[Brain patch]

Hi Guys,
Does anyone have any ideas on help for depression? Keep in mind that I have seizures and most the anti-depressants I can't take. What can I do to help with this? I am really suffering badly with it. All ideas are appreciated.
Thanks,
Brain

[Lightrail11]

If your physical condition allows, I have found yoga to be very helpful, provided it's a good studio that combines the mindfulness/relaxation with the physical movement and postures. If you can't do the physical part of yoga, I have found mindfulness mediation by itself (aside from the yoga) to be beneficial. I try to meditate on things I'm grateful for and try to practice loving kindness meditation. I'm also a fan of massage therapy, for the mind as well as the body. If you struggle with meditation simple things like a gratitude list may be helpful also.

It's a journey.

[ninelives]

Hi brain patch,
I agree with light trail, meditation and yoga really helped me with my
Depression. Infact as soon as I started yoga there was a marked improvement of my symptoms I go twice a week , I also have reflexology about once every 8 weeks,it is 3 months since I started yoga and my depression has gone .i also suffers really bad anxiety but this has also disappeared .
We are all different but it's worth a try and there are no nasty side effects.
Prior to the yoga I had talk therapy for 3 months this was also helpful .
I do feel for you as it is a very dark place to be right now. But
Know You will improve and get better.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Xx

Be positive
Cx

[dare2bdifferent]

St. John's Wort has helped to alleviate my depressive symptoms, but only certain brands seem to work for me. It is a matter of trial and error. Other alternative remedies include SAM-e and 5-htp. Some people find that taking an Omega 3 supplement helps. You would have to follow up with your neurologist to determine if any of these are contraindicated in people with epilepsy.

[cyclecrash]

I strongly agree with the yoga and meditation and would also like to add exercise and get out of the house frequently. Exercise doesn't need to be anything special even just a walk, which also gets you outside, or a stationary bike would be great. It doesn't need to be an all out, sweating, exhaustion workout either. Start with 5 minutes if you have to and work yourself up from there. Doing it daily is best.

Getting out of the house is really important too even if its just for a short walk or to meet a friend for a coffee.

Just some thoughts. I hope you're feeling better soon!

CC

[ninelives]

Yes forgot to add , as cc says , getting out of the house helped me a lot. I remember in the winter when things were really bad I would just walk to the local shop, to get out, and I found just being in company of people and the feeling of life being normal,would help lift my spirits. Or try to focus on pleasent things, do you have a hobby ? Don't know if you can watch tv, but Seinfeld is really funny ,always makes me laugh. Xx
Be assured this phase will pass, I think I found the depression the hardest to deal with.
Thinking of you x
Cx

[Brain patch]

Thank you everyone. Those are all wonderful ideas. I like that none of them involve more medication. I will try them all. Having mom take me to the craft store today. I am going to make some plant arrangements that are like little worlds. Like one with a meditation theme with one of those little Chinese guys sitting under a bonsai tree and make a little path with rocks and a little pond etc. I do need to get out of the house more. I will force myself. I will also go to the library and pick up some books on meditation and yoga. I cannot afford to go to a class right now but I can do some on my own. You are all right that I need exercise. I am going to have to start with 5 min. A day because I have been hurt and not active for so long my muscles are atrophied. I will also get into some talk therapy. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks for all your support and help.
Love,
Brain

[thedude58]

I suggest brisk walks, to get your heart rate up. Start the exercise slowly and get into the habit, before pushing harder. Regular walking does wonders.

[Virginia in Canada]

Just a warning -St. John's Wort is an herbal medication. Please do not start it without consulting a physician or pharmacist. Also, as with most herbal medications and natural suppliments, there is not a requirement in most countries to prove any benefits. I find that it is always better to look for a Drug Identification Number (DIN) on these products. This tells you that the product has the stringent testing required for medications. Some products will have a Natural Product Number (NPN) instead.

[MiaVita2012]

When your body has been in pain for so many years.Pain causes stress, anxiety, panic, major depression etc. I think the other recommendations are very positive to try. My opinion is that you have been in pain for some years now and you might want to give the antidepressant a chance. I suggest if you decide to go with the antidepressant, start at a low MG till you find the one for you. I also know that if I did not have this medication for myself, the life I was living without them was not good. Everyone is different and we all need yoga & meditation and there is other's like me that needed more.