[Onward2wards]

I've been feeling terrible lately and I suppose this is an explanation / apology / plea for pocket riders, lol.

I've had some understandably stressful life changes lately and have realized I NEED to make some major changes to my life overall in order to be fully happy and functioning at my best.

For many years I've tried various meds to help with pessimism, situational anxiety, social phobias, negativity and such, but honestly I am infinitely happier OFF of them and just getting some targeted counseling. In spite of this, I recently decided to try a mood enhancing herbal supplement called St John's Wort, which I did a LOT of research on beforehand.

I was surprised that it did seem to quickly boost my mood, optimism and feelings of "aliveness" to a degree, but then it started working strangely (like EVERY other med inevitably does for me!!!). I began feeling like I was on an excessive dose of a stimulant and a sedative at the same time. This has never happened before, on or off any medication.

As I was on a very low dose, I just stopped taking the supplement. Since then, I rapidly descended into the absolute WORST depressive black hole I have EVER experienced. I am mindful enough to know that all the intensely negative thoughts and feelings I am struggling with right now are just slightly out of whack receptors in my nervous system plus my current existing stress (which is bad enough), but I wasn't expecting anything this severe!

I am beginning to feel marginally better, I just hope these horrible thoughts and feelings hurry up and leave asap. This is getting extremely hard to tolerate.

If you do try any meds or health supplements of any kind, I advise you to be VERY mindful of how you are responding to it, regardless of what anyone else reports their experiences to be. Everyone can respond in drastically different ways.

[NWgirl2013]

I completely get that thought of wanting to be OFF everything, that you feel better that way.

St John's Wort is a temporary fix in my opinion. I found it helpful short term when I was taking nothing. I also used the time I was on it to try something else; intense exercise to get the natural endorphin high that comes with it.

That seemed to be the very best way for me to control the super swirl (down the drain) that I was having without the exercise.

I dunno if that is something that appeals to you but it might pull you up a little, just enough to push through it....

Best to you and thanks for sharing

[Onward2wards]

NWGirl2013 - I have been forcing myself to exercise and just get more active in general. It seems to help a little so far, so I am going to be doing more. Thanks for your input.

[Nightside of Eden]

Sorry you've had such a rough time of it, Onward. Substances really can have dramatic and unexpected effects, be they natural or artificial. I'm dealing with a lot of worry and problems over the same sort of thing right now.

I'm glad you're starting to feel a little better and hope you keep improving.

[Onward2wards]

I am feeling a bit better again today.

[jadeprincess01]

I found with tec3's brought me into a deep depression. with any medication, you have to think of the side effects and withdrawal. I'm off them now and back to my normal self after a week of sleeping... I don't think I will take toying with drugs lightly anymore, any drug!

[Fuzzybear]

[Frankbtl]

Hi Onward2wards, great that you did so much research before trying it. There are so many recommendations out there for things that either won't help at all or can be really damaging to the wrong person, so got to give yourself credit for at least putting in the groundwork!!! Then sometimes (and sometimes for no identified reason at all) something that works really well for one person/lots of people can do the opposite for someone else.
But depending on your doctor, they may be able to give you some advise based on your treatment or diagnostic history/responsiveness/non-responsiveness to different medications. Although doctors would only prescribe licensed medications, some doctors also take a professional "interest" in research on/treatment with alternative therapies. So maybe worth checking in with them just so as they can give you a little guidance if they're that kind of doctor.
Hopefully as it clears through your system (and lots of supplements can linger a bit) you're going to continue feeling a bit better. But if you're worried or really not feeling good then maybe you should see your doctor. Just something to think about........And whenever you want some support you know you have us too!!
And really good that you seem so committed in general (inc. with the counseling) towards trying to find a way forward with the way you've been feeling!!!!!!
Very informative thread for others too!!!
Alison

[Onward2wards]

I think I'm finally past the effects. Feeling so much better today.

[Frankbtl]

Originally Posted by Onward2wards

I think I'm finally past the effects. Feeling so much better today.

Hi Onwards2wards, really pleased you're feeling better!! Lesson learned, hey?! . Still can't fault you for trying at all, you never know until you've tried!!



Alison

[Nammu]

St. John's wort is very close to antidepressants. I can not take it because like all antidepressants it will kick me into a mania. Most people after mania reg or hypo feel let down. I have found mood stabilizers with no antidepressants to be more helpful. I'm glad you were cautious and discontinued when you realized what was happening.