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anxiety depression treatment

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Q: Anxiety and Depression treatment, who do I see?
If I have very high levels of anxiety and depression and want to talk to a doctor about treatment do I go see a regular doctor? My school has a free health clinic and I was wondering if I could use them to talk about it. I know my roommate is also suffering from something similar and he goes to that clinic a lot and has a prescription for Prozac but I’m not entirely sure it’s related.

A: Go the clinic hun ♥ x

Q: What is best option for someone with treatment-resistant depression/anxiety?
Let me tell you which generic answers I am NOT looking for: online support groups, special restrictive diets, traditional antidepressants/therapy, exercise, “miracle cure” drugs and herbs. ALL of these I’ve tried with limited or no benefits at all.

I’m only looking for input about SEVERE depression that hasn’t responded to any traditional methods of treatment. Is there any relief possible? I am 21 years old and I’ve lived with these problems all my life and I don’t wish to continue to do so.
I thought I was clear about what I had asked for, but after reading some answers I think it’s necessary to add some details, because many of these answers have no relevance to what I have asked.

I did not ask about your feelings towards religion or God. Furthermore, the quote “If you know God you will never be depressed” is downright offensive. That same person also seems to think I’m “allowing” myself to drown in gloom and that I’m not trying to help myself ?? Preach to someone else.

Another individual was arrogant enough to suggest that I am “choosing” to cling to my depression for drugs or some other reason. Depression is a medical condition, not a conscious decision. I certainly didn’t wake up one day and CHOOSE this lifestyle!

I’m a male, and I have already seen several psychiatrists and taken many rx drugs, after all, I did ask about treatment RESISTANT depression. I don’t have bipolar.

Thanks for ALL input, but PLEASE, SERIOUS/RELEVANT ANSWERS ONLY

A: Try Nor-Adrenaline treatment.

I think it`s not cleared with the FDA yet, but in Europe they are using EDRONAX.

Combined with an SSRI you get surprising results, but they go well on their own too.
Works for me beautifully (thank god, I`m not a US citizen).

However, remember friend, that the drugs are good for the symptoms. They don`t cure the disease.

And – and I`m totally f*** serious – 2 month on a beach in Thailand – but not the ones with the fancy resorts, but one of the remote ones (seek Haad-Yuan, in the island of Ko-Pa-Ngan). I`m dead serious, did much more to me than 5 years of medications.

But, most important friend: accept the fact you are sick, don`t expect it to go away (cause it won`t), don`t be ashamed with it, and tell all of the `smile to life and they will smile back..` and the `what have you got to be depressed about..` advisers to shove their smile so deep into their asses cause they don`t know the first thing on what you`re going through.

Q: Has anyone tried herbal treatment for anxiety/depression? Did it work?
I have been suffering with depression/panic attacks for a few months now and I am on Zoloft but I talked with a herbalist and they gave me Omega 3 to take 2 times a day and a liquid called Rescue Remedy, for anxiety. I’m just a little worried about all of it. If anyone has tried it let me know please.

A: I have been taking flax seed oil (high in omega 3 & omega 6 fatty acids) to help with my depression & it does work. With no side effects. Go for it!

I’ve also read research papers that claim that pharmacological doses of saffron are as effective as Prozac in treating depression, with none of the side-effects. Unfortunately saffron is very expensive.

Good Luck!

Q: Natural/herbal treatment of depression, anxiety, cloudiness?
I have been on various prescription medications in the last few years for depression, anxiety, and overall cloudiness [almost positive it's depersonalization disorder], but they seem to make me feel like a zombie, on top of numerous unwanted side effects.
What are some remedies, pills, or herbs I can take to help with these illnesses?
Also, I have been off of medication since March.

A: Some of the most popular natural products for helping with mood are St. John’s Wort, SAMe, 5-HTP (or Tryptophan), Rhodiola Rosea, and some stress-relievers like GABA or L-Theanine can help, too.
On the flip side, if you have taken any antidepressant recently, you may want to check with a pharmacist or doctor to see how soon you can safely take these… a lot of antidepressants interact negatively with a lot of supplements, especially mood supporters like these.

