Non-prescription treatments for depression?

[pacifichrono]

One of my sons suffers from depression, though he's pretty much in denial. He refuses to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who can prescribe some medications that could make his everyday life so much more bearable and "happy." His attitude is that he shouldn't have to rely on some artificial drugs to alter his perceptions.

He will soon be leaving to study in another country, and I would like to suggest some "natural" alternatives that might mitigate those negative thoughts that keep him unhappy. I found a list offered by the Mayo Clinic (below), but wanted to find out what experiences my fellow members and their families have had with natural treatments.

Mayo Clinic suggestions:
- St. John's Wort
- SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Saffron
- 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

Your experiences are welcome!

[seikopath]

What do you think he is in denial about?

[pacifichrono]

What do you think he is in denial about?

Denial that he suffers from "depression," which is prevalent on his mother's side of the family.

[seikopath]

Denial that he suffers from "depression," which is prevalent on his mother's side of the family.

Is he happy with his current mental state?

[Puntsdog]

I’m no expert and in all honesty this may be an impractical solution but many people swear by having a pet.

[TomRea]

Definitely some good advice on here...Somethings we could all learn from

[Passenger]

Cannabis seems the cure du jour.

[Kirk280]

Sorry to hear about your son. Please keep encouraging him to seek professional help. Exercise might help (at least a little), a 10k running challenge, a new sport, starting a martial art etc.

[chrisparker]

Regular exercise, yoga or pilates.

[hafle]

Cannabis seems to be a pretty effective option (although not for everyone, but that goes for pretty much any drug or remedy)

[demonloop]

+1 for exercise, and also look into homeopathy. There’s a clinic near me, and the woman who owns it only started the clinic after suffering acute depression. Homeopathy was the only thing that helped her.

[Kirk280]

+1 for exercise, and also look into homeopathy. There’s a clinic near me, and the woman who owns it only started the clinic after suffering acute depression. Homeopathy was the only thing that helped her.

Homeopathy. Otherwise known as ‘water’.

[alfat33]

Cannabis seems to be a pretty effective option (although not for everyone, but that goes for pretty much any drug or remedy)

It might help some people relax but its also associated with causing depression, anxiety and psychosis in some people. If he isn’t keen on medication, an illegal drug that might make him feel worse doesn’t seem like a good idea.

[hafle]

It might help some people relax but its also associated with causing depression, anxiety and psychosis in some people. If he isn’t keen on medication, an illegal drug that might make him feel worse doesn’t seem like a good idea.

Simply speaking from experience.

[Neilw3030]

Just read this thread for the first time, and almost cried.
My wife is struggling with depression and anxiety and alcoholism. She has been on anti depressants for twenty plus years and is a heavy drinker her whole adult life. She had a seizure two years ago in Tescos which made matters more difficult for her but manageable, then 3 days after getting her license back another seizure in the high st, that badly knocked her confidence, now just over a year later she is driving again but her anxiety levels have gone through the roof, she doesn’t want to leave the house unless I’m with her holding her hand. Her drinking is out of control to compensate and now she has started on the painkillers as well as her normal medications. She constantly makes excuses why she can’t get help and or they can’t help, her doctor of many years seems to just prescribe but I know that when she goes she lies about her mental state.
A watch forum for advice? Christ on a bike, but I’m so alone with this as everyone around us just ignores all the signs, “she’s such good fun your missus”
It’s not it’s hell, I’ve been to alcohol help organisations but they can’t help me as he won’t go, I’ve suggested she seek help, but no she won’t go as she’s waiting for occupational help to get back to her, 4-6 weeks for an appointment.

[Dave O'Sullivan]

Exercise and sunshine.

[Umbongo]

Cannabis seems the cure du jour.

Also a rather stupid route to take. The negative, energy and motivation-sapping effects of cannabis are (except to those who regularly use it and in a denial much the same as the heavy drinker) very obvious.

I have friends who have smoked/used cannabis for years and, despite it having been a "harmless" element of their lives for many years, it's now beginning to really start turning them into oddballs - Moody, disconnected, paranoid and generally not "on the ball".

I'm no manic anti-drugs lobbyist - given my past that would be hypocritical - and l think that there are times and places in the right persons life for certain things to be enjoyed - but cannabis for depression...

...there's a reason it's called "dope"...

[reggie747]

...there's a reason it's called "dope"...

[djacks42]

Running and swimming or anything that gets the endorphins pumping. Challenge yourself. A good book.. stay off Facebook ideally. Join a local service\social group - meet new people, fundraise and help others in the community. Just my humble experiences. Positive Life changes rather than meds.

