Lack of Energy

1. 61

   Ian Ganahlposted 13 years ago

   I have no energy, which inhibits my life. I have no energy to work out at the gym, and have gained a lot of weight. I have no energy for a social life, and still unemployed because I have no motivation/energy to do so.
   
   Depression medication has only made me more tired, and have put on more weight.

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      Mekenzieposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      There are many physical conditions that can leave you feeling the way you describe...  There are details not listed here like... have you always felt this way?  How long have you felt this way...  Was there a situation that spearheaded the dive into depression.  Have you had a thorough physical recently?
      
      Have you had your thyroid levels checked?  Hypothyroidism can zap you of all of your energy.  Lack of motivation is also a symptom of a low functioning thyroid.

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   2. 61

      pinkboxerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank God you reached out.Make sure you are not isolated inside your home each day in darkness. Get outside into the sunlight for that precious oxygen and Vitamin D! Take deep breaths. Walk only the time and distance you can tolerate. I agree that even 5 minutes can be effective. Involve family and friends in your life. You are not alone. Pray.Live. Love.
      
      Weight gain is often a side effect of anti-depressant therapy. Watch your diet carefully. Daily add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals. Drink lots of water.
      
      Please get back to your doctor! Tell him or her what is really happening to your mind and body. Be truthful, don't hide behind your mask. Ask for a thorough review of your medication and it's response in your individual case. It often takes 6-8 weeks before you will see positive results. Find the medication that works for you. This too shall pass.

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         hayesmobposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Great advice pinkboxer, all the common sense things that are relevant! cheers to you from Australia.

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      vox vocisposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      What's the reason for all of this? You named the consequences but the solution lies in the cause!

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   4. 61

      moanalisaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Reach within yourself and find something positive to hold onto and focus on that.
      
      If you need someone to just talk to, sound off on, you can find me.

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   5. 41

      MMA46posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      TAKE VITAMIN B12 AND B6 AND A PROTEIN SHAKE  YOU CAN GET VITAMIN B12 AND B6 AT WALMART AND YOU CAN BUY PROTEIN SHAKE AT VITAMIN SHOP

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   6. 0

      hayesmobposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      You seem to be in a catch 22! The medication is likely to be affecting you, excess weight is a sure fire way to lose energy/motivation etc & a lack of activity likewise!
      My advice would be to set a goal for the week, something like "walk around your neighborhood for 30 minutes per day" Do this for 7 days and see if this helps?
      From there you can hopefully drop some weight or maybe gain some motivation this can lead to possible changes in diet, exercise habits etc. But remember the old acorn and tree. Start small and work your way up

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   7. 72

      yenajeonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      This might not be the healthiest advice you'll receive but..... as someone who literally sleeps 3-4 hours a night, try some strong coffee. I hardly get sleep because I run businesses, blogs, fashion advice websites and I also go to university full time working on my thesis paper. I also have sorority and student government responsibilities and couldn't do it all without Black coffee every morning.

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   8. 0

      sneakorocksolidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      How you sleeping?

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   9. 60

      mustbemeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Ian,
      
      I am sorry that things are not going great fro you now. But may just, tackle one thing at a time. There are things in life we have no control over but even in the most chaotic world sometings we can still control. Make a list of those controllable elements in your life....you will be surprised.
      
      Try it and read my article today. I hope I helped.
      
      Ciao for now....you will have a great day tommorow.

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   10. 77

       Dr. Cherieposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Dear Ian,
       
       As someone who treats insomnia and depression, I can tell you this; coffee and other stimulants will make it worse. Most people have neurotransmitter imbalances. They basically make up how we feel, think and behave.  SSRI's (types of anti-depressants) often make the imbalance worse because they are treating a symptom, not the cause and can make imbalances even worse than before.  You can look on-line for a neurological assessment by Dr. Eric Braverman, MD, to see which neurotransmetter/s you are most deficient in. This is where we start at our center.
       