Aside from supplements, you can also try going out and doing things you enjoy, spending time with friends, or even having a good cry. If that’s not enough to help, maybe talking it out with a trusted friend or an objective third-party person (like a counselor).
Just remember, even though you might feel bad, it’s never as bad as it may feel. Everyone goes through tough times and we can all get through it… sometimes we just need a little extra help ;-) Good luck!

Q: I really need to find a treatment center for anxiety and depression in the chicago area PLEASE HELP.?
Yes I really need to find a treatment center for anxiety and depression in the chicago area “A live in” where i can stay and get help so please someone help 10 points for best answer!

A: Rush University Medical Center has a really good program.

http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1099611552138.html

Chicago-Read Mental Health Center is a good place also.
(312)832-1150

http://www.hospital-data.com/hospitals/CHICAGO-READ-MENTAL-HEALTH-CENTER-CH8.html

I don’t know if this applies to you, but if so the SAFE programs are really really good.

http://www.selfinjury.com/

If none of these work, most hospitals have inpatient mental health treatment programs.

Good luck.

Q: Any suggestions for homeopathic treatment of depression and anxiety?
I don’t want to go on anti-depressants until I exhaust all other methods. Does anyone have suggestions for homeopathic treatment of depression? I know exercise and proper diet are big factors but I don’t know what kind of diet to be on. Also, I’m in counseling/therapy right now to work on cognitive-behavioral technique, journaling, and starting to meditate. Now I just want to know if there are any supplements that work as hard as the Western medications.

A: Homeopathy will provide all you ask for, and more. Only, it sounds like you have a common misunderstanding of what homeopathy is and offers.

Homeopathy is a comprehensive healing modality, like acupuncture and chiropractic. A homeopath uses homeopathic remedies to stimulate one’s self-healing defense mechanism, whether a symptom manifests in the mind or body. It’s most similar to psychotherapy (in its feel, given the depth of listening and time a homeopath spends with you), only we help not only physical symptoms, but those in the mind and emotions. (Most physical problems are “somaticized,” an overflow from childhood emotional wounds we were unable to “process.”)

Homeopathy is complementary to the work you are doing with your counselor / therapist. Often, it helps you progress further, faster, and more freely. As with seeing a trained, licensed psychologist, however, you would need to similarly interview a “certified, professional homeopath” who does nothing but homeopathy. If you want to look into homeopathy further and need more help finding someone, e-mail me.

Take care, sweetie. You are looking in the right direction, and otherwise doing all the right things.

Q: What is the best treatment for anxiety and depression?
as well what meds. help the most with the least side affects generally speaking?

A: Medications are different and have different effects on different people. I’ve not heard about one from patients that was superior to others. I would recommend counseling before getting onto medication.

Good luck,
Dana (M.S. Counseling)

Q: Is there a medication/ treatment for anxiety and depression that does not have sexual side effects?
Lexapro, works wonderful for the anxiety and depression but my husband and I can’t deal with the sexual side effects. It’s not lack of desire it’s not being able to get off and my husband is doing everything right it’s just not happening!!!!!

A: Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that is known for causing less sexual side effects…talk to your doctor about it.

Q: Can you name the most effective treatment for anxiety and depression?
Please consider both psychotherapy and/or pharmaceutical approaches.

A: First, follow through with a psychological or neuropsychological evaluation which will determine underlying factors involved with the anxiety and depression and from there you will get solid referral to next step, whether it be individual insight-oriented therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management techniques or psychopharmacologic therapy. Whatever the outcome you will have a firm foundation.

Q: What is the most effective form of treatment for depression and anxiety?
This question is for academic reasons.

What do you think of CBT and how does it compare to pyschotherapy?

A: zoloft works for me!
Electric shock treatment is good for severe cases too.
Cognitive behaviourial therapy is effective when used in conjunction with other treatments – ie medication and even electric shock therapy…each individual is different and will respond differently to medications…also dependent upon what ‘type’ of depression – eg – bipolar, clinical and anxiety type – ie- generalised anxiety disorder or panic attacks or whatever!!
Psychotherapy again..would be most effective dependent on type of depression/severity of depression and in conjunction with other management strategies.
good luck – i am no shrink but i do suffer from both.
I know my answer is not academic but i guess you need to google this one!

