Does anyone know of any natural alternatives for anxiety and depression?

[Raine9]

I am suffering from anxiety and some depression.  Does anyone know of a natural alternative to treat these problems.  Don't wanna take drugs for long term use.  Afraid of bad effect on body and addiction.  Any suggestions?

P.S. If this is posting for the second time, sorry.

[freakin-natural]

ei.. anxiety is more of a mind thing.  if you keep thinking of it then no meds can help yah.. it can somehow stop it for a day.. DAY. meaning you must take and take it as days go by.. try looking for some things that can help you forget it and enjoy life. i mean, its more of a mind game there. i , too had been once suffering from that.  but, having enough sleep, exercising, and sorrounding myself with good friends help a lot.  open and help yourself.  as God said, do not fear for He is there for you.. enjoy life like a free spirited deer, not as a cowardly oppusum (SP).

god bless.

[Raine9]

Thanks for your comment.  Sleep?  Hard to do with a 1 year old.    

[Aims]

exercise/yoga, exercising is known to balance out that chemical in your brain
take care

[live4fitness]

Exercise is a GREAT idea. I also posted on your other spot. I wish you luck. I understand about little sleep with a 1 yr old. Have you thougth about post pardom depression. I had it after my second child. It wasn't too bad. I did  have to take meds but them i didn't know much about diet and natural stuff.

I wish you luck

[barn babe]

"as God said, do not fear for He is there for you.."

Let's refrain from posting about religion. Some of us are atheists and would like this sort of stuff left out of the conversation. This person didn't post anything about wanting advice about religion or other types of magical thinking. Please don't make presumptions about supposed belief systems and dependence on mythical characters.

Exercise is a good idea. Try to get moving, even if you have  to carry the baby around while you do it. Learn how  to do yoga. It'll keep you limber and help relax you at the same time.

[live4fitness]

    

      G   O  D       B  L  E  S  S    Y  O  U  ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

[NURSELPN]

Let's refrain from posting about religion. Some of us are atheists and would like this sort of stuff left out of the conversation. This person didn't post anything about wanting advice about religion or other types of magical thinking. Please don't make presumptions about supposed belief systems and dependence on mythical characters.

IF YOUR AN ATHEIST & DON'T BELEIVE THERE IS A GOD THEN WHY DOES HIS NAME BOTHER YOU...

ALSO THERE ARE MANY ON THIS FORUM THAT DOES BELEIVE & WE HAVE RIGHTS TOO.

GOD BLESS YOU, TJ

[NURSELPN]

Raine9,

Try some B vitamins esp. B-12. what they call water soluable so you can't take too much because it doesn't accumulate in the body. You can purchase them over the counter. They won't hurt you what so ever.

http://www.answers.com/topic/vitamin-b-complex

Also, it might not be a bad idea to see your family physican & be checked for thyroid problems which can present during pregancy or after child birth. You'll need to have lab done...a TSH & Free T-4.

http://www.mythyroid.com/postpartum.html

The synptoms you mentioned in your post can result from either of the above problems.

God Bless, TJ

[Persephone55]

Excercise is about the best natural help for depression as it not only releases endorphins (natural feel good drugs) it helps you to feel good about yourself and gain confidence which help to dispell depression which is often caused by our feelings of inadequacy in an overwhelming situation (like having a one year old baby) Good luck! Personally I am against anti-depressants, IMHO you need to feel SOMETHING before you can start feeling better!

[Northcoast]

Hi there.  I suffer from anxiety and depression at times too.  I would ask your doctor about your symptoms.  Sometimes just talking to a professional about it helps.  That "first step" to healing.  I take Xanax every so often and find it helps with anxiety.  And make sure you're not piling on the junk food and sugar in your diet.  Eat healthier.  I would also agree that exercise really helps with depression.  Just get out of the house and walk with a friend.  Just the movement, the change in scenery, and talking with someone who cares is a big help.  And if you need medication for your depression, you can take it for a short term.  But I have heard that you have to be careful stopping it abruptly.  Good luck to you!