       Probably because of the multitude of stresses in our lives today, more people are deficient in GABA, an amino acid and one of the major calming neurotransmitters. The other one that helps us sleep is serotonin. Some doctors and health food stores prescribe serotonin. However, it's a waste of money and time. Their molecules are too big to get past the blood-brain barrier. We give our patients 5-htp (hydroxy tryptophan), another amino acid that does get absorbed by the brain. The brain then converts it to serotonin!  We highly suggest Vital Nutrients, because they are constantly proved to be of the highest quality but not highest in price. 
       We also never treat more than one deficiency at a time for a couple of reasons, one being that treating one or at most two, will often correct the others.  Take the Braverman Assessment and take it to a good Naturopath or a "good" holistic MD.  Of course I also add 2 sessions of NLP and Erickson hypnosis. My patients do amazingly well within days.
       
       Also, I do not know how old you are, but as men age, their testosterone drops and estrogen rises. We have men with these problems get tested for: testosterone, Vitamin D3 and start them on iodine/iodide, 2 a day for 2 to 3 months, then back down to one a few times a week. About 96 percent of people are deficient in iodine... and no, iodized salt does not cut it, not even a tiny bit.
       
       Another way to build GABA is to increase protein, exercise and read before going to sleep/bed, but something that is light, as in a good novel or light magazine, NOT learning related, which increases dopamine and acetylcholine, the excitatory neurotransmitters.
       
       ENERGY: Or lack of, is probably partly because you do not sleep well. Also, with that and other stressors over a period of time, your adrenals can be stressed.  The iodine/iodie (Ioderal or iThroid, which is  exactly the same as Ioderal but cheaper) will help. I also take Rodiola to keep my adrenals healthy. Boy, those two things alone (though I take much more) really helps energy levels rise! But remember, if you don't address the stresses in your life and bring balance to your life, it's all for almost nothing.
       God bless,
       Dr. Cherie

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   11. 0

       Deborah Sextonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Seek a medical doctor. See if there are other problems.
       
       Though anti-depressants may make you sleepy in the beginning...They shouldn't make you so tired unless your dosage is a little too high.
       Don't take anything else such as vitamins without first asking your doctor. Herbs and vitamins are not always safe with other meds. Do not stop your medication without it being OK'd by your doctor.
       
       Amino acids are polypeptide proteins and no doctor will advise you to take them without knowing your medical history. The reason is: Amino acids can give strength to tumors and make them grow larger and more dangerous. Also it can give rise to a furious immune system which can cause those with Multiple Sclerosis to produce more plaque in the brain and spinal cord.
       
       Anti-depressants are serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.
       Serotonin helps produce other Chemicals in the brain.
       
       No online test can give you the answers you need and self diagnosis is a big no no.
       
       "Dr." Cherie is it??
       Could you email me with your ME number?

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          joshuanoerrposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Amino acids only give rise to the dangers you described if they are not put to good use. If this cat gets in the gym and hits it hard, his body will need additional aminos, especially BCAAs, to build muscle.
          
          I read your background, so I know where you are coming from, and I am not attacking you, but to say that aminos are dangerous is a half truth.

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   12. 60

       joshuanoerrposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Energy breeds energy. Get moving, get in the gym, even if it's painful. I had a similar situation as you do when I tore my hamstring. Even after it healed, I didn't want to hit the weights.
       
       As a former pro fighter, and competitive powerlifter, this was basically death. The more I layed around, the worse I felt. The easier it became to stay home.
       
       Just get up, and get in there! Eventually you will hit a place where you become addicted to the gym, and it is more painful to skip workouts.
       
       I can almost guarantee your diet and nutrition is terrible. I'm not being mean, it's just a fact. Good clean food gives energy. I hear all this other stuff about anti depressants and all, and that may be well and good, but you can beat this without that crap, I promise you.

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2. 60

   Alessia Amnesiaposted 13 years ago

   Drink lots of water. Eat super fruits like cranberry and pomegranates. Don't eat/drink a lot of caffeine products.
   
   I'll come back when I think of more tips that helped me.

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3. 87

   rebekahELLEposted 13 years ago

   it sounds like your medication is affecting you, this happened to my friend. I would go back to your doctor and talk about it. if you truly need the medication, it's supposed to help you feel better. it might be as simple as changing the dose or meds.
   
   hope you feel better soon.

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   1. 61

      Ian Ganahlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks!

