Posted by HelenInCalif on April 10, 2003, at 0:38:45
In reply to Re: Fending off depression without a prescription? » HelenInCalif, posted by Larry Hoover on April 9, 2003, at 16:42:20
Looking up definitions of chronic stress: it could be. What I've recently discovered is my immediate supervisor at work fits the definition I've seen of a bully (bullyonline.org) and has caused 3-4 weeks straight of intense stress (with several disconnected episodes before that).
My stress reactions match that website's descriptions, and they do say a person can get something like PTSD after this. Now, with me its only been a month, but still, that is constant stress each workday. The only good thing is that my job is temporary (yay, I won't be making money, but I'll be happy?!) But this depression is still creeping in.
What type of betaine do you use? I see that several forms exist, including betaine citrate and betaine aspartate.
Thanks again for the help!
> > I've been reading a lot here about depression and what people take for it. I need to put together a set of depression fighting supplements for myself to fend off a light but increasing depression due to work stress.
> >
> > What I need- if it exists- is a spotter (the helper in weightlifting)... something that gives an extra push during times of high stress. In a month the work stress will be done- and I don't want depression to be my big takeaway from this particular job.
>
> The biggies for stress are the water-solubles. That's B-complex, vitamin C, magnesium. Stress trashes these first.
>
> Chronic stress (you'll know if that's an issue) broadens the picture a bit. Anti-oxidants like alpha-lipoic acid, minerals like zinc and selenium, and your fish oils. Vitamin D and betaine are probably good to have, too.
>
> > What I've read about includes:
> > - High doses of fish oil(What about flax?) for Omega 3 fatty acids
>
> Flax oil is more useful in women, but there is no substitute for fish oil, IMHO.
>
> > - SAMe,
>
> Betaine is cheaper, and probably just as effective.
>
> > - St.Johns Wort,
>
> You can't take prescription antidepressants with SJW. It works quite well for some people.
>
> > - DLPA (DL phenylalanine amino acid) plus B-6
>
> Morning only. It can be activating.
>
> > My only current medication is dexedrine for ADD.
> >
> > Which of these might be a good start?
>
> I'd start with the water-solubles, and the fish oil. ADD and depression both respond to fish oil (a lot of the time).
>
> >Can omega 3 and DLPA could be taken together?
>
> Yes.
>
> > How about the SAMe?
>
> Don't use it with prescription meds, except under medical supervision.
>
> >It seems like of these the SJW is more like a traditional AD- taking longer to kick in.
>
> Ya, it can take a few weeks. But don't expect supplements to work like rocket fuel, either. We're all a little different. You just have to try stuff.
>
> > Due to a very recent switch in insurance, it'd be a bad idea to start new prescriptions for another month or two. That's why I'm focusing on supplements.
>
> Look at it this way. The supplements are good for your health in general (particularly the heart and arteries). Mood effects are bonus.
>
> Lar
poster:HelenInCalif
thread:217857
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030407/msgs/218079.html