Treating Depression and Other Mental Illnesses Naturally

1. 65

   petertheknightposted 13 years ago

   I've decided that one of my next blogs is going to feature treating depression and other mental health issues naturally without the use of psychiatric drugs.  I have some experience in the past (good and bad) and some good ideas on what I want to include in this blog, but I wanted to get some ideas on what you would include in it or how you would like to see it set up.
   
   Thank you!

   replyreport
   1. 61

      fucsiaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I read a lot about nutrition linked to depression. Some foods may help in healing.
      But I also believe that in some cases medication is needed, perhaps only in the early stages.
      However: nutrition!
      And then: action. Making even small things,  which give an immediate visible result. Also this I believe is useful.

      replyreport
   2. 0

      Baileybearposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I've written some hubs about depression and food sensitivities - some people get very depressed with certain food chemicals, including natural ones.  My son and I are very sensitive to salicylates, asprin-like compounds found in many fruits, mint etc.  I'm also sensitive to the "cousins" ibuprofen (even the gel rubbed on my wrist, gets into my bloodstream to my brain and makes me depressed for a few hours).

      replyreport
   3. 84

      Laura Schneiderposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      What defines "natural" from "unnatural"? Is it more important to be cured "naturally", or "quickly" (before you are sick enough to kill or injure yourself or those you love)? This isn't like the choice to be vegan or "being green" and driving electric cars, recycling everything, and using energy-efficient lightbulbs. This is your whole life at stake. I'd consider seriously checking out what the real experts have to offer in terms of diagnoses and cures rather than hope herbs an exercise will cure you before you ruin your life.

      replyreport
2. 60

   SomewayOuttaHereposted 13 years ago

   ...i guess defining the difference between mental health issues and mental illness would help...e.g. some illnesses may not be treatable without anti-psychotic drugs (like schizophrenia as an illness)....mental health issues vary and some may be situational, etc....like depression because of grief/loss, etc....as well info about concurrent disorders; personality disorders....there's really so much to say on this topic isn't there?....good luck with it....

   replyreport
   1. 65

      petertheknightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I wonder if I should just stick to maybe one condition like depression or bipolar depression?

      replyreport
      1. 60

         SomewayOuttaHereposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         ...that might be good....depth...rather than breadth....

         replyreport
         1. 65

            petertheknightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, thank you!

            replyreport
   2. 82

      donotfearposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      
      Yes, Someway, you are correct here! And a very good subject to touch on. 
      
      I have a chiropractor who says ALL illnes is cured through spine correction and people do not have to take drugs to help cope.  Yet I've yet to hear his explanation on how chiropractic adjustment is going to make psychosis & delusions go away; like the guy covering himself in cookie dough acting a like a monkey (a real situation).  Or the schizophrenic homeless guy who defecated in the street, yet didn't realize he was in the street.
      
      Meds are necessary for some. 
      Good luck to peterthenight!

      replyreport
3. 80

   GmaGoldieposted 13 years ago

   I think all of us battle depression at some point in time.  I used to think this wasn't true then reality set in and depression "caught me." 
   
   For me personally, I find it useful to fight back with exercise and sunlight.  I indulge in suntanning - often my face is excluded - I simply love the glow during and afterwards.  Legs looks awesome even with a tiny tan.
   
   Would love to hear more about nutrition and fighting depression.
   
   Wonder if there is a correlation between high fatty foods such as fast food and depression.
   
   Great subject - will make for great Hubs.

   replyreport
   1. 75

      arbposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Some success in treating depression with niacin. (vit A) If memory serves me, they were substantial doses, but tolerable after an intro period. Also used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Nutrition obviously, affects health in general. I know there are many things we consume that trigger both physical and mental responses. Look forward to your blog.

      replyreport
4. 34

   DrMikeFitzpatrickposted 13 years ago

   we have several clients who use a natural organic food source that increases blood flow tremndously-it removes plaque from the arteries. as the body heals itself, the mind often follows. Dr. Mike

   replyreport
5. 65

   petertheknightposted 13 years ago

   Thanks for everyone's thoughts so far.  I have done one blog on the Hallelujah Diet and I know that that has helped a lot of people with depression, so if you want to check that out you can.  I still; however, want to write one on this topic, so I will need to gather some good information.