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4. 60

   The Ropeposted 13 years ago

   Make sure your doctor tests your protein levels.  This can be huge in the "lack of engergy" dept. but is often overlooked or dismissed by far too many medical teams.  I've seen it happen twice in the last six months and just adding a protein supplement made a huge difference.

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5. 87

   rebekahELLEposted 13 years ago

   do you have a good friend or family member you can reach out to?
   being unemployed can be difficult and a support system helps. perhaps you could talk to someone at the unemployment office, sometimes they have support groups.
   
   even a short walk outside daily can help lift your mood.

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6. 72

   Cagsilposted 13 years ago

   Well, my first advice to you is to change your eating habits and strictly enforce a diet regiment, so slow down the intake of food you're injesting. This for your major meals.
   
   Secondly, I realize you have no energy, but you would be good, if you just went to the store and back, even if you don't buy anything. The fresh air is always a source of energy and vitalization.
   
   Third, I would also recommend that you add more healthier type food, other than changing your diet. Such as, apples and other types of fruit.
   
   Fourth, I would also recommend taking some sort of energy supplement. Such as a energy snack bar or even in pill form. I do recommend you speak with your local store, such as GNC(General Nutrition Centers) or professional trainer, about them.
   
   Fifth, try to change your outlook, even though, things appear tough. It's the choices we are unable to see, that do the most damage in our life. Just in case you don't understand that- it means, you have choices, should you change your view.
   
   How you go about changing your view is determined by what you really want out of life and who you really want to be? Both questions, for which, I cannot answer for you.
   
   I hoped I helped.

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7. 61

   maguijoposted 13 years ago

   Dude. Welcome to the club. :-(
   Anyway, as a lifelong depression and weight battler, here's what works for me.
   One: get a different medication. There are others that won't make you tired (although very few of them don't make you gain weight).
   Two: Chunk everything down. Whatever monumental task is too much for you today, break it up into little bits and do the first bit. For example, if you're too tired to take a shower and get dressed, then contemplate the steps necessary for taking a shower. Turn water on. Get in shower. Wash hair. Wash body. Rinse. Dry. Put on underwear. Put on pants. Put on shirt.... Then just do the first step. Turn the water on. Then, get in and stand under it until you feel like doing the next step...and so forth.
   Exercise is critical, but gawd I hate it. Chunk that down to. Walk for 5 minutes today. If that's too much, walk for 2 minutes. That's all you have to do, is a little bit today. Tomorrow is time enough to worry about doing more.
   Being fat is uncomfortable but you're still a good person and lovable. Hang on to that and be good to yourself right now. Give yourself lots of TLC. Reward your efforts to battle depression as much as you can. Even if it's a 99-cent latte at Speedway...give yourself what you need to get out there and face the world...today.
   Hope this helps. Sorry if it sounds like ranting. Maybe I should write a hub about depression? ;-)

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      A2shleyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Completely agree with Maguijo's advice. When my depression gets really bad I have a hard time doing anything, so setting really small goals helps me feel like I have accomplished something. Also, don't deny yourself the fact of your life which is that you are depressed. You're going through a rough time so go easy on yourself and be proud of what you do accomplish in one day. You will get through this and things will get better!

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      1. 61

         Ian Ganahlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you so much for the kind words!

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8. 60

   abcd1111posted 13 years ago

   There have been some great tips here. Depression is so crippling and insidious. It's difficult to accomplish even the smallest things when it all seems so overwhelming.
   
   I would suggest talking to your doctor to see if there is a better medication for you. I recently had to make a switch and had no idea the antidepressant I was on could simply stop working. It has been a great aid to me in the past.  The switch to another has been very helpful, but I am still watching to see if the dose is correct for me.
   
   Maguijo made some good points.  I believe in counting minor accomplishments and breaking it down to manageable tasks. But I reiterate, it is difficult to face the smallest of tasks without having the right med and/or therapy to bring you back to some normalcy.
   
   You're here at HubPages and that can be a start. Even if you write when you can, it will be an encouraging thing and you may be lifted by the support of others here. Just be patient. It takes a while to become part of the community. You're off to a good start.
   
   Please seek whatever help you need so it isn't hopeless. I see you have goals for moving down to Los Angeles. Keep your eye on the prize and do whatever it takes to help you heal.

