a natural approach to dealing with depression

Hey guys,

Phew! It's been a busy week... the boys' birthdays were last weekend (Noah's 2ND on October 19th, and Dakota's 12TH on the 20th... yes, do the math... 9 years, 11 months, 29 days and 2 minutes apart) so I've been a little preoccupied with preparing for that, and then of course, the aftermath... had a friend come and stay the night Monday night, and I've been getting my house in order and trying to get on top of all the chores since then. The good news is, the house is in order. The usual news is, the laundry is not. Eh, what else is new. 

Anyways.

This post is NOT meant to catch you up on my life, because I will do that later in the form of OTHER blog posts.

This post is about depression, and how I deal with it naturally. 

I am sure - if you've read this blog for any length of time - you've heard me talk a lot about the struggles we've faced over the last year and how I have had a hard time pulling my head out of the gutter. It has been hard for me to accept that I have a predisposition to depression. It runs in my family. I had a talk with my Mom a few weeks back when I was realizing that I need to just admit that I am depressed and maybe that I need help. The thing about these types of issues... whether it be my own mental well-being or my son's issues with Asperger's, ADHD, etc, there is this back and forth push and shove between the harsh reality and acceptance of the issues, and denial. It is emotionally much safer (or SEEMS to be) to live in denial. But the long term results are unhealthy and keep you on the roller coaster of dealing with it and NOT dealing with it... thus the back and forth between depressed and not depressed... not a healthy, happy place to live. Consistency seems like the better place to be... The fact that I do something - then nothing - too often - makes me question what my reasons are for starting a regimen and then stopping it... do I have a need to go to the dark side, so to speak? What do I gain from that? 

I hit a pretty low place a month or so ago. I seriously considered going on medication - something I have never done. All the while, I HAVE experienced turnarounds from taking a cocktail of supplements in conjunction with exercise. Staying ON that regimen is the problem. I lack discipline. When I hit a low it is usually because I realize that am off the regimen for a couple of weeks. The bottom line is, when I am taking this cocktail, I feel consistently positive, my mood is stable, I am less anxious and irritable. Period. The bottom line is, this works. I am serious. I haven't even been exercising that much lately, and still, the cocktail does the trick. 

Knowing that many women struggle with depression - whether situational, hormonally induced or chemical, I thought I should share this with you. You're not going to experience a fast change. Over a few days though, you will realize that you just feel better. I have been feeling consistently very positive and stable for the last few weeks. 

So without further ado, here it is. 

I take the following:

At night: 

1 tablet of 5-HTP (50mg) with additional B-vitamins in the complex. I take Mood Positive 5-HTP by Natrol.  It makes you sleepy so I would NOT take it during the day, though some people do. My Mom first introduced me to 5-HTP and she would take it at night. I have tried it in the morning and it just made me want to pass out. You can take two at night. I have tried that but it made me a little nauseous during the day. I think my body just needed to adjust to it. You can read lots of positive reviews about 5-HTP here. 

5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin, it is used for several diseases where serotonin is believed to play an important role including depression, insomnia, obesity, and many other conditions.

In the morning:

1 or 2 tablets of a good quality B-complex. I take Vitamin Code's Raw B-Complex. I find it to be very effective and I don't get a yucky "vitaminy" after-taste after I swallow it. 

About B vitamins: The B group of vitamins is an eight-member family of water soluble vitamins which means they are not easily stored in the body and need to be replenished frequently. Their functions are so interrelated that it is suggested they be taken together so they can work harmoniously and perform at their peak levels. Cellular energy production is the most important function of the B complex vitamins and they are known as the catalytic spark plugs of our body. Providing mental and physical energy, supporting healthy blood, a healthy heart, immune system function and a healthy response to stress, the B complex vitamins are essential nutrients for the body.

1 TBSP of an Omega Fatty Acid complex called Barlean's Total Omega Swirl. I like the Orange Cream flavor (not vegan) but they have other flavors. There is NO fishy aftertaste of any kind. This is TRULY delicious and super good for your brain (among other things). The benefits of Omega Fatty Acids are extensive and far reaching. 

About Omegas 3, 6 and 9:  Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in lowering triglycerides, decreasing the risk of death from heart attacks and strokes, decreasing blood pressure, decreasing inflammation naturally and improving brain function. Omega-6 fatty acids are helpful in brain function, growth and development, skin and hair growth, bone health, regulating metabolism and functioning of the reproductive system. They can be useful against diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ADHD, breast cancer, eczema, high blood pressure and menopausal symptoms. Omega-9 fatty acids are monounsaturated oleic and steric acids. They can be produced by the body when omega-3 and -6 are present. Otherwise they will need to be consumed. They can help lower cholesterol and keep the arteries from hardening. Omega-9 fatty acids can also increase immune function.

I hope this helps some of you... let me know if you try it and what your results are!

Much love,

Brooke