   replyreport
6. 65

   Joy56posted 13 years ago

   hi. My sister suffered with depression all her adult life, and eventually died, from alcohol abuse. ....  I suffered very bad, post natal depression at the age of 23 after my 3rd child, and i have to say that since then i have suffered bouts on an off....  Usually have lots of stress going on in my life, when i do get depressed... and have learned to recognise the onset.  Sometimes just go with it, knowing it will pass, even tho it is pretty hard to deal with.  I have found very little help, in fact none from g.p's and asked to be sent to a mental health clinic two years ago when my mum died.  It brought back lots of pain from my sisters death. My dad is now dying, and my sister is caring for him.  Huge emotional issues come to the fore again, despite the fact i am having scary low moods. i feel i am coping better with them.   
   
   I have found an alternative guy and i travel an hour to see him.  He says it showed up on his machine, i had A.D.D. which i have always suspected.   
   
   Kindness and empathy go a long way, as i feel i want to isolate myself from people as they get fed up with depressed people if they do not suffer themselves....  I begin to feel a nuisance to everybody.
   
   Diet is good, and i am making huge changes in my diet, tho i don't find this easy as i comfort eat.  Fortunately i have low toleration for alcohol, well my body does, so i do not have the problem my sister had. 
   
   In any article you write for people with depression, it is important not to make them feel guilty as they feel that enough.  Small changes work for me, and an understanding listener. There is in my opinion to much out there, and you cannot take in everything, nor can u afford to buy everything. 
   
   The mental health clinic, dismissed me by the way and told me, i was not mentally ill.  I think they thought i was trying to get money from the state.  I was certainly grieving my mum and sister.  Thatis a form of depression.
   
   I am looking forward to reading your articles.  Many suffer in silence, and there is no shame to it none at all

   replyreport
7. 0

   fit2dayposted 13 years ago

   I think there are so many drugs on the market for depression, because pharmaceutical companies have seen medication as the fix for every problem and since everyone is depressed at times, it's an easy way to make money. I'm not going to say that no one needs medication, but I would argue that most people taking medicine for depression don't need medicine for it.
   
   I think for many of the serious issues of depression, what's needed is another person who has gone through or is going through the same thing. I have always felt the most comfort whenever I've gone through something in the care of others who've gone through similar situations

   replyreport
8. 60

   thewholetruthposted 13 years ago

   Interestingly, when we look at depression, there are several common factors. The symptoms are similar in most people. The chemical deficit of serotonin or dopamine in the brain seems to be the reason for most of the exhaustion, and unhealthy thinking that results when one is depressed.
   
   The spiritual side of mental health cannot be stressed enough.
   It is so important to have something to draw from when you are down. It is the foundation of healing.
   
   I urge you to develop healthy habits--soothing music, reading, calming walking in nature, mindfulness, prayer. These are habits that keep you connected to God and your source of strength in tough times.

   replyreport
9. 61

   freefoggingposted 12 years ago

   It depends on what "other" mental illnesses you are talking about and what your meaning of "natural" is. As a person who suffers from depression, I tried all the "natural" remedies I could find...none of them worked and I became suicidal because of it...I have now been on Cymbalta for 2 years now and it is the best help (for me) that I have found.
   
   My son has Bipolar disorder with psychotic tendencies and has tried for years to cure himself without medication without success. His brain chemicals are all messed up and to level out his mood so he doesn't go into so many manics he has been put on Lithium with a lot of success. It has helped better than anything else he has tried.
   
   I guess it would depend on the disorder and the severity of the disorder. I would also put a disclaimer at the bottom of you posts saying that "this is not to be taken as medical advice and you should consult your doctor if you believe you are suffering from "whatever disorder you are writing about".
   
   Psychiatric drugs aren't all bad...and there are millions of people out there that they really do help... in fact, for some people with mental disorders, the psychiatric drugs are the difference between life and death.

   replyreport