Hi there,

A little while ago, I posted about PMDD(premenstrual dysphoric disorder). PMDD is not clinical depression. It is listed as a "Depressive disorder not otherwise specified" in the DSM IV. It can mimic Major Depressive Disorder and is treated the same way. But the difference is the triggers. PMDD is triggered by hormone cycles as opposed to life-events, grief or trauma. All these triggers can effect neurotransmitters(dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and so on).

About 2 months ago I started taking fish oil to help with my joint pain. 3 weeks ago, Depression hit. I did not make the association at the time because I had always heard that fish oil helps dperession in a number of ways. Now, when in the throes of PMDD, I compare the sadness to crushing melancholia which is not depression. I have suffered clinical depression and know the difference. But this cycle was DEBILITATING. I knew it for depression this time for it was unrelenting and constantly potent.

So I did some reading on fish oil and found other testimonials of people suffering depression who took it and found their depression got worse......then found an enzyme in fish oil called acetylcholinesterase, which effects the central nervous system. Most people it helps, but apparently if you are sensitive to this enzyme it can wreak havoc with neurotransmitters.

So, if you are taking it and it works......that is awesome! Nothing like a bit of relief where you can get it. But if you take it and it makes you worse or ill, you are not alone. I stopped taking it last week and the depression has lifted. I still have the intense but fleeting periods of crushing melancholia, rage, agitation, insomnia and so on and I would not trade one for the other.......but at least I know what I am dealing with.

I wonder if maybe it has something to do with processing. I was taking a farmed fish oil(for I am a passionate conservationist) and did not want to take a fish oil made from fish from the wild as fish levels are so low in most parts of the world. So I wonder if it has something to do with the fish food or farming techniques that can increase certain levels of enzymes in the fish oil. Don't fully undertsand the science just yet, but am coming to some conclusions. I think it may also have something to do with fluctuating hormones(I am also in perimenopause).......

So, back to the joint pain (*sigh*)......gosh this is annoying

Take care everyone.......and thanks to the people that supported me through the last 3 weeks......friends, you are priceless.....

Big hugs to all,

Michah