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9. 62

   Lita C. Malicdemposted 13 years ago

   Your will to get over your lack of energy is clear. That's a form of depression I could sense that you want to run away from. Then do it. You got a good start here at HubPages. Many good souls here are willing to help you. But first, you have to help yourself.
   
   Get a good doctor to see what's wrong with you. Your health condition might be one factor. Trust your doctor and follow his advice. First things first, and you'll eventually get back your energy. Good luck, my friend.

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10. 58

    Dame Scribeposted 13 years ago

    I just spent this past week battling a evile cold talk about no energy and sleep, good grief but anyways ... start small, yes, see your dr first, eat healthy, walk around the block. I just came back from outside taking photographs in -23 windy weather do something that's invigorating and you jus may find your boosts of energy

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11. 82

    Katelyn Weelposted 13 years ago

    I'm not one to advocate taking supplements, but I do suggest Iron supplement, especially a liquid one. Floradix is the best, if you can find it. I get crazy low energy levels and Iron makes a huge difference.
    
    Taking iron, drinking lots of water, and getting your exercise will bring you right back to life!!

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12. 71

    wyanjenposted 13 years ago

    I was explaining this to a doctor a while ago.
    
    He told me that what I was feeling was not a lack of energy, but a lack of motivation.
    It didn't make sense at first but eventually I realized he was right on.
    
    When you are motivated to do something, you find the energy to do it.
    
    I can't give you any tips or advice about how to overcome this though. I think if the problem is clinical, and it sounds to me that it is from your description, you'll need to see a doctor.
    A person can overcome physical fatigue, but this "lack of energy" is a vicious cycle.
    Your brain is stuck, it can't summon up what it needs to get back on track.
    
    Let your dr. know the medication he gave you did not help. There are many different ways to treat this. Don't give up with your dr. until he finds the right route for you.

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13. 61

    maguijoposted 13 years ago

    I really wish this guy would come back in here and let us all know how he's doing!

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14. 61

    Ian Ganahlposted 13 years ago

    Hi everyone! Thank you so much for the support, the kind words, and all the love.  I am feeling better - gradually. But that is a good thing.  I just miss my old self - upbeat, funny, very outgoing.  I'm working back to that and have to keep that in mind. 
    
    I am in the process of changing my eating habits, which I believe is the main reason for my low energy and depression.  Well, the depression is also a result from various external issues, but anyway.....
    
    My main problem is all the sugary sodas (it's pointless to drink diet sodas, which are worse for you anyway, plus, it's either all or nothing).  Maybe all the sugar has been doing it.
    
    I'm still combating lonliness (lack of funds - no social life), but I am sure that will change.  I do have an interview next week, so I am looking forward to that. 
    
    Thank you all so much again! I am getting better little by little.
    
    Hugs and Kisses!

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       Rochelle Frankposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       There are a lot of good suggestions here-- look them over and see if there is something that rings a bell. Ask your doctor about some of the things that were suggested as possible causes.
       Some of it may be in the way you are seeing yourself right now. Your profile photo looks like a man in the shadows, trying to smile, but showing some pain.
       Hope you find some answers. I know you will find support here.

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15. 66

    Flightkeeperposted 13 years ago

    I think you and your friends should get together and blow some money on beer and strippers.  It'll do you a world of good. At least that's what my guy friends tell me.

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       Ian Ganahlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Strippers it is then! LOL

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16. 75

    Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years ago

    Did someone mention strippers????

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    1. 66

       Flightkeeperposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Take Mikel with you, he seems game!

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       1. 61

          Ian Ganahlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Mikel - strippers and beer? You game?  Just bring over some chicken wings in the meantime!

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17. 68

    torimariposted 13 years ago

    Other than the depression medication, I was in the same boat as you.
    
    To get out of the slump of no energy, thus gaining weight and being less productive, I started with baby steps.
    
    I started doing this by looking at what and how much I ate. Weight loss or not, what you eat and quantity can slow you down.
    
    After I got in the habit of eating better and less, I had less appetite yet more energy. Then I started with some activity like walking which grew to jogging, and now I got to the gym at least four times a week to do 60 minutes of moderate-high cardio and weight training also.
    
