fighting depression without drugs?

A few years ago I was clinically depressed and prescribed Amitriptyline, which was handed out to me on re-prescription like sweeties every few weeks for a couple of years. I was still depressed, but now having psychodelic dreams! I returned to doctor and was prescribed a higher dose ('to help get over the psychodelic dreams'). Went back a few weeks later and saw a locum. We talked about taking St. John's Wort (which I'd been considering). She explained they can, for some people help control mood swings but they're not addictive. I was advised to stop taking the Amitriptyline immediately and begin with the St. John's Wort the next day. I was also advised to buy (can't get them on prescription) a recognised brand. I take 1000gm a day, and my mood swings have subsided, perhaps because I feel I'm in control of the medication rather than it being in control of me. St. John's Wort of course may not suit everyone, as it can counteract a lot of other medication, but I believe it's worth checking out with your doctor. I also tried CBT but found it unhelpful.

We had a motivational speaker neighbour for a while and nosing on his website, I found a tip which we, both having suffered from depression, use daily. Each teatime we in turn say what we felt was negative about the day. Then we each try to find a positive. It's hard to start with and then you find you work to make a positive. Even any chore you have finished is a positive. This has especially helped my DH because it brings the negatives out into the open instead of fretting on them.

I think this is good advice - try it and good luck! .

Don’t worry about being happy
An interesting study found that the more people strived to be happy, the less happy they were. Instead of enjoying whatever they were doing, they were worrying whether they could be happier while doing it (and feeling disappointed when they didn’t reach a higher level). Teaching involves a lot of looking ahead, but try to embrace the present and not obsess about the future.
Connect with people
Spending time with others and forming meaningful relationships makes people happier. This seems to be especially true for young people; a study found that they felt happiest when they were interacting with their friends (and saddest while isolated). Be sure to nurture relationships and connect with the people around you – and encourage your students to do the same.
Value your time
Evidence suggests that people who value their time over their money are happier. Which is not to say that money makes no impact. A famous study by Princeton University found that once people are paid $75,000 a year (about £60,000), increases in pay didn’t bring increases in happiness. This is – obviously – considerably higher than the average teacher salary.
But the amount you need to earn to feel happy is probably not as clear cut as that study suggests. In his recent book on happiness, Derren Brown states: “That magic number seems to vary greatly according to what study you read and depends on the cost of living wherever the study was carried out … while it remains clear that having less than you need is a source of unhappiness, having more than you need does not make you happier.” This is because that increase in pay often comes with an increase in working hours, which can leave people unhappier than before.
Be kind to others
One study [pdf] took a different approach to happiness. Instead of focusing on doing things that they thought would make them happier, participants were instructed to perform five kind acts per week for six weeks. These acts were found to increase happiness by providing novelty; reminding people that they were a force for good; eliciting positive feedback [pdf]; and promoting positive relationships. Try it in the staffroom or your department and look at the positive returns.
Invest in experiences, not possessions
The problem with prioritising material items is that things change quickly. Yesterday’s desirable becomes today’s essential which becomes tomorrow’s antique. By prioritising experiences, you create memories that you can carry with you indefinitely. It’s a fascinating area of research – you can read more studies on it here, here and here. When you’re looking at what to splash out on, consider interesting trips and holidays rather than the latest gadgets.
Embrace your bad moods
Accepting your bad moods may help to minimise the impact they have on you. A recent article from the British Psychological Study reported that negative feelings can be used in a positive way, by “recognising that anger can sometimes be empowering and that sadness can be poignant and can bring us closer to one another.”
This doesn’t mean that stoking your work stress or wallowing in grumpiness is the answer, just that we shouldn’t expect to be happy all the time. Negative feelings happen, so we should try to learn from them.
Get outside
A report released earlier this year found that most UK children spend less time outside each day than prisoners. The value of nature can’t be underestimated. Those who spend more time outside and feel more connected to nature report experiencing more positive moods (such as joy, interest and alertness) and life satisfaction. It is easy to stay inside all day when you’ve got a lot of work to get through, but try and make a conscious effort to steal some time outside whenever possible. You will feel better for it.

