It's early and quiet, so my minds racing in a hundred different directions.
I was just wondering why the doctors are so quick to perscribe medications. I'm not saying its a bad thing at all, just.......well, I dont remember my doc. ever saying anything to me about more "natural" ways to deal with depression, its just always which med we will try next, as a matter of fact a few years back when I had to go on the meds for awhile, one doctor perscribed me some kind of anxiety med. I dont remember the name, only that 3 different doctors were wondering why this doctor gave it to me and was suggested to discontinue using it.
So back to the question (I think I had to strong of coffee thismorning). I am not a health nut in anyway....as a matter of fact I really need to start getting more exersize. When this depression first flaired up about a year ago, I paniced and started going to the gym everyday. My brother told me to not do that cause I would get burned out (he's a gym vet, nut, junkie or whatever...lol). I hated getting up and getting there but once I did I turned the outside world off and when I was done I felt so much better. Isn't there foods that are suppose to help with the production of saritonin: such as, carbs, folate, vitamins B6 or E and dosn't exercise promote endorphans? Why isnt my doctor explaining any of this to me? Thank goodness for the internet. For me personally I do not want to pop a pill and think that its going to be the cure to my problems......okay, well if they had a weight loss pill that really worked I would be the first in line
. I've made a scary choice to at least try to help myself in a more natural way and if I need more than this, I'll just go see the good old doc again. What can it hurt at this point (I'm trying to talk myself through this one).
So, what do you think? Does your doctor talk about health with you, or just the meds?
And by the way, my doctor is a very nice, patient man that is always trying to find way to help me. We communicate primarily through email, but if he is concernd with anything, he calls me right away...he really is a good doctor.
Hi there
It really seems like you are trying hard to find ways to help yourself and this is good! And it also sounds like you have a good doctor who you like and who is compassionate towards you. So give yourself kudos for these things.
I personally do believe that things like diet and exercise can help. One of our members, Pat, has talked about his experience on a gluten free diet. Maybe he can chime in here on this. I think that depression is like this big 'ol rock that we chip at using many different tools. One tool might be support, another might be meditation, and another might be going to therapy. It just all depends upon what works for you.
I think if you do any bit of reseach you will find that yes...there are foods which they say can improve mood and brain functioning and foods which make you feel sluggish and unwell. Why aren't more doctors saying these things? I think it depends on the doctor but...I think they honestly do want to help but so much of the medical world does revolve around medicine. That is what they are taught and know.
Anyways...I think you are doing well to investigate other tools such as diet and exercise to help yourself. Now with exercise...there are many studies to show that this improves mood. You really cannot go wrong with getting some exercise...and something you enjoy. Do something fun so it does not seem like a chore. Me? I love to bike ride...it clears my thoughts and makes me feel free and happy.
I have babbled on enough but...I hope when you find things which work for you...please share them here.
Hi moonflowers,
I just wanted to enforce the healthy eating regime that you are talking about. Though it never seems like I am doing enough(even if I am starving myself) I have changed my diet drastically over the last year and I feel so much better about it. Now that I have to eat gluten/lactose free I tend to eat a lot more fruits and veggies. I try to be as organic as possible, and stay away from any processed foods. Though I know that I am still depressed I feel good about the accomplishment that I have made. I look and feel better than ever. I dont exercise but dont really feel the need to. I lost so much weight just from not eating gluten/lactose and processed foods that it really worries my wife that women will start hitting on me. Which they have, but I wont bring that home. She means a lot to me. She kept the light shining when I was in the darkest region.
Pat