Q: are 3 years of psychotherapy and lexapro too long in the treatment of depression and anxiety?
i have been in therapy for 3 years and on 20mg lexapro for the same length of time. a psychologist friend recently told me that 3 years is too long a time to treat depression and anxiety. (i would say that i am a “run-of-the-mill” depressed individual, if there is such a thing.)

A: Hi Butch,

I honestly think you can’t put a time limit on getting over depression. You can only keep trying. I see a therapist every week. It’s a long slow process. It takes commitment and to have a good match to a therapist.

I told my therapist I didn’t feel I was progressing, she told me she sees it and it may take a while before I do. My therapist and pdoc also work together. She is what I call my voice of reason.

I have just been dx with Bipolar. That’s something that never goes away. But it is something that can be controlled with the right meds and tools you learn from a therapist. Read my profile, you’ll see what I mean.

Don’t let anyone, even a friend tell you it’s taking to long, everyone is different and has different issues there working on.

You should be proud of yourself for trying to get what ever is bothering under control.

Feel free to email me anytime.

Take care and never give up!

Cella

Q: How many Acupunture Sessions will I need before I am cured of Depression & Anxiety?
I am currently undergoing Acupuncture treatment for Depression & Anxiety. The Treatment is going ok, I seem to be really good then really bad, but have a lot of faith in Chinese Medicine so am bareing with it. I have currently had 6 sessions and have been great after some but bad after others. Can anybody advise how many treatments I will need to stabilize my moods, and to be free from Depression & Anxiety?

A: As things are getting better you should continue for at least another 6 sessions and then assess if you have improved even further; if you have then carry on, if your not it maybe that your accupunturist isnt the best and maybe you should consider seeing a different one.

Definately ask your current accupunturist about how much longer they think you may need.

From the sounds of things it seems to be helping you, if you have been depressed for a long time it may take quite a while for you moods to fully stabalise and you may continue to experiance mood swings for a while but this is just you body sorting itself out so dont worry.

The good news is that once your 100% well you probably wont relapse, especially if you have a ‘top up’ session every 6months or so after you finish your current treatment.

Please dont give up the treatment, chinese medicine is very powerful and much safer than conventional western treatments and more effective in the long run; so dont believe the sceptics who dont accept scientifically tested fact.

I wish you very success and hope you feel better soon. I had accupunture for a similar problem and it does work – just have faith

Q: I am looking for a natural treatment for OCD, Anxiety, and Depression?
I have tried prozac, but I do not like the side effects not to mention that I had a very bad allergic reaction. I am looking to try the natural approach first, but cannot afford to see a homeopathic doctor. Does anyone have any suggestions where I could find information or who I should ask about this. My therapist suggested a pharmacist but the pharmacist told me that the only solution is medication.

Thanks in advance

A: Your only solution is NOT medication. Of course a pharmacist would tell you that, so they can sell more medication to you.

I am 38 years old and from the time I was 10 years old until 2 years ago when I changed my diet, I also suffered with OCD, depression and anxiety.

The OCD was fairly mild, things like checking the iron was off 15 times before I left the house. I managed to get this under control by touching the iron once and saying loudly “I am checking the iron now and it is definitely off” and then when I had another urge to check it, I would just repeat my earlier wording in my head and be 100% sure that I had definitely turned it off. It is a long slog but after a while you can re-pattern your thoughts.

Hypnosis would probably help with OCD too.

My depression and anxiety were quite severe and at one stage 15 years ago, I went through an intense suicidal period.

My doctor kept trying to get me onto different medications but I resisted as I wanted to find a more natural way. I have seen many people trying to come off anti-depressants and it is not a pretty sight believe me.

So in the last 5 years I did the following:

I found things like reducing or completely abstaining from alcohol to be very useful, since alcohol is a depressant.

I found daily chakra meditation to be very helpful.

I found daily relaxation meditation to be very helpful.

I found bach flower remedies to be very helpful – the rescue remedy was very good for my anxiety

I found gentle exercise (yoga, swimming) to be very helpful.

I found reiki treatments to be very helpful.

All of the above did not cure me, but they certainly helped me to live a normal life and avoid medications.

However, the main saving grace for me was 2 years ago when I changed my diet.

I went from a SAD (standard american diet) to a Raw Vegan diet and my depression and anxiety completely disappeared.

It is quite amazing really. Sometimes I lose the plot and start eating cooked foods (i.e. – over the holiday season) and my depression and anxiety both return.

