Depression help without meds?

Thank you for your thoughtful response. You are right; water exercise is great for almost anyone. I just can't make myself go, plus my cranky body tells me what/when I can do.

@dorma
Empathy big time.
My wife is a non exerciser and I have to sweet talk her to our pool. Once in there she says, "ow wow this feels good." I just have her float on a noodle and just move around.

I am 78 and every bone and joint hurts. In the water instant relief. This is what I hear from 90% of the users.

Many of our residents don't do water aerobics just walk. Others just float on a noodle. I know it is hard but try once and if it is not worth it then you have answered the question.

It's wonderful to see so many people wanting to help you with suggestions.

I did look thru from your first post and what seems to stand out from your responses is that you often say, 'I need to try harder' (Jun 9) or 'how to push for' (Jun 10). That is, you must do MORE.

Now I know it's the most common advice we hear and like to give, but what does it really mean?
Did you notice we all learnt to roll our of our bed and started to crawl -- On OUR OWN.
And next thing we found ourselves straining to stand up holding on to a chair leg. One day we were running, climbing, sliding, jumping... all without anyone Ever telling us: You need to 'push harder.'
Weird?!
Yet one day we do seem to find ourselves we are not moving/straining as what might be helpful for our OWN health and Vitality.

As someone who is your age (81+), the last time I visited my doctor was over maybe ten years ago. And even before I saw her only occasionally... mostly because I never saw any reason to waste her time and MY time. I still use no medications, avoided colonoscopy when we are 'harassed' in our early 70s, no tests, no supplements, all with simple healthy inexpensive food, variety of adequate physical exertion, and using my time for purposeful activities, all resulting in sound sleep.

In other words, I ask: Is this about the best use of your time-on-earth that will satisfy you the next day/week/year?
This is what guides me, spurs me, to live optimally and authentically. I only control what's My-Life allows me. I don't need to compare myself with others because I am the result of My own past.

What is outside my control entirely is to have what you've said so well: Every person NEEDS a true friend. I spend my time a lot on finding a few.
I wish you have a life that You enjoy living most.

Hi @dorma
Have a naturopathic doctor in your area they can help you. I was on 5-HTP for depression for years it's a supplement and it really does work but they would need to tell you what dose to start at you can buy it at a health food store. After my breast cancer surgery and radiation and being taken off hormones I got bad depression and anxiety so I had to go on a medication prior to that the 5-HTP worked very well for me. Hope this helps

@dorma
Empathy big time.
My wife is a non exerciser and I have to sweet talk her to our pool. Once in there she says, "ow wow this feels good." I just have her float on a noodle and just move around.

I am 78 and every bone and joint hurts. In the water instant relief. This is what I hear from 90% of the users.

Many of our residents don't do water aerobics just walk. Others just float on a noodle. I know it is hard but try once and if it is not worth it then you have answered the question.

@dorma
I would not give up on medications they can be very helpful. Do you have access to a psychiatric medication specialist? I see one a Mayo and having such a experienced expert on medication is something that can really help you find one that is specific for you. They have the experience with both causes and appropriate medications for patients. My medication was specific to me based on my other medical conditions and other medication I was taking.

You asked about doing things outside medications. I am a big promotor of exercise and or hobbies. With exercise of course you need to seek doctor approval. In the past on MCC I mentioned water arobics. Many posted back found a place to do water aerobics and really enjoyed it.

Anything you do that can bring a smile to your face and/or get your mind off anxiety and depression can make a difference. I worked with heart failure, EP, PCP, and medication specialist to get approval for my exercise routine. One of the most enjoyable for me is water aerobics. It allows you to be in water with buoyance and can do many exercises I would not be able to do on land. The classes are to music that is both enjoybable and picked for it's beat to exercise at. I do 7 classes a week.

I also like to bike and do so having fun. It is like being a kid again. I swim while listening to music (underwater music player ear pods). Now you might not be an person who likes exercise or able to do them then consider a hobby. Find a hobby you like alone or with others and if it brings you a smile it is going to help.

Can you imagine the amount of stress and depression on FDR during WWII? I have read many books on him. Almost every day he made time to work on his stamp collection. He enjoyed it so much his family would say and would allow his mind to be on something else.

Per your comment about things to help outside medications. I mentioned some. I would also consider yoga, mindfulness yoga, Tai Chi (spell). I mention Tai Chi as a friend of mine in my community lost her husband to liver cancer. She was really depressed. Fellow residents suggested Tai Chi and she tried it. She found it so relaxing to her she does every week now. From how much she likes it and hellps her I am considering adding it to my weekly schedule also.

Who is you Mayo doctor do they do telehealth

@ngriggs1
Mayo Jacksonville. My primary care physician (PCP) is Dr. Valery.
What Mayo has is video appointments using ZOOM. You can chose to have an in person or video appointment.

Not sure if that answers your question and or if telehealth is different that zoon video appointments. I do know sometimes my wife does phone appointemts also.

Thanks for sharing that Sue, and so sorry for what you've been through. You are very brave and compassionate.

I've suffered from panic attacks but mostly chronic depression since 1972, when there were no SSRIs to be found. My parents and our friendly but out-of-touch family Dr. convinced me I just had to grow up.

So I didn't talk about it again with a Dr until 2002, 30 years on, in desperation. During that time from 1972 to 2002 I took up training for and running in marathons. That exercise helped immensely with my depression.

But my last marathon was in 1999 and the depression came back. I finally mentioned it to a new Dr I was seeing in CA in 2002 and he prescribed Paxil. It worked well, and still does. And I'm not running now but in the gym every day.

Again, thank you for being so candid, and all the best to you.

Joe