I finally went to my doctor last spring because I'd felt bad for so long. I was offered pills or counselling. When I asked could there be a physical cause, she said 'such as?' (this is what she does!) I mentioned that the nurse at my health check mentioned vit D deficiency as a possible cause, & she just said, oh I shouldn't think so. I came away with a self referral form for counselling, & felt too low to even pursue it.

Went back in the summer with a completely different problem, & saw a different doctor. He ordered a full blood test, saying that as they tested for everything no matter what the specific request was, he might as well. Back came - you've guessed it - vit D deficiency. I'm now on it & waiting to see if it helps long term. And I won't be seeing the other doctor again, severing a relationship that goes back 20 years.

Anyway, might be worth getting yourself tested - depression can sometimes have a physical cause. Good luck x

All good advice, here, eddiecat. Remember that depression can be chemically and/or hormonally induced and just as you would treat high BP or indigestion with drugs, so sometimes you can treat depression. But as others have said, deal with the amitryptilline first.
Anti-depressants, these days, seem to be better directed and can work at very low dosage, so don't dismiss them altogether if you find that other things don't work.
Re coping with settling your Dad into residential care - I do so feel for you. Three years after my Dad's death in a care home, it still upsets me to go there. He was very well cared for (vascular dementia made him very volatile and unpredictable - often abusive and violent, yet jolly, flirtatious and cheery in between) and I simply couldn't have cared for him at home. But I rarely left him without feeling absolutely wretched - yet looking at the situation quite objectively, he was probably 'happier' in there than he had been for a long time - and certainly since Mum had died.
Be good to yourself - you are doing a great job!

Congratulations Eddiecat for getting off anti-depressants. Whatever happens don't be persuaded to take duloxetine, often prescribed with amitriptyline. The withdrawal effects are terrible and it upsets me that it can even be prescribed for children. I don't have depression but have seen it in family members and I know how awfui it is to deal with. It seems to me that getting out of the house is very important and best of all walking with other people.
I can only wish you happier times ahead.

GPs can offer CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) which is a talking therapy that helps you deal with your current problems, rather than delving into the past and causes. Suggest you see the GP and ask for it.

Also can daughter help with Dad? Or perhaps now you know he is in a safe and good place maybe cut down your visits so he is less dependant on you? you say you go every day could you try missing a day say you need to be elsewhere and see how he is? Maybe Daughter could visit once a week maybe your wonderful husband could visit once a week on his own to give you a break? You and your welfare are important too. You will not do yourself or anyone else any favours if you let this get on top of you. Your Dad would probably feel badly if you made yourself ill over your care of him. I doubt he will wean off your visits and you may have to take the initiative in any case.

Best wishes and hope you feel better soon xx

Lucky girl. Those who have a gp who will listen to your feelings and not laugh at or ridicule your ideas for an alternative to traditional medicine are extremely fortunate.i discovered from the internet (who doesn't turn to the internet these days)and came across what is refered to as tissue salts.I will say no more other than finding this alternative has been valuable to me in terms of my health.Yes I have taken quick fix antibiotics and had to take certain other items ie to prevent dvt following my hip replacement but the surgeon who did my op congratulated me on my general health and when I told him of my alternative methods said he knew of them and yes to carry on with them.These salts are not herbs and can be used alongside traditional.

Sorry you feel like this. Please don't underestimate side-effects of drugs and weaning off them. Speak to your GP. Wedding is now felt as yet more stress which is why you not looking forward. Please, please write down a long list of all you feel you have to do and in front of you. Gradually cross them off. BE KIND TO YOURSELF. That means you are human and can only do what you can. Let the care home look after your father. I don't mean that you don't, but that you and husband can prioritise time together for a walk at least. Visit your father, lunch with your daughter. Care for you and then you can have a relationship with your father that you don't feel is demanding and enjoy the wedding.

Try living one day at a time. Just stay in the one day and when it's gone it's gone. Tomorrow doesn't matter because it's not here yet. Simplify your life as much as possible

Have you tried one of those daylight mimicking lights, they are programmed to illuminate slowly in the morning, like the sun rising and are meant to help with your circadian rhythm. Walking is great, you can pat yourself on the back for going once you get back too - another positive. I try to do something along the lines of setting myself a small task to do every day even if I don't want to, then I feel I have achieved a goal. Some days I can achieve more than one small task and give myself a big thumbs up.

