For several weeks now, I have been in a deep depression. I was hospitalized and then discharged, been medicated and sickened by side effects...and still I sit here dragging myself out of bed to grab my laptop and beg for help. Can anyone please tell me anything...anything...anything that has truly helped overcoming depression without medication? My doctor can't seem to find the right combo of meds and nothing else has worked. Has anyone tried acupuncture or supplements that have been successful? Even temporarily successful? Help.
Marsha
www.didyoutakeyourmeds.com
Marsha,
You mentioned you have been medicated and sickened by side effects. Does that mean you discontinued the medication? If you have or if you have not did you consider trying another antidepressant or antipsychotic, depending on what was prescribed? To avert possible hypomania or mania due to administration of an antidepressant most psychiatrists would recommend their patients with bipolar disorder be taking a mood stabilizer. As far as antidepressants ar concerned, I can only comment on two I have been prescribed, both were tricyclic antidepressants. Remeron was quite sedating for me and I did not care for that but Nortriptyline was only mildly sedating at first. Nortryptiline can also be mildly energizing by also acting to increase levels of norepinephrine as well as increasing serotonin by acting as a reuptake inhibitor.
It does sound like you are wanting an alternative and medication does have its limitations. Therapy is a good alternative, though along with medication you are treating the imbalance of neurotransmitters and attacking the cognitive distortions that also contribute to depression. Cognitve Behavioral Therapy has been proven to decrease symtoms of depression by those who implement the techniques.
Physical exercise is also something you may consider, even taking a brisk 30 minute walk each day, if you do not belong or have access to a health club.
In the area of supplements, I can only recommend a good multivitamin and maybe a B-complex vitamin. Low levels of both B6 and B12 have been associated with depression and L-mehtylfolate a metabolite of folate regulates the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine and norepinehprine. There are some other supplements that are said to have antidepressant properties but many also come with a warning regarding psychiatric conditions. With Bipolar this is usually the possible risk of mania.
Try to stay active around the house and get outside for a walk each day. Staying inactive, inside and isolated will not contribute to feelings of well-being. Eat right and take care of yourself, even if that means trying a dreaded, new med or seeking out a therapist. Keeping busy keeps your mind on the important topics and tasks and out of the gutter of negative thought.