[AnnieOakley]

Does anyone here have any experience with homeopathic treatment of depression? I saw a new pdoc recently who started me on some homeopathic remedy because he couldn't think of anything else to try. He knows I'm going to be moving out of the county next month, and I will have a change in insurance that will prevent me from seeing him after I move. It will also probably prevent me from continuing on the remedy, if it works for me. I'm really hesitant about this, since I know next to nothing about homeopathy, but I'm desperate enough to try it. I'd really appreciate being able to talk to anyone with any experience with homeopathy.

Annie

Hi there.... key to homopathic treatment is to start with a knowledgeable and reputable practicianer. You need to also be in a position to give a good amount of time.... months of time.

Doesn't sound like you are in a position to give the time right now but you could start with a visit to a homopathic specialist to learn more about it and perhaps undergo an initial assessment. Maybe get a referal to someone where you are moving.

Like anything the key to success is consistency and involves lifestyle changes to complement threatment. Good food, good rest, good exercise, good outlook. Homopathic treatment and others like them take a very holististic approach to wellness.

Good luck on your quest to learning more.

[AnnieOakley]

You obviously have minimal, if any, experience with depression. "Good food, good rest, good exercise, good outlook. " If I had all that, I wouldn't be depressed.

You're right, though, I don't have the time to spend months with this pdoc. Although, it doesn't sound like there is a significant difference, then, between traditional psychoactive medications and homeopathy, in terms of the time required to see results. And, with my insurance, it's highly unlikely that I will be able to continue with homeopathy. It's highly unlikely that my insurance will cover homeopathy where I'm going, since I have essentially the same coverage here that I will there, and it doesn't cover it here. He only prescribed it because he couldn't think of anything else to try and because he happens to be a homeopath as well as a traditional provider. I doubt if I'll find that where I'm going.

Annie

Hi Annie... gee I guess I could take offense here but I'd rather believe that was not your intention.

I guess my words did sound pretty condesending but that was not my intention. I was relating to your search for alternative solutions to an on going and life threatening condition. I know the pain intimately and I know the desperation intimately as well. I continue to seek help for myself and I'll look pretty much anywhere I'm led that offers a thread of hope for me.

That being said, it seems the journey always goes full circle. No matter the course of treatment the best medicines are still good food, good rest, good outlook on life. For me I can see a lifetime of neglecting those basics, or short lived efforts have contributed to the severity of my illness. I know intellectually that those are part of the solution yet the illness seems to have escillated to the place where making the choices required to improve my diet, regulate my sleep, exercise regularly, think positively are harder and harder to do on my own. Like you said.... if I had all that going for me I wouldn't be sick. There in lies the dilema for me. What will help me consistently improve those things I know will help me.

At the end of the day I continue to search for a holistic approach to my wellness. Physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. Finding the right, healthy balance in my life to make healthy choices for my life. I still don't feel as though I'm winning the battle. The depression makes it so much harder to do what I know rather than what I feel like doing.

For some psych meds help give them the added push they need to make the choices that will improve their wellness. For some herbal medicines can do the same. For others its talk therapy and a strong support system that helps them realign their lives. And for many a spiritual awareness serves to strengthen their resolve and energize them with hope.

The thing I've learned is that whatever the path it must balance the circle. A healthy life is a balanced life. How we get there is a determination of our own resolve and resources.

Good luck to you as you continue on your search. I'm not discounting anything, any course of treatment any of us explore. I wish you success. To enjoy one less day fighting depression. Take good care.