Good luck

littlefierce - about vitamin D - don't bank on it, I was tested last year and had an extremely low level (nearly 0!). I have been on supplements for exactly a year now and noticed no difference I am sad to say. Hope you have more luck. X

And have you been retested?

Amytriptaline is an old tricyclic antidepressant. It is still used in a very small dose for chronic pain or for people with mental health problems to treat agitation. However, it is rarely used now to treat Clinical Depression. There are many much 'cleaner' modern drugs now that carry much fewer side effects once the first three-week adjustment period is passed. If you find that you are really struggling, I'd say see your GP and discuss the modern treatments. He/she won't insist you take them, but the conversation will allow you to be more informed in your decision making.

I agree with Lucky Girl 10Dec 11.39.49 plus the post on a walk a day. With all the current stress and a wedding in the offing, you need to take all the help you can get. Good luck.

Sounds very trite, but when I feel myself slipping down the slope, I start a diary of things that happened that were good. I try and find at least one thing a day that lifted my spirits, even if only for a moment, and write it down; then it's possible to look back and see that times are never as black as you think.
I would suggest that if you've reached the point where this seems pointless, you should probably ask for help from the GP.

Depression is usually linked to low serotonin levels. Modern medication can work wonders but it is not instant. It works by slowing down the rate that the body excretes serotonin so the level of your own serotonin builds up to normal levels. You are not using mind altering drugs, just correcting your serotonin levels. It worked wonders for me after my husband's passing (took 4-5 weeks to build up) and allowed me to enjoy life again. In time I was able to come off it gradually but I would not hesitate to take it again if needed.
Do discuss with your doctor how medication could help you, it gave me back my life.
Best wishes.

Sorry to read you are going through a particularly tough time, what is positive is that you recognise your difficulties and sound like you want to meet them head on and deal with them.
There is a lot of good advice here, you will know what could work for you - or be surprised by some that do.
I agree with pretty much everything that has been suggested and would reiterate that any chemical inbalance might well be treated by medication. Who bats an eyelid at insulin for example?
Exercise and getting out when possible are hugely beneficial. I like running for my headspace but walking whatever pace or distance suits you is really good.
Positive thinking is another good suggestion too
I love the Be Kind To Yourself idea too, it works and you deserve it. Yes you do
Sending positive vibes

Caramac - 'chemical imbalance ...treated with medication'.
My Mum's eldest sister, and an elderly male friend of ours, were put on antidepressants by their doctors, in their old age.
It seems that what they were suffering from can be due to chemical changes too.

Good advice on here, hope you find a way through it eddiecat

I'm never sure what 'be kind to yourself' means in practice though. For some, it could be taken as permission to over-eat, over-drink or just slob about in front of the tv.

We don't always know what's good for us...

Nobody has mentioned an ergometer that is an exercise bike. No need to get undressed or walk miles to feel better. If you are completely unfit then you start on your bike and pedal for 2 minutes then 1 mminute rest and then another 2 minutes.
Thats 5 minutes. Take a days rest and next day do 6 muinutes and so on. Your breathing quickens as does your pulse and you feel better.
keep awaay from all websites giving advice as they assume you can do a half hour stint. No need! Start where you are and feel comfortable and your muscles dn hurt.
Like ervything else you don't want to do it but if you overcome the resistance and put in a good five or ten minutes then you definitely feel better.
Alot of people try to do too much and get frustrated and so there are a lot of these bikes selling second hand. When you have yours remember start with 1 or 2 minutes and then every time increase a minute. I now do 15 minutes and watch Last Dance in Halifax over and over.....

Flaxseed capsules and Vitamin D3 are brilliant for depression.

Thanks everyone - just knowing that people have taken the time to reply has given me a boost. You`ve given me lots to think about. I think "one day at a time" is probably the best piece of advice.
Onwards and upwards.

try some guided meditation ,I found it really helpful ,my daughter goes to Yoga classes too and they seem to work well

My hubby is going through depression at the moment. He has taken up Tai Chi which improves his mood and he writes down that good things that has happened to him and this is very helpful. In the beginning he also wrote down all the bad things that had happened then burnt it. This didn't help so much. Take a little time very day to be thankful for what is right in your life and they to divert yourself if you feel a bad spell coming on. (I do a lot of crafting to distract me from the mundaneness of life)