Safe Alternative/Integrative Approaches to Treating Depression
 

I don't want to minimize the pain and limitations associated with depressions.
If you are severely depressed and/or suicidal, please do stick with the recommendations of your treating physician.

Please also have a full screening for bipolar conditions prior to attempting antidepressant therapies.

Please always be careful. :hug:


Many people have health conditions which prevent them from using the standard depression medications.

I am wondering if there may be some helpful alternatives?

Have you found a different approach helpful?
(Please include supplements, behavioral approaches, etc.)

Are you aware of some literature which may prove helpful?

We have several members suffering with depression and unable to take the standard medications. Some have heart issues, some are pregnant, some just cannot tolerate the meds, etc.

Thanks so much for sharing any experiences/information! :grouphug:

To Our Healing,
DejaVu

P.S. I realize this is a question which has been previously answered, in various ways, here. When people are depressed, they may have difficulties getting the information together via search engines, etc. If you have some potentially helpful information, please share. This is a very helpful community! :)

SAM-e Article
 

I often hear people reporting positive effects in mood and energy with SAM-e.

Here is an article which gives some information on SAM-e studies, lists a book written by SAM-e investigators and also lists references:
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/depr...m-e-depression


WebMD lists some uses, interactions, contraindications, etc.:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...dientname=same

As always, please be careful. Study up. Talk with your physician.

:grouphug:
DejaVu

I have personally used SAMe and found it helpful.
The really good thing about it is, it helps the liver and eases joint pain.
Actually, thanks for reminding about it because I need some help right now.
Thanks, D.

Link, resources & helpful information can always be added to our useful sites sticky thread for this forum -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread303.html

awesome info
absolutely intriguing
stuff
thanks
love
me

DejaVu, I have found that a combination of an AD and non-pharmaceutical approaches has been more effective in staying in remission from MDD than either has been in isolation.

My clinical psychologist is very eclectic in her approach - CBT (of course!), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness/meditation and Schema Therapy.

The last took me a while to understand. One of my core beliefs/Schema (different words for the same concept?) is "I am different to everybody else.". I didn't see that as being maladaptive and my clinical psychologist reassured me that it was not, which I found empowering.

The combination of an AD and the other approaches means that I am now on a "care and maintenance" basis with my psychiatrist and clinical psychologist - I see them once every six months or so for a brief "How is it going?" chat and to pick up a prescription refill from my psychiatrist.

Thanks so much for responses!
 

Hi Eva, Diandra, Jo*Mar and Kiwi,

Thanks for each of your responses!

I had felt a need for this type of sharing and I am having great difficulty recalling the alternative approaches I have previously known. (Post-concussion syndrome.)

A community effort is best anyway.

I imagine we will have more responses/options shared here in time.

I will work at recalling some additional information, as well.

Eva, I hope you and your doctor may see this as a viable option. :D

Diandra, So glad for you! Thanks for reporting you have found SAM-e helpful in the past. :D (I need reminders, too. I also need hints, or a stimulus, in order to trigger memories of information.)

Jo*Mar, Yes! Thanks for reminding us of stickies! We can add info. We can find info already there! :D

Kiwi, Thanks so much for sharing your own experiences of approaches you have found helpful. Very helpful information. :D

To Our Healing,
DejaVu

this you share valuable
in so many was
most importantly
it was your personal
experience strength and hope
for all that
thank you
love
me

You Bring Me Joy, Eva!
 

Hi Eva,

Thank you!
You continue to touch my heart! :hug:

I think of you and your loved ones daily.
I have a great deal of hope for you and your family. :grouphug:

One of the certainties in life: Nothing always remains the same.
Circumstances, perspectives, insights, people and options often shift. :)

:hug:
With Gratitude,
DejaVu

For me, getting my thyroid supported after 10 long years of clinical depression from 1991 to 2002 and then getting Vit D3 tank filled up, got me out of a Long Depression.

A few years ago a friend visited a Psychiatrist who specializes in Depression naturally, gave out this printed sheet which the patient would take to the Pharmacy next door.

Vitamin B6 100 mg. one per day (in the form of P-5-P) (take now)

5-HTP 50 mg. one – twice per day. (have taken off and on)

Folapro 800 mcg. (5-methlytetrahydrofolate) one – twice per day. (take now)

Magnesium Glycinate one capsule twice daily. (take now, but more)

B12 Methylcobalamin 5000 mcg. sublingual per day (take 1-2Kmcg daily)

NutraSea Omega-3 Fish Oil. (take now, different brand)

NAC N-Acetyl-cysteine 500 mg. two capsules twice per day. (don't take)

I take all the above for different reasons, and for me SamE never worked, low dose and higher dosing. Adjust accordingly for one's needs.