[jameswrx]

Also a rather stupid route to take. The negative, energy and motivation-sapping effects of cannabis are (except to those who regularly use it and in a denial much the same as the heavy drinker) very obvious.

I have friends who have smoked/used cannabis for years and, despite it having been a "harmless" element of their lives for many years, it's now beginning to really start turning them into oddballs - Moody, disconnected, paranoid and generally not "on the ball".

I'm no manic anti-drugs lobbyist - given my past that would be hypocritical - and l think that there are times and places in the right persons life for certain things to be enjoyed - but cannabis for depression...

...there's a reason it's called "dope"...

Couldn’t agree more.

I have a friend who always swore how harmless it was, he was a heavy user evenings and weekends. He’d always been a bit manic after 20 or so years of it but he ended up shot away. Suicidal a fair bit, would fly off into rages at work smashing stuff up and ‘leaving’ quite often. He ended up attacking someone at work in the end. He was a nightmare to work with, the paranoid thing was very evident which is how he ended up attacking a work colleague. I had a call from his Mrs couple years ago (at 1am!) and he’d gone off in his car to kill himself. Quick car, drove it as fast as he could down the road he lives and straight on at a bend, smashing it to pieces, rolled multiple times, wiped out telegraph pole etc. Silly bugger got out unscathed (well relatively) God knows why but I was about the only person he’d never attacked and was able to chill him out. That’s why I got the call to go find him.

I saw him today actually (haven’t worked with him in years) and his eyes just looks in torment. I feel for his Mrs, she’s such a sweet girl and he’s put her through hell.

He was a really clever, funny guy too and we had some great times (holidays etc) but if you looked up manic depression he’d be the definition. He was a heavy user though but even he’s realised what it’s done to him. His old best mate was as bad as him too, that guy completely lost the plot and has been living back with his mum n dad for the last 10 years or so (and he’s early 50’s now)

With every artificial up there’s a down! Suggesting someone smokes weed for depression is madness IMO, may as well tell him to get drunk.

Everyone I know that’s done it has had their brain scrambled. I get the pain relief thing for dying people, fine but as a lifestyle for a physically healthy person it’ll ruin them mentally eventually. And as for long term depression relief, crazy.

You’ve also got the ‘drug driving’ thing these days, you wouldn’t drive around drunk but people seem to think they’re fine to be stoned.

[Siberian Blue Eyes]

Also a rather stupid route to take. The negative, energy and motivation-sapping effects of cannabis are (except to those who regularly use it and in a denial much the same as the heavy drinker) very obvious.

I have friends who have smoked/used cannabis for years and, despite it having been a "harmless" element of their lives for many years, it's now beginning to really start turning them into oddballs - Moody, disconnected, paranoid and generally not "on the ball".

I'm no manic anti-drugs lobbyist - given my past that would be hypocritical - and l think that there are times and places in the right persons life for certain things to be enjoyed - but cannabis for depression...

...there's a reason it's called "dope"...

Recent studies have suggested a link between depression and the body's endocannabinoid system. Different strains of cannabis have different chemical profiles. https://www.leafly.com/news/science-...depression-tre

[Onelasttime]

Cannabis seems the cure du jour.

I think you'll find cannabis is invariably the problem, not the solution. You might as well suggest LSD.

[Passenger]

I think you'll find cannabis is invariably the problem, not the solution. You might as well suggest LSD.

I suggested it's being lauded at the moment as something of a cure all, what PC's son or anyone else does is their business.

I've read there's increasing experimentation with microdosing LSD to improve mood and enhance creativity fwiw.

[catch21]

One of the problems with depression is that it tends to stop you doing the very things you need to be doing to combat it. It can be really hard to force yourself out of the door, into activities that will help. Three important things, diet, exercise and something to look forward to. You need a clean and healthy diet full of varied nutrition, have a blast of exercise quite a few times a week, and plan a trip or other event, and keep doing it! Not once or twice but make a lifelong change. (Not you of course, but the person you are trying to help.)

Only seeing drugs making the problem worse not better :(

[walkerwek1958]

Excercise, a reasonably good diet and plenty of sleep are the foundations of good health, both mentally and physically. Too much alcohol definitely won’t help.

Maybe he needs to visit some people who are much worse off than he is, then realise how lucky he is. Meeting people of a similar age with serious health problems can focus the mind and stop people feeling so negative about their own lives.

I’m not trying to trivialise depression but there is an element of self- help/ positive thinking required.

Apart from alcohol in moderation I wouldn’t touch any drug, the negatives far outweigh the positives.

Paul

[Vanguard]

I think you'll find cannabis is invariably the problem, not the solution. You might as well suggest LSD.

