[LittleMissSunshine]

I'm new to this site.
Mostly I signed on because other than family members, I don't know anyone else suffering from depression.
it's been a few years now for me. and lately i've been debating upping my meds. i can't help but feel a sting of failure by doing that seeing as 6months ago i was hoping to start coming off them.

I'm curious if anyone knows of any natural vitamines or supplements that help boost mood or stabilize hormones or whatever.

[turquoisesea]

to PC *though I just saw your other thread a moment ago

From what I've heard regular exercise is a huge mood booster and stabilizer. It doesn't have to be super vigorous but should be 20 minutes + of aerobic type exercise such as taking a walk or run, that kind of thing.

There's lots of different natural supplements that are supposed to help depression. I don't claim to be an expert. I DO know that lack/deficiency of vitamins can cause all SORTS of things, so it's a good idea to take a daily multivitamin to ensure you're getting the nutrients you need.

I don't think you should see it as a failure needing more meds. If a diabetic needs more insulin is that a failure?

I'm assuming that you're going to a doctor for meds, have you been screened for other things (physical factors)? That's always a good idea just to check your basis.

I'm sure other people will list more herbal supplements for you - I'm going to leave it for them because I'm not 100pct sure

have a good one

[lonegael]

Hello!1 welcome!! It kind of depends what the cause of the depression is. I know that thyroid disease can cause you to feel depressed, and then one need to see a doctor about getting a replacement for the hormone that the thyroid gland produces. Some things like St. Johns wort are rumored to help mild depression, but can be dangerous in combination with certain medications if taken at high doses.
In general, eating right, getting enough sleep but not too much, and moderate exercise is really important if you are feeling depressed. If you are hoping to go the non-med route, I would also strongly advise getting in contact with a talk-doc ´(if you haven't already) to help you keep track of your mood, work with you on your thought patterns and help you keep tabs on potentially self destructive behaviors. JMHO Take care of yourself and let us know how it's going for you!

[lonegael]

[quote=turquoisesea;1165023]
I don't think you should see it as a failure needing more meds. If a diabetic needs more insulin is that a failure?

I totally agree

[justfloating]

Hi, LittleMissSunshine, welcome to PC

I agree with turquoisesea. Try not to see it as a failure if you need to up your meds. Nobody is going to tell you it's failing to need to up your dose except for your depression itself, and it lies about pretty much everything! Depression isn't about personal weakness any more than Multiple Sclerosis is. It's just something that happens to some people. Lucky for you, you have all the necessary tools at your disposal to deal with it. I do hope you take advantage of them.

Originally Posted by LittleMissSunshine

I'm new to this site.
Mostly I signed on because other than family members, I don't know anyone else suffering from depression.
it's been a few years now for me. and lately i've been debating upping my meds. i can't help but feel a sting of failure by doing that seeing as 6months ago i was hoping to start coming off them.

I'm curious if anyone knows of any natural vitamines or supplements that help boost mood or stabilize hormones or whatever.

Hello by example (as I know others have) we all want to get off our medication.
I've tried herbal, made my own capsels. Did NOT work.
With the medication change can be often - your body many not be getting enough or too much... You should tell you med.s talk exactly how your mind is working and need to make changes.

[littlelou]

hiya. i agree with whats been said above. haing to increase your meds is not a sign of failure. (puts nursey hat on) i think that your body can become use to the does of meds and to maintain a theraputic effect then they may have to be increased. (takes of hat). becareful if you decide to take supplements and vitamins cos they can have reactions with prescribed medication. think you should speak to your dr before starting anything to make sure there wont be any interactions.

[LittleMissSunshine]

Thank you all so much for your replies! it feels really good to talk to people who are going through the same thing. I'm the only one of my friends in this position and although they claim to understand, they really don't. and cant, unless they have gone through it themselves.

i think that my issue with upping my meds is that i don't want to feel like i'm using it as a crutch. i want to make sure i'm trying to deal with stuff as well, so i put it off. but then i get to how i have been lately and it makes me feel like there's really only so much i can do until it comes to the point where that's the only other option.
I do exercise, but lately i haven't been enjoying it or have much motivation to do it.

I fully agree with the insulin comment. it was a similar comment made by my doctor that helped me decide to finally start taking them. guess just needs reminding every now and then

turquoisesea- what kind of physical things should i ask to be screened for? i guess part of the problem is not knowing what to ask.

again, thank you all so much for your responses, i'm really happy i joined this!