Alternative Treatments for Depression and Anxiety?
Question by Daniel: Alternative treatments for depression and anxiety?
I’m sick and tired of antidepressants, I want something better and effective.
Best answer:
Answer by Bamboo
Depression: St. John’s Wort
Anxiety: Passion Flower Tea
Answer by Barry
Use the effective natural core treatments for depression at * http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_25.html & read page B (Note the post about MEDICATION & DEPRESSION). Although it’s sensible to go to a doctor for tests, be aware that you are likely to be prescribed antidepressants; I advise saying “thank you, doctor”, and pocketing it for possible use later, if needed (hopefully not). Double blind studies have shown that, statistically, antidepressants are only slightly more effective than a placebo, but with risks, and side effects. Most people who are depressed would be far better off trying the natural/alternative treatments for at least 3 months, to see if they work for them, rather than accepting the risks, and/or side effects of medications, and even if insufficient, (unlikely) maintain the core treatments, Omega 3, & optimise vitamin D levels). Identify the cause: http://curetogether.com/depression/ig/treatment-effectiveness-vs-popularity & http://extrahappiness.com/happiness/?p=4218 and if applicable; http://sfhelp.org/gwc/wounds.htm If using a RECOMMENDED * brand of St. John’s Wort (take with meals to avoid possible stomach upsets) view the websites about it on page B*, and if also using UP TO 50mg of 5-htp daily – http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1635 refers- in addition, (or UP TO 200mg of 5-htp if NOT using the wort. I note with interest that in the study referred to, 300 mg of 5-htp was used) take with a very low protein meal, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier, with no, or extremely little protein 2 hrs before, to 2 hrs afterwards. I suggest beginning with 50 mg on the first day, and if no adverse reaction, keep increasing it until reaching the desired level, to let your system accustom itself to it gradually. Google maximum safe dosage. Alternatively, use SAMe (S-adenosy-L-methionine) but nothing else. Has the advantage of working more quickly than St John’s wort. Use only the butanedisulfonate form in enteric-coated tablets, or in capsules. The usual dosage is 400 to 1,600 milligrams daily, taken on an empty stomach. Take lower doses (under 800 milligrams) once a day, a half hour before the morning meal. Split higher doses, taking the second a half hour before lunch. I’d avoid medications, except as a last resort, and even then, only use temporarily, as they don’t address the causes, merely (imperfectly) treat the symptoms, and carry risks, and side effects.
Learn and employ the relaxation techniques (begin with Progressive Muscle Relaxation) and the EFT variant for use in public places, in case it is needed there. More, such as Yoga Nidra (a series of easy mental exercises only; no bodily flexibility is required) are shown on pages L, & B, at 8m.com.
“Even if we have some vague idea that we are not our feelings or our thoughts, when we are experiencing painful feelings or painful thoughts, we believe we have to feel them or think them just because of the fact that they are occurring to us. But painful feelings can be indirectly controlled by physical action, and changing our present thoughts for different thoughts (since feeling occurs as a result of thinking.)
Painful thoughts can be directly controlled by choosing replacement thoughts for the ones that are troubling us. Sure, it takes some practice to change a habit of suffering. But it can be done. Of course it can’t be done if we choose to believe that it can’t be done. But, since the choice is ours, why not choose to believe it can be done, and do it?”. Read: “Lift your mood now.” by John D Preston, Psy.D. 2001, New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland. CA ( for depression; short 5 – 10 mn chapters, easily employed immediately), & Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky, & “Feeling Good.” The New Mood Therapy. Harper Collins.1999. ( updated sequel to his US bestseller about treating depression & anxiety; very comprehensive), by David D. Burns, M.D., & Change Your Thinking by Sarah Edelman, & Healing Depression & Bipolar Disorder Without Drugs, by Gracelyn Guyols, & (for females only) “Eight Weeks to Vibrant Health: A Take Charge Plan for Women to Correct Imbalances, Reclaim Energy and Restore Well-Being” by Hyla Cass MD and Kathleen Barnes, from your bookstore, Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.
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