Funnily enough the University of California has been doing a long term study and suggested there is growing evidence to support drugs like LSD and Psilocybin in Mushrooms can help reset the brain by forming new neural pathways and cure depression

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/h...-a8395511.html

[EchoSevenNine]

PC, as a sufferer of depression and anxiety for a good 15 years and starting in my mid 20's, i can tell you for sure your young lad needs a professional opinion.

The depression was the most pronounced of my "ailments" when i finally gave in and took myself to the doctor, but it was the Anxiety that was the root cause. The anxiety stopped me doing things i would normally do, which in turn left me with too much time for negative thought and eventually leading to frustration and eventually depression. Once that set in, i couldn't be bothered with anything and that it turn that made me even worse.

What i needed initially, was to challenge my anxiety, to push myself to fing things that i might like to do and to keep my interest and focus away from negative thought. Weight training was a life saver for me, not only did it release endorphins by the bucketload, but you start to look better... people compliment you, you start to eat better, you start to feel better and before you know it your in a positive spiral rather than a negative one. There's nothing better to take your mind off feeling bad than benching 100kg i can tell you, INSTANT gratification!

These days the weights have taken a back seat, as i have back trouble from being a lanky git but the Woodturning is my new distraction.

Basically, if you cant get him to the doctor, get him something he can take an interest in as a starting point. I wish i had that advice at the beginning.

[Xantiagib]

I find Vitamin D helps a lot - perks up my mood but to just enough not to care about mild negativities that would normally get me down and in a mess - so helps more with anxiety which can be a root cause for depression

check thyroid function - a low function here can and will lead to depression

Canabis oil may be du jour - but it existed long before pharmaceutical companies did - worth a try mix with yoghurt

[Onelasttime]

I suggested it's being lauded at the moment as something of a cure all, what PC's son or anyone else does is their business.

I've read there's increasing experimentation with microdosing LSD to improve mood and enhance creativity fwiw.

Funnily enough the University of California has been doing a long term study and suggested there is growing evidence to support drugs like LSD and Psilocybin in Mushrooms can help reset the brain by forming new neural pathways and cure depression

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/h...-a8395511.html

I was aware of the studies with LSD, but realistically, it's not going to happen any time soon, if ever.

I feel fairly certain that while some might benefit from the formation of new neural pathways, there will be a good proportion of others for whom those new neural pathways will be a road to hell. We'll have to see.

But psychoactive drugs are still not worthy of suggestion as a possible solution to the OP's problem. He'd be much better trying yoga, Thai Chi or meditation. Or all three

[ernestrome]

I think you'll find cannabis is invariably the problem, not the solution. You might as well suggest LSD.

In a couple of years we might well be suggesting LSD or psilocybin based on recent research at Imperial. http://psychedelicscience.org.uk/mag...ssed-patients/

[alfat33]

He may be best to start with some talking therapies like CBT, and speaking to a psychotherapist or counsellor.

[Passenger]

Good news.

[Omegamanic]

Very pleased to hear it.

[PickleB]

Indeed...very good news. Keep listening...I imagine that he doesn't much like being talked at.

[MarkO]

I agree with Mr.D .

Alcohol is a depressant
B12 either shot or diet can do wonders
Exercise or something to naturally produce endorphins would be good .

(Or just persuade him to try 20 mg fluoxetine for a month )

[Uriel]

Agreed on exercise and sunshine. My life revolved around cycling and I was great, and my problems started when, for a couple of reasons, I had to pretty much give it up.

I think I fit the description of your son pretty well. I know it’s stupid, but that’s just how it is, at least for now.

About a month ago I started on L-Theanine, in pure powder form. Whether placebo or not, I noticed a massive overnight change. That seems to have died off a little, but I still feel it makes a difference.

[Brian]

One of my sons suffers from depression, though he's pretty much in denial. He refuses to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who can prescribe some medications that could make his everyday life so much more bearable and "happy." His attitude is that he shouldn't have to rely on some artificial drugs to alter his perceptions.

He will soon be leaving to study in another country, and I would like to suggest some "natural" alternatives that might mitigate those negative thoughts that keep him unhappy. I found a list offered by the Mayo Clinic (below), but wanted to find out what experiences my fellow members and their families have had with natural treatments.

Mayo Clinic suggestions:
- St. John's Wort
- SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Saffron
- 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

Your experiences are welcome!

This must be worrying for you with his impending departure- very, I would say.

How old is he ?How bad is he ? is it mild or is he occasionaly known to go "off on one" i.e. an episode - which debiltates normal activity and living.


Drugs in my view whether prescribed or otherwise are never the answer.

No doubt you have tried several options already.

