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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by maggie2 on January 6, 2006, at 1:03:00
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by Kellie on May 28, 2000, at 9:41:20
> Depression is a chemical imbalance of the brain. I haven't found any natural substances that are strong enough and non medical methods absolutely do not work. Telling a depressive to "snap out of it"is insensative at best. My mother is a diabetic and I'd never dream of telling her she could meditate and get over it. So why would you want to tell me to try an alternative method to cure myself of depression. Believe me, before I finally admitted to myself that I had a serous illness, I tried!! Prayer,meditation,exercise,--nothing worked. This is not an emotional problem, it's a biological problem. Increase your knowledge and you might learn something.
Kellie, it's much later now (1/5/06) and I don't know how these things work, but had to reply. I've been working on depression, etc. for many years, since before the ADs were created. I saw many doctors with no anwers, so I began trying to help myself. I read all I could find that seemed relevant, and gradually learned about nutrition and health and the mind body connection. I gradually improved - almost one symptom at a time. Finally, I began to find alternative practitioners who were informed and willing to try if I was. It has been slow and frustrating, but I know I'm much better now than I would have been. This wasn't emotional treatment, it was biochemical - helping the body/mind to help itself by restoring chemical balance where it was unbalanced by stress or heredity or illness. Nutrition isn't like drugs - not a magic bullet, but restorative to the normal state. Good luck. Maggie2
Posted by forgetful mary on January 6, 2006, at 1:03:00
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression » Kellie, posted by maggie2 on January 5, 2006, at 15:51:44
Yes, nutrition has been a great help in depression and other mental ilnesses for many years. Unfortunately, nota magic bullet for all,YET.... But ask Margo Kidder who treated her manic depression with amino acids and nutrition what she thinks of it! She is a spokesperson for Alternative Mental Health ...and consider that she had a breakdown and was found living among the homeless in LA many years ago....She has been doing well since her treatment thru orthomolecular psychiatrists. If I could find a good dr on the east coast I might try it myself.
Also if you didn't know already many people hospitalized for mental problems were treated for "Pellagra" which was treated with Niacin years AGO...THAT FINDING GAVE MANY BACK THEIR LIVES.....so if you really think about it that route may bring a solution rather than just treating the symptoms...anyway just a few thoughts.from the peaNUT gallery!!
> > Depression is a chemical imbalance of the brain. I haven't found any natural substances that are strong enough and non medical methods absolutely do not work. Telling a depressive to "snap out of it"is insensative at best. My mother is a diabetic and I'd never dream of telling her she could meditate and get over it. So why would you want to tell me to try an alternative method to cure myself of depression. Believe me, before I finally admitted to myself that I had a serous illness, I tried!! Prayer,meditation,exercise,--nothing worked. This is not an emotional problem, it's a biological problem. Increase your knowledge and you might learn something.
>
> Kellie, it's much later now (1/5/06) and I don't know how these things work, but had to reply. I've been working on depression, etc. for many years, since before the ADs were created. I saw many doctors with no anwers, so I began trying to help myself. I read all I could find that seemed relevant, and gradually learned about nutrition and health and the mind body connection. I gradually improved - almost one symptom at a time. Finally, I began to find alternative practitioners who were informed and willing to try if I was. It has been slow and frustrating, but I know I'm much better now than I would have been. This wasn't emotional treatment, it was biochemical - helping the body/mind to help itself by restoring chemical balance where it was unbalanced by stress or heredity or illness. Nutrition isn't like drugs - not a magic bullet, but restorative to the normal state. Good luck. Maggie2
Posted by linkadge on January 6, 2006, at 11:12:15
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by forgetful mary on January 5, 2006, at 22:28:10
I have taken both pharmacudicals and alternatives. I have found that oftentimes similar effects can be achieved. Maybe not identical for all, but certainly similar.
For instance, I've found that taurine + omega-3 + niacinamide + magnesium, is about as effetive in leveling me out as depakote.
I don't think it is inconcievable that certain nutritional supplements can act as drugs. I think that the drug companies probably want you to think it is inconcievable.
Let me give you an example. I take say ritalin. Sure it helps, I have great motivation and concentration, but by about 4:00 pm I crash lower than dirt.So now I have been trying some alternatives which don't provide that flashbulb alertness, but by 4:00 pm I am sure glad I chose the alternative route.
