alternatives to meds

I have had low grade depression for the past 10 years and in the past 2 years ( coinciding witha new job)had 2 distinct anxiety attacks. I have recently been divorced, found a new lover ( after a year) who lives half way around the world. I really do not like my job and would like to move to where my new lover lives. First off I have tried 2 meds Effexor and Zoloft. The sides ( more depressed, jittery, zombie, sleeplessness)made me a wreck and I stopped them after 2 and 6 days respectfully. I want to stay away from the meds because I don't want to get into a cycle of meds for the depression, meds to sleep, med for sex and medto eat all because of the zoloft. What do you think about the 5-htp and combos of vitamins and efa. I always have strong reactions and always get sides to most medications.   Secondly I really am not sure if leaving the work is a response to panic or that I really want to leave because the job is way to stressful. I feel like I am in a spiral of stress because there are so many transitions...

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

When you switch from medications to alternative ways of effecting the serotonin- dopamine receptors in the brain you are still using medications. You will need as much to have an effect and there is no way of knowing for sure how much of the active ingredients there are in this non- pharmaceutical grade medications.

I believe the very best thing for you to do is to be in a counseling situation where you can sort this all out.   You can start online immediately at www. masteringstress.com and then decide about when or how to find a face to face therapist.

[Esh_21]

Relax! That's the key word. If you manage to get yourself to relax you don't need any medicine. However, St. John's wort is great for deppression, as well as honey bee pollen. Very quite and spacy music, a moment of lying down and lettingb yourself be carried away with the music. A whole lot of dancing till totally sweaty, as well as lots and lots of laughs...There are many ways to get yourself out of it, only and only if you want to! I have come out of a period of four years of strong panic attacks and boy am I glad! How? First, there was the psychotherapist who showed me the way to stop uncontrolled fear, then there was me struggling and playing stubborn against my brain. Finally and most importantly, positive thinking actually got me out.
I don't know if you eat meat, but that is also a factor that causes stress and anxiety.
Oh yeah, a vitamin B (2,3,5,6,12) diet is good for the nervous system to get regenerated, as well as very dark, non-dairy, chocolate (over 70%)once in a while is good.
Good luck.

[sophie dog]

i am not sure what it is that you said about the medication.. Is there any thoughts about the 5htp vit d efa combos... anybody have any luck with them..

[joyce45]

5htp is not as effective as your meds. I think the doc has the best solution, seek out someone to help you sort everything out.  I have been on most of the antidepressants and various 'natural' therapies and herbs, most of which did not help. I went to a psychiatrist for medication management and that helped me with my depression at the time and my anxiety. I would shy away from the 5htp or St. John's Wort, etc.., most of which I found ineffective. Good luck.