    No motivation? Force yourself. Drop the excuses even if things feel uncomfortable. If its not cozy and hurts...that means it is working I've found.

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    mod2vintposted 13 years ago

    You have to make yourself move, energy makes energy. Tell the Doc what the depression meds are doing, there are many out there that do not do this.

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19. 0

    cosetteposted 13 years ago

    hi Ian. i know this sounds strange but they say when you feel tired to do a short workout like going for a walk. i know, that's the last thing you want to do, but it really does work! good on you for giving up those sodas.
    
    as far as sleep goes, i don't get more than six hours a night - five if i'm lucky. i have found though that as long as i get my night time REM sleep (the first hour when you fall asleep) and then some morning REM sleep (an hour or so), i feel pretty good throughout the day. if i don't get night time and morning REM sleep, i am draggin' my wagon.

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    theirishobserver.posted 13 years ago

    Dr Cherie offers ver good advice, particularly in relation to the anti-depressants, I have always resisted the medication route, if you have read chapter one of my book that I have published you will see that I have much reason to fall into occassional depressions, however, I eat well, plenty of fruit, veg and I like meat, I also take multi-vitims - just one tablet a day with breakfast, especially during the winter as we dont get enough sun here, I exercise every day, I know exactly what you mean when you say you dont have the energy for the gym, but you must start of doing something different, walk for half and hour rather than beat the treadmill, build you level of fitness gently, when you are depressed, you will not have the same drive, but being depressed does not mean you cant train, indeed, a good long walk will help shift the depression, this is what keeps me going, in relation to the work, the first thing to do is decide what you want to do, look at your CV, perhaps its time for change, there is no excuse about changing career paths these days, do a course that suits you, look around and see what it is you want to do, if you like training there is nothing to stop you from being a personal trainer, be what you want to be....

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    Betty Reidposted 13 years ago

    There is so much good advice here, I don't have much to add.  Good luck with the job search!!!

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22. 61

    Ian Ganahlposted 13 years ago

    Thank you all so much for your kind words and advice.  I am feeling so much better!!!!

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23. 0

    Tilecleaninghubposted 13 years ago

    You really gotta get your lazy ass to the gym or go jogging.  Getting to the gym is half the battle.  Then come home and write a hub, look at some of the indian women always posted here get a monster energy drink and write another hub

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       Ian Ganahlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Yeah, just started back up at the gym.  As a matter of fact, I walk/jog to the gym (then lift upper body), then walk jog back (about 4 miles total).  Just started last week.
       Indian women? India or Native American?  My buddy's parents are from India, and when he says he's Indian, people looked shocked (because they're thinking native american). Then he jokes with then. "Yeah, I'm Indian....7/11 not Casino! LOL.....always got a kick outta that.

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    sxyshiningsmileposted 13 years ago

    hi, friends, don't be so depressed. you should relax yourself and live a healthier life. i recommend you that you can drink some green tea to refresh yourselves. and green tea has many health benefits to our body and it can also help lose weight. why not have a try? best wishes for you^_^

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    darrylcrawfordposted 13 years ago

    Try choloroxygen which gives you more oxygen to work with.
    You mix it with water or juice and that's it.
    
    Also kick start your day with positive high energy affirmations:
    
    Here's one:
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsA1N97QNQc
    
    I created it if you wanted to know. The music and the pictures and the affirmations. ENJOY!

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    darrylcrawfordposted 13 years ago

    Here's anther affirmation that will encourage and inspire.
    
    This one I also create:
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itbIglSKoFk
    
    ENJOY!
    
    Please join my positive channel on youtube if you like.
    
    http://www.youtube.com/user/IBOStarlight

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    Ian Ganahlposted 13 years ago

    Feeling so much better, thanks everyone!!!!  Getting more exercise and eating better, plus I got a new part time job which helps!  Feeling great, like I can conquer the world now.

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    Diane Insideposted 13 years ago

    Hello Ian, I have had friends who for various reasons were taking anti-depressants and well I gotta tell ya, they just were not the same person. So I never was fond of anti-depressants but I'm no doctor so what do I know. I do have a hub you may find interesting though, ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE. Somethings might not interest you but there might be something there that you feel might work. Anyway congrats on the job, and I hope things keep looking up.

