1. < Depression & Anxiety

Depression help without meds?

Posted by dorma @dorma, Jun 8 8:48am

I have depression, but not severe. It stems from extreme fatigue and chronic pain. I've tried pretty much all the antidepressants, but can't tolerate them. Does anyone have suggestions/ideas about how to deal with depression without the meds?

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thisfatoldlady | @thisfatoldlady | 21 hours ago

Yes! CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). I have been in therapy for years (chronic severe depression, which luckily is mostly controlled with medication); but what I found really helpful is a CBT workbook. You can either do the lessons/exercises by writing in the book, or, as I do, use a journal or notebook to write your answers. The workbook helps you identify and look deeper into how your emotions effect your behavior and how your behavior effects your emotions (it's a cycle). Amazon has lots of choices. If you have a therapist to help you through it, even better. I wish you well in your journey.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | 1 hour ago
In reply to @daveshaw "Yes it is hard to get off Klonopin but at age 74 my PCP is more..." + (show)
@daveshaw

Yes it is hard to get off Klonopin but at age 74 my PCP is more worried about my overall health. I don’t drink or smoke and exercise vigorously at least six days a week.
She has a woman in her practice that is a more than moderate drinker and for that reason she is weaning her off Klonopin.
Common sense is needed by those practicing medicine. There is no one size fits all. If Klonopin usage is going up or you are not willing to quit drinking you have to make a decision.
Withdrawal is very hard and that is why I brought it up at my last meeting with my PCP. She makes her decisions on a case by case basis. That is why I continue to see her even though I have moved across town. I do the same thing with my dentist, audiologist and dermatologist. The longer someone sees you the better advice they can give you.
Good luck to everyone.

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Thanks Dave,

You make a lot of good points. Once you find a good Dr or medical or psychological professional, hang onto them. I met my psychologist in 2008 while living in CA. We retired and moved away from CA, but I still have monthly Zoom calls with her.

And you're right about using addictive substances, whether they be benzos like Klonopin, opiates, and of course, alcohol. I haven't had a drink in 14 years and have no desire to re-start. These substances can take control of us, and that is not a healthy way to live.

Joe

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1oldsoul | @1oldsoul | 1 hour ago

@dorma
I have always been extremely sensitive to drug side effects since I was in my teens. I have a few suggestions for you. Have you had your Vitamin D, B12, Folate and Ferritin (iron storage) levels checked? All those deficiencies including low iron storage (with or without full blown anemia) can cause depression. If your ferritin level is under 30 on lab values, please consider taking iron daily and work with a doctor who will help you get it above a therapeutic level. Secondly, have you tried St. John’s Wort? It is a natural supplement with lots of research to back its anti-depressant benefits. I take Standard Process St John’s Wort-IMT and it has helped me.

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