house.
Good luck,
Wendy

I will let others answer about homeopathy, but wanted to give you encouragement on a few things, some of which you are already doing.

1. Make going to the gym a priority. You might think of it as the only "therapy" you can get right now and view it as if you have an appointment. Getting a gym buddy could really help, too, because you will have an "appointment" with them. I know you might not feel like it, but bite the bullet and make the commitment. It won't cost anything, but might help get you better.

2. Google "sleep hygiene" and make sure you are following those tips.

3. Keep eating well.

4. Maintain your social support. If you don't have any, get some. Writing to other moms is a good start.

5. Allow yourself some time every day to grieve over the loss of your livelihood and loss of your independence. Some people find it helps to write about it. If that works for you, go for it. Allow yourself to feel the sadness for a set time and then agree to put it aside and DO something (gym, something for your child, some activity that you used to enjoy). You may have to make a schedule for yourself to keep you on track, but this is your free do-it-yourself therapy. There are many self-help depression books out there, too, and you might find it easier to follow a workbook type program. If you are not going to seek help from a professional, you know you have to DO SOMETHING other than what you've been doing because that clearly isn't working.

6. As for free clinics, etc...minimal care is better than no care if it gets to the point that you need it. Even if you are seeing an unlicensed intern, remember that those interns have supervisors who are supervising them CLINICALLY, not just signing their paycheck! Oh, who am I kidding? Those interns are working for free, just for the privilege of learning. They are being supervised closely as to exactly what they are doing in the room with you. And most people who are on their way to being a psychologist or therapist already tend to have the most important factor in any therapy...their caring and their ability and desire to connect with you.

You sounds like a smart woman and I have faith in you. Whether you can do this on your own or need a helping hand from a professional, it really doesn't matter. What matters is that you get through it. I'll be thinking about you and wishing you well.

Find an EFT practitioner in your area who will see you on a sliding scale or pro bono. Seriously, this tool can change your life. Emotional Freedom Techniques works like acupuncture without needles. A practitioner will teach you how to correct an energy imbalance by tapping with your fingertips on specific body points. EFT is being taught by therapists, hypnotherapists and in hospitals to relieve all kinds of distress and is recommended by many in the natural health field such as Dr. Mercola and Deepak Chopra.

I think the best place to start is by eating as good as you can...meaning....staying away from processed foods and a lot of milk....also, see if you can buy straight seratonin for your depression...if you are depressed your brain is not producing this....I am not a doctor....but I am a follower of homeopathic medicine...I take seratonin and it helps me...also melatonin at night should help...I also truly believe in prayer. Asking God for help....this will be the best medicine you can give to yourself and son. Good luck to you, my heart goes out to you.

Here's a description on some of the supplements that have been suggested so far: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/depression-002453.htm

I would add a Magnesium. It makes a huge difference with my moods.

Also some good reading here: http://www.ultraprevention.com/healing/depression.htm

It's a lot to have to deal with on top of being a parent. ((hugs))

What works for me:
St. John's Wort - tincture, supplements or homeopathic
SAME - supplements
Valerian - tincture or supplements
Super dosing on vitamins - take the high level prenatal ones.
Good luck. Love is all around you!

Hi S.,
I hear you. In fact I was you about 6 years ago. I tried the doctor thing and all they kept doing is prescribing me drugs, and that wasn't solving my problems. It was putting a bandaid on my problem. I needed a solution.
I learned how to feed my body correctly to ward off illnesses including depression. The proper amount of protein, carbs, and fats is essential. I hear when you say that you can't afford the doctor etc so I recommend the library. Spend some time in your local library and get educated. Read up on NUTRITION...I believe in education not medication.

B.
Family Success Coach

S., I truly understand how you are feeling.

I was very fortunate that when I suffered from depression and anxiety many years ago a very good friend of mine recommended DIANETICS (http://www.dianetics.org/) to me. Dianetics was the magic that helped me deal with what was really going on with me naturally and get me back to feeling like my cheerful self. I love that with DIANETICS no one evaluates you or tries to drug you. It's truly about you. You can always watch the DIANETICS video at: http://www.dianetics.org/#/videos. And, if you would like to see the whole DVD....it's about 4.5 hrs long but definitely worth seeing...you are welcome to borrow my copy. I think it will amaze you and give you hope.

Please feel free to reach me anytime at: (323) 906~2784 or via e~mail at ____@____.com.

I'd love to help you however I can. And, I promise, there is light at the end of this tunnel! : )

With love,
L. (MAMA to 2 year old Dylan Orion....29 September 2007).

Honey raw good honey, is a mood elevator. Take it an hour before bed to sleep well. Look up buteyko breathing clinic for exericses in breathing thru the nose so you get max CO2 to stay in lungs will al help. I am a buteyko Practitioner and teach how to nose breath When working out breathe thru the nose only, just that will help you. this help me and I have honey too.

I suffered with severe post-partum depression, and still have a tendency to go that direction if I do not exercise regularly. I believe strongly in exercise, and not just a walk around the block, I am talking at LEAST 20m of cardio where you are sweating and your heart is pumping. This produces serotonin, the free healthy pick-me-up hormone that works EVERY time. I find I have much more patience w/ my son's crying, housework, no mood swings, etc when I exercise at least 3x per week. And honestly I just go to the gym right after work, do the elipitical for 20m, then go pick up my son from daycare. I HAVE to squeeze it in or my family suffers. Hope that helps.

I rec'd much needed help from a therapist. Her number is ###-###-####, and she charges on a scale and will see u asap. I owe her a great deal of appreciation.

Hi S.,

To find a truly individualized remedy for depression, you need to visit a trained homeopath. Everything else is just guesswork, and if you select a remedy that doesn't work for you, you will get the false impression that homeopathy "doesn't work." It does...and profoundly. But individualization is truly necessary. Fortunately, one doesn't need to schedule follow-up visits very often (usually only every 6-8 weeks), so if you have to travel a ways for a visit, it's not a great hardship compared to weekly visits.

I'm a classical homeopath by profession and am also networked with other colleagues around the country. If you give me a better idea of exactly where you are located, I might be able to help you find someone reputable in your area.

Be well,

S. I., L.Ac., HMA
Lotus Wellspring Healthcare
950 Boardwalk, Suite 304
San Marcos, CA 92078
Tel. ###-###-####
Fax ###-###-####
____@____.com
www.lotuswellspring.com

free clinic care is minimal, but maybe there will be a doc to fill out short-term disability paperwork for you (if you are still on unemployment you may be getting the funds stretched this way)
Good Luck
V.
P.S. i second the opinion of the homeopath who told you not to take a cookie-cutter remedy - you conditions does not look straightforward to me so individual remedy is the key.

Have you looked into Omega 3's? My cousin has been taking MOXXOR and experienced a dramatic improvement in her symptoms. MOXXOR is a concentrate of greenlip mussel oil and grape seed extract both from the pure, pristine environment of New Zealand. The muscle oil in Moxxor has an anti-inflamatory value that is 158 times more effective than fish oil. Moxxor grape seed extract has greater levels of the super antioxidant OPC than any other known fruit or berry, and are free from genetically modified material, heavy metals, arsenic and pesticides. It has also has excellent results with ADHD. I hope this information is helpful to you and that your job and living situation improves as well. Please contact me if you'd like more info www.mymoxxor.com/jennyhaskell.

5htp helps with seratonin production, and is totally natural and affordable. it also helps you relax and sleep.

calms forte (hylands homeopathic) helps with sleep.