My advice is to try and assess where he sits on the negative to panglossian thoughts range and then decide how to address/challenge the negative thought causality or address the symptoms or both. Is anxiety or lack of confidence the root, for example.
If you cannot do this yourself and I couldn't for the persons to which I refer - then, firstly, maintain a daily messaging contact around evening time and, vitally, get him in for a chat with a professional about negative thinking and ways to challenge it. Have a contact for support near your son wherever he is.

B

[AlphaOmega]

Have a contact for support near your son wherever he is.

Good advice.

If there's some kind of regular dialogue, even better.

[daggartuk]

Sorry to hear about this. Depression can manifest itself in varying degrees of severity and whilst there has been a lot of good advice given so far (and some not so good) it is important to note that treatment can depend on wether the ilness is mild or severe. In its severest form depression can be very debilitating, to the point where cognitive function is acutely effected - in this state, no amount of positive treatments such as exercise and fresh air will aid recovery unless accompanied by medication and professional help. My advice would be to get a professional to assess your son so that an effective treatment plan can be devised. As a psychiatric nurse I have seen many cases of depression - with the right help he will get better. I also speak as someone who has been severely depressed and can understand where he is coming from. Best of luck.

[pacifichrono]

Thanks to all for your valued suggestions. I will discuss them with Mrs. PC and decide how to approach our son (age 26).

[Omegamanic]

PC, as a sufferer of depression and anxiety for a good 15 years and starting in my mid 20's, i can tell you for sure your young lad needs a professional opinion.

These days the weights have taken a back seat, as i have back trouble from being a lanky git but the Woodturning is my new distraction.

Basically, if you cant get him to the doctor, get him something he can take an interest in as a starting point. I wish i had that advice at the beginning.

Distraction is a good word in most of these situations - finding something that temporarily distracts from the feelings by being occupied can help with getting through an episode.

Sorry to hear about this. Depression can manifest itself in varying degrees of severity and whilst there has been a lot of good advice given so far (and some not so good) it is important to note that treatment can depend on wether the ilness is mild or severe. In its severest form depression can be very debilitating, to the point where cognitive function is acutely effected - in this state, no amount of positive treatments such as exercise and fresh air will aid recovery unless accompanied by medication and professional help. My advice would be to get a professional to assess your son so that an effective treatment plan can be devised. As a psychiatric nurse I have seen many cases of depression - with the right help he will get better. I also speak as someone who has been severely depressed and can understand where he is coming from. Best of luck.

With the right help some people Might get better - for most it’s lifelong and there is no getting better, simply finding coping strategies that help, or lessen the impact of each episode. That might be professional treatment, intervention or medication.

Some people can’t be helped, and family members or close friends should not feel guilty and feel like they have failed them if that is the case.

[dickdutch]

As someone who's suffered with it for 25 years, I'm probably ok to make recommendations. If they really don't want to do anything else, St John's Wort is great and is the most widely used treatment for depression in Germany, but make sure it's a good one, nature's best are good, don't go to Boots or Holland and Barratt, you'll pay 2/3/4 times the price and get an inferior quality product.

Also, I wouldn't recommend taking more than one treatment at a time, there's a small risk of serotonin syndrome, which is at best, very unpleasant, at worst, deadly

5-HTP is good, but can give people terrible headaches (me included).

Cannabis - is really dangerous for someone who already has some mental issues, the chances of psychosis are very high, and it will more than likely make his depression worse. Contrary to what people think, cannabis isn't the cure for everything.

As other people have said, it's likely this will continue until he gets some help, but if he/you can avoid prescription anti-depressants, he'll be much better off, they are very helpful, but if used for too long, can be horrible to stop, regardless of what the doctors say.

[Sweepinghand]

I’ve suffered for many years - and take no prescription drugs as see your sons point

Things that help me

Company
Being occupied - I love horse racing so watch and go etc
Trying not to have too much “empty time”

There’s no magic cure

I’ve tried all the voodoo and counselling - didn’t help but has helped others

Being open about it helps - having a talk to person to go to helps

I wish him well - it’s a crippling illness that many don’t understand

[Boss13]

Great thread which all can read and relate to and probably relate to in some way. Be it for themselves. Family or friends.

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

[Kingstepper]

Another of Sammy’s thread resurrections.

[Steveo]

Having battled with anxiety and depression for 40 years I can say that meditation - 30 mins twice a day is the most mind calming thing that's free and has no side effects.

Also I have consumed numerous books on the subject and I find myself coming back to Lost Connections by Johann Hari is really helpful. also The fear bubble by Ant Middleton is powerful and pragmatic.

[sundial]

Consider Googling 'Cocoa and depression' … cocoa's flavonoids can reduce propensity to depression. But don't start eating too many chocolate bars which have too many other ingredients. Sprinkle a spoonful of cocoa into e.g. porridge.