There are pros and cons to both types of treatment, but as a whole, life seems more managable when I take the alternative route.
Linkadge
Posted by Anne-Charlotte on January 7, 2006, at 8:25:47
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression » Kellie, posted by maggie2 on January 5, 2006, at 15:51:44
This is directed to Maggie2:
Hi,
I would really appreciate if you could help me to get started in exploring biochemical alternative treatments for a diagnosed major depression.
I do not take any medications, nor have I taken any, despite the insistence of socialist, state-provided doctors. Most recently, they have mentioned taking me to a facility against my will. Nonetheless, I remain very concerned about the wild-card side-effects and withdrawal scenarios of big-name medicine.
I would really appreciate your direction to a link that could help me in getting started.Thanks!
Posted by Declan on January 7, 2006, at 19:08:39
In reply to For Maggie2 Alt. Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by Anne-Charlotte on January 7, 2006, at 8:25:47
Hey, I hope you don't mind me replying.
This was the action plan from my nutritional doctor (details left out of course)
1. Support and improve digestion
2. Balanced, low allergy, detox diet
3. Improve essential fatty acid balance
4. Maximise antioxidant protection
5. Correct bowel flora and control candida
6. Specific nutrients
7. Liver detoxification
8. Reestablish hormone balance
9. Reestablish neurotransmitter balanceI had depression and other problems as well. I still have some depression, but I look 15 years younger, and I feel better.
The other thing that might be worth a look at IMO is Traditional Chinese Medicine, exercise, and having the sort of friendships you need.
Declan
Posted by tealady on January 7, 2006, at 19:30:49
In reply to Re: For Maggie2 Alt. Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by Declan on January 7, 2006, at 19:08:39
Sounds like a great nutritional doc Declan :)
Jan
Posted by adah on February 2, 2006, at 22:40:47
In reply to Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by BJ on April 26, 2000, at 23:02:33
this is in response to the question Re: alternative meathods to treat depression/ocd. i currently take the following and have noticed drastic and lasting benefit for my depression, anxiety, and OC.
Seriane by: Dolisos <casein>
Phar-Zen by:Les Laboratoires Nicar inc. Pharm and Nature France <cold water hydrolysed fish organs, peptides>
5 HTP
B complex time released vitimins
Triple fish oil concentrate plus EPA DHA by: Genuine Health, Toronto called: 03Mega JOY
Rhodiola Rosea by Kama
Yoga / Meditation
hope this helps. best of luck with your personal choices.
adah.
Posted by itsme2003 on February 5, 2006, at 21:14:14
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression » Kellie, posted by maggie2 on January 5, 2006, at 15:51:44
Earlier in the thread someone used diabetes as an analogy of mental illness. I am a diabetic and am able to contorl my blood sugar perfectly just by diet alone. When I was first diagnosed my HgbA1c was 12.7 (very very bad). Now my HgbA1c is 5.5 (in the normal range). In my case I could perfectly control my diabetes by diet alone and did not require any medication. The fact that I can control it through diet alone is a combination of luck (having the right kind of diabetes) and skill (learning what to eat and what not to, and having the willpower to implement that knowledge). On the other hand, if someone is a type I diabetic then they cannot control their diabetes through diet alone no matter how much they try. (Many type II diabetics can't either no matter how hard they try, depending on the underlying disease.)
This is a good analogy to mental health issues. Some people will be able to get well through alternative methods, and some people won't. It will depend to some extent on educating yourself about what to do and trying hard, but it will also depend on some factors that you cannot control (such as heredity and underlying physiology).
I am a very strong believer in the value of supplements, but there is some important advice that I feel compelled to give. Most supplements have subtle effects and take a while to kick in. You must not believe that because a supplement is reputed to have a certain effect that it will have that effect on you. You might have to try a dozen supplements that are supposed to have a certain benefit to find one that works well for you.
My recommendation is that if someone is in a crisis situation they should look for a medical treatment first. Once a treatment has been found then begin carefully experimenting with supplements with an eye toward tapering your meds off as you get better effect from the supplements. Of course you should work with your pdoc as you do this.
I realize that other people might feel differently about this and might suggest trying supplements first. I can't give an absolute statement that trying meds first then supplements is always the best, but I feel strongly that for dealing with a crisis situation it is the best approach.
This is the end of the thread.
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