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       Ian Ganahlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you so much.  I'm no longer taking the anti-depressants.  You were right about how they change you.  I was not even remotely close to being the same person on those.  Noramally, I am an energetic/charasmatic guy.....and those pills made me a bland and unemotional being who no longer cared about anything. 
       
       I will definitely look into your hubs.  Thank you for your concern.  Much love to you.

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    Paradise7posted 13 years ago

    I know how you feel.  With me, it's sinuses that make me feel totally blah and like not even getting up in the morning.

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       Rieke F.posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       A tip to enlarge your energy and feel well within your body might be the to support your body with vitamins on a regular, daily basis. Thanks to our degenerated food, our metabolism nowadays needs supplements.
       
       Rieke
       http://tinyurl.com/33g384b

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    fionadeogposted 13 years ago

    People said: what. why. how. are the keys to a living being no matter the situation. May you find your answer soon. be happy.

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    colin2nightposted 13 years ago

    Dear Ian,
    
    Sounds like your life is changing and improving with all the advice you've been given. The key to good health is always first to look at your diet and it sounds like you are beginning to do that which is great.
    
    Whatever toxic products you have been putting into your body need to be flushed out and the best method for doing that is to gradually change the diet to consuming more benign (and preferably organic) foods such as green leafy vegetables, sprouts, juicy fruits, fruit juices, nuts and seeds, and drink plenty of pure water.
    
    Another way to consume healthy foods is taking them in the form of a 'green smoothie'. You can make a green smoothie by blending (preferably organic) green leafy vegetables and fruits with water. The idea is to blend the greens with the fruit and water together to make a delicious green drink so that more greens can be consumed in one go, much more than you could or would want to eat.
    
    What does this do? For one it is an incredibly refreshing drink and two gives the body more enzymes and proteins than it would normally consume if these foods were eaten without juicing, the juicing helps the body to more easily digest the green foods and receive the full benefits of all the enzymes and proteins from the greens and fruits combined.
    
    Taking long walks in a nice quiet environment and exercising your breathing using deep exercises that help to relax the whole body and mind will also serve your overall health and well being. See exercises at the end of this rather long message.
    
    You are not only combating toxins in the body but also the changes in your emotional state. Some emotional states are directly stimulated by the toxins. For instance it is a well known fact that coffee or too much use of caffeine can stimulate anger and depression. Caffeine can be found in many soda's and other drinks.  Add to this over consumption of red meats and meat products and fatty foods which can also negatively effect our healthy state then it's almost inevitable that the body and emotional being will become abbberated, collapsed, depressed, inward turned and lonely.
    
    If you look back at why and how you managed to become depressed and deteriorated in the first place, you may notice there is some pattern in your life that led you down this route. (Don't be surprised it happens to the best of us...I speak from experience). Look at your diet to see of there were any changes such as increased use of stimulants and if so why?
    
    If you can also notice and understand that pattern by changing your action then this will help you to go beyond the same pattern again. In the study of human psychology it can be seen that human beings along with non-human beings will tend to repeat the same patterns over and over again, until we are forced to change through making wiser choices. Patterns such as emotional addictions toward food or drink are forms of consolation and solace that cover up another problem, which is usually where many will draw the line, for it is the root to any addiction which must be uncovered before any serious change can take place.
    
    When we do begin to notice these addictive patterns then we have a choice to either start taking responsibility for our actions and patterns of addiction or to not do anything and stay attached to them. it is not easy to change any pattern but it can be done if the heart is strong and the willingness is there.
    
    Changing your action means doing something different, such as changing your diet, exercising more using benign exercises that conduct the natural life energy which evokes your state of heart happiness, as well as studying life at a deeper level.
    
    The path's we choose in life will determine where we end up, sometimes it seems we cannot change our destiny or that we do not want to or that events occur that we do not seem to have any control over. But, we do have a choice and it starts with the heart and the willingness to change.
    
    You could also look at it like this, when we feel at our best our hearts are more open and available to give love and receive love as energy. If our hearts are open even when we feel bad we can still find a deeper sense of joy beyond the ailments we may be suffering from.
    
