Just come off anti depressants. Natural alternative suggestions

Research a Dr Bach flower essence for upliftment They work really well

See that you get enough exposure to sunlight so that your body can make vit D. Or take vit D3. Also the B vitamins, B6 and B3 being very important. Magnesium and vitamin C 2 to 3 times a day. Except for vit D3 which is fat soluble, the B vits, Magnesium and vit C are all water soluble, so one does not really overdose. The body takes as much as it currently needs, and the rest is excreted. That is why small doses of Magnesium and vit C more often, are better than 1 larger serving only once a day.

During a very dark period I remember being out with OH and him saying "Look at that beautiful view". My response was "I can see trees and a hill and a lake but why is that 'beautiful'?
When you are well many things happen during the day which gives you a little boost (maybe a pretty flower or a laughing child or something tasty to eat) and that keeps your mood topped up. When you are depressed the same things happen but they have no effect on you

I agree with you "Zakouma". Clinical depression is all consuming and it is sheer hell to find the motivation to do anything at all that might make it better, " go out for a nice walk", "meet up with friends" etc. Well-meaning friends will say but unfortunately, that doesn't work when you are in a deep black place. I find a course of prescribed medication is the only answer. When feeling a bit better, a little gardening and walks do help.

Your method of tapering off sounds really prudent and wise! I've always felt less is more when it comes to meds. Cognitive Behavior Therapy works for some and it's fairly easy to manage. A licensed therapist could be of help.

We use the term ‘depression’ too often and too lightly.
Clinical depression is life threatening condition and needs to be understood much more.
If you have ever suffered from clinical depression, you would know that it is very difficult to treat.
A sad/ fed-up feeling which can be helped by going a walk is not clinical depression.
Please don’t belittle the condition.

Anti-depressants can be a lifesaver. However, in my experience, natural options like Ashwagandha, valerian root, chamomile, and L-theanine are also helpful without the possibility of any side effects.

Bumface

Germanshepherdsmum

So right, zakouma. You can eat the healthiest diet possible, Bumface, but it won’t help clinical depression - when preparing a meal is almost impossible.

I am sorry that I did not make myself clear. I understood that the chat was about possible adjunctive strategies for coping with clinical depression (as opposed to reactive depression or feeling generally hacked off). I was not being prescriptive just describing some of the strategies that work for me sometimes when I am not in too deep (I am sure you all know what I mean by that). I sincerely apologise if you thought I was making light of what is a very serious condition in any way. That was not my intention.

I think the chat is ranging far and wide and is very helpful indeed.

The damn thing can vary from clinical "can't even brush your teeth" through to "a bit fed up"

I suppose we are free to take what we can and leave other ideas behind?

A couple of recommended natural alternatives are Ashwaghanda and Lions Main. A company that comes highly recommended for ‘clean’ products - no fillers/additives is British Supplements.

Absolutely!

I’m not a pharmacist but know from working in a hospital, family member taking anti-depressants, friends experiences that a “natural” supplement alternative is not recommended.

Who knows what is in those pills or capsules… they could very well give you side effects that will really screw you up. Just stay away from them! BEST to just resume your original low dose prescription if you need it.

Good luck with your husband’s cancer diagnosis and for you too. Things will work out.

So good that you have managed to take yourself back from the medication.

Mediation and staying in the present moment help me. Looking for the good bit even in situations that appear too difficult. A short course of CBT or some other kind of support can also help us to get our thinking in a good place. And not allowing ourselves to get into catastrophic thinking about the future.

There is a fantastic always free app by Plum Village with short meditations and ways to love ourselves unconditionally. All of these things have helped me got through some tough times at various stages.
My friend recently gave me a remarkable book called Consolations by David Whyte.. such an insightful and nourishing g book to dip in to. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Be kind to yourself as you make this transition and if you feel overwhelmed and need the support of mediation again thats fine too. There is no right or wrong, only what you feel comfortable with. Best wishes.

Reach out to friends and acquaintances, meet up for walks, tea, films. Reconnect with groups, including WhatsApp groups. Email or write letters to people you are in danger of losing touch with. All these contacts help to dispel depression.

Gentle yoga is very therapeutic and I swear by lavender Kalms when you are feeling stressed.

Outside in the daylight and regular exercise is my prescription!

Germanshepherdsmum

So right, zakouma. You can eat the healthiest diet possible, Bumface, but it won’t help clinical depression - when preparing a meal is almost impossible.

I am sorry that I did not make myself clear. I understood that the chat was about possible adjunctive strategies for coping with clinical depression (as opposed to reactive depression or feeling generally hacked off). I was not being prescriptive just describing some of the strategies that work for me sometimes when I am not in too deep (I am sure you all know what I mean by that). I sincerely apologise if you thought I was making light of what is a very serious condition in any way. That was not my intention.

I'm sure you are absoutely right Blackwit.
I'm more of a grim determination kinda person , unfortunately.

I understand what you mean zakouma66. It’ so easy to slip into a very negative pattern of thinking and behaviour and very hard to break out. But by approaching life with a sense of exploration, lightness , finding the good and fun things in life, rather than grim determination, little by little life can seem worthwhile. As someone who has been there dealing with my own depression and anxiety and as a retired psychiatric nurse, I found that it can help to lift mood.

zakouma66

Caleo
“There are natural alternatives but they are either illegal or fattening.
Sounds delightful, where do I sign please?”

Me too please 😂😂😂😂

Caleo

There are natural alternatives but they are either illegal or fattening.

Sounds delightful, where do I sign please?

There are natural alternatives but they are either illegal or fattening.

Maybe Bum ( excuse the shortening) was trying to say the healthy eating is part of a tool kit that can help.

Like with the exercise, you can't be bothered to eat properly because you are depressed
Its the most perplexing and unpleasant thing.

So right, zakouma. You can eat the healthiest diet possible, Bumface, but it won’t help clinical depression - when preparing a meal is almost impossible.

I don't pretend to have all the answers and I know this is a cliche but I found it really helped me having a healthy, varied diet. Yes, it is a fag, especially when you feel really low but going out shopping and preparing meals gets easier the more you do it. I also tackled my insomnia with the help of a book by Dr Michael Moseley (yes him). I still have bad days but I feel more in control and physically healthier and able to cope than I did.

Cossy

The problem with severe depression and/or anxiety is that on very black days one can neither be bothered to wash and dress nor be sociable. The less you do these things, the less you want to, it’s really really not the case of mind over matter.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with medication which literally makes you feel life is worth living when nothing else works. With good meds you then can get up, shower, put your face on, socialise, work, literally live!

Absolutely Cossy. When I had PND I was crawling around, didn't get dressed or clean my teeth. Clinical depression is very different from feeling down.