    A happy heart and sense of well being also effects all of our relations and choices we make in life, including how we look, feel, breath and act. I think it's great that you opened your heart to make this request for help, because everyone in this world needs help in one form or another.
    
    I offer you these breathing exercises along with this message. They can be done in either a standing or sitting position. Try not to drink anything stimulating like coffee or black tea, soda's and certainly not any alcohol(: before doing these exercises, they are best done on any empty or less full stomach.
    
    BREATH OBSERVATION AND RELAXATION
    
    Consciously take a deep breath through the nose, filling the lower abdomen.
    
    As you inhale, notice if there is any movement in your chest (i.e. the chest lifting up as you breathe). If there is, try to consciously focus your breathing in the lower abdominal area.
    
    Allow the breath to be as full as is naturally comfortable in the abdominal area as you breathe deeply in, then fully out, through the nose.
    
    Be aware of a deep fullness in the lower abdomen. (You may not feel this until you become more proficient in this exercise; however with consistent practice you will begin to notice this feeling.)
    
    DEEP BREATHING
    
    This time, as you take a deep breath in, hold the breath in the lower abdominal region for eight seconds, then breathe out fully through the mouth and hold the exhaled breath out for eight seconds. Repeat this cycle 10 times then return to your normal breathing pattern.
    
    Observe how you feel afterward, did you notice anything different?
    
    All the best to you my friend,
    Warm regards
    Colin
    
    PS. Another tip I have is to fast for a few days if you really want improve your health and change your life but it would be best to seek a medical practitioner knowledgeable in both allopathic and naturopathic forms of medicine to advise you on how to do a fast, which kind such as lemon juice fast, water fast, 3 day fast and for how long etc
    
    There is information on the internet about how to do it properly, you can do a Google search to find out more. I can also give you more info if you are interested.

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    Paradise7posted 13 years ago

    You know, hon, sometimes trying a different doctor...Go to a different doctor before giving up on the antidepressants completely.  They helped me through a bad patch, and I LOST WEIGHT!

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    Patiopursuitposted 13 years ago

    we can motivate each other

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       everywomanssecretposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Hey there
       
       I have been exactly where you are now and I tried a supplement called MSM. Its basically a natural sulpur, that we all need but cannot produce ourselves. Often we lack it. The supplement works within hours and does not have to build up like a lot do, and its non addictive, It's safe to take alongside your anti depressants, and even works on energy levels, and so it will boost that for you naturally without you having to make any rash decision to just come off your medication.
       
       Another great tip is to start having GOJI BERRIES every day. You soak them and then add them to a nice smoothie or something - try it with banana and milk for energy !! Start your day on this and then the MSM and see if that lifts your mood within two weeks.
       
       Also, try not to focus on your issue too much as you will simply make yourself even more depressed. Google the law of attraction and become interested in this. Your thoughts create your reality!
       
       Hope some of this helps and that you start to feel better soon
       
       x

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34. 81

    2besureposted 13 years ago

    Depression can be exhausting. When taking antidepressants, it takes a while for your body and emotions to adjust to it.  Talk to you doctor about what's going on.  Force yourself to get out if only for a 5 minute walk.  Also Ian, do not underestimate the power of prayer! It really works. Love ya!  Pam

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35. 59

    LouMacabascoposted 13 years ago

    Think of something that interests you and do it!! I'm sure, there is at least one thing that excites you once the idea of doing it comes along.  Like for myself, i love traveling, so whenever i'm depressed or sad, i think of going out and visit a place, and that brings me alot of positive energy, just the idea of seeing a new place again. 
    
    The key is to look forward into something, how small it may be. instead of focusing your thoughts into thinking of stuff you don't have energy to do so.
    
    Hope that can help you.

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36. 0

    JacquiDposted 13 years ago

    Eating clean can help with depression symptoms, and definitely the weight. Talk to you doctor first, though, before going off any medications. It helps with energy levels, too, nutritionally speaking it's the best way to do it.
    eatcleandiet.com  I personally like her way of going about it but there are others if you google it.

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37. 64

    Evelyn Limposted 12 years ago

    You need to consider emotional healing and energy clearing work for help.  If you need to read free articles for self-help, check out my site.

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       Ian Ganahlposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, everyone!

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