And when I eat Raw Vegan foods again, my depression and anxiety disappear.

Apparently this is quite common and many people have found their life-long depression vanishes once they change to a Raw Vegan diet, especially if you also consume certified organic produce.

There are lots of books, DVDs and websites dedicated to the Raw Vegan lifestyle, so maybe you should read up on it and seriously consider making the change.

Good Luck

.

Q: what is the difference between the treatment for anxiety and the treatment for depression?
what symptoms distinguish one ailment from the other?

A: A lot of the medications for anxiety and depression overlap because they are both caused by abnormalities of chemicals in the brain. As for distinguishing symptoms depression is more a mood disorder, the person who is unable to come out of a sad mood and is no longer interested in things that used to bring them pleasure. Anxiety on the other hand is more like someone who is on edge, has sweaty palms, a racing heart beat and is constantly worrying about things. As you can probably guess being anxious all the time can lead to depression and vice versa so a lot of people have mixed symptoms.

Q: Has anybody had any success for treatment resistant depression/anxiety on Lithium Carbonate?
I have been put on this by my doc to treat treatment resistant depression & panic/anxiety. I have been on many different meds before with very severe side effects, all of which lead my docs to suggest I am just sensitive to medication. After over a decade of trying to find a “pill that is right for you” I have lost trust and faith in any meds or the doc’s ideas.

Can anyone tell me whether they have had any really great successes with Lithium Carbonate?

I have done a S***load of internet research and have found really conflicting patient reviews & am now just really confused with all the different feedback. Alot more scary sounding side effects from this too.

I have decided to come off all my other meds now (with my doc’s permission) as my brain was just in a fog 24/7, I COULD NOT THINK 24/7, NOR MAKE ANY DECISIONS, even the simplest of ones. So even though I am still suffering from major depression & anxiety, I do feel I have a little bit more clarity of thought now I’m off the anti-deps, benzo’s & buspirone.

No stupid suggestions or comments thanks they are just NOT HELPFUL. I am merely seeking feedback from others who have been to hell and back many times over as I have been and finally found something that works for them…
Thanks people but I do NOT have Bi-Polar disorder. Apparently Lithium Carbonate is ALSO USED to treat (Treatment Resistant) Depression & Anxiety.

Well has anybody found by GOING OFF anti-deps, benzo’s & buspirone (anti anxiety) that they can ACTUALLY THINK CLEARER AGAIN, MAKE DECISIONS AGAIN & not feel so confused, brain in a constant 24/7 fog??? I have only been on Lithium for a couple of weeks now & off the other meds for only a few days…
FYI I have also had 2 different types of brain scans – one where they attached electrodes on my head & monitored my brain waves etc, the 2nd being a CT Scan where I went into a big machine that was like a big donut. Both tests came back fine apparently.

Note re hormones, I have had hormonal problems most of my life! & was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovaries years ago. I am on a monthly hormonal pill for that, which helps heaps, I would be even more of a mess without it!

The Psych docs discredit the above & think my problem is more post traumatic stress disorder, depression & anxiety (GAD)…am I just being too open/honest with them and everyone else??? I don’t know how to be any other way…
FYI 2 my doc has already suggested ECT (electro convulsive “shock” therapy) but that is just way too scary for me to even contemplate, considering there are many people who have got permanent brain damage from that! The meds have caused traumatic/severe enough side effects!!!

I also feel hugely disconnected from myself too, like all this isn’t really happening, like its all surreal, but I know in my head it is.

My Peer Support Worker says she knows what that feels like. Perhaps trauma after trauma builds up, takes its toll & adds up to this has all been just far too traumatic & my emotions & brain have shut off involuntarily, because I can’t will them back, so Post Traumatic Stress Disorder makes more sense. But I dont want just a label to understand, I want to know how to get out of it! Perhaps just alot of rest/sleep whilst coming off these meds & getting my body back in balance, exercise, good nutrition and LISTENING TO MY GUT INSTINCTS over anybody else…

A: I suffer from major depression and anxiety too, so I know a lot of what you are going through. When lithium carbonate is used for depression, it is usually used to augment the effects of an antidepressant. For example, one might take celexa plus lithium, but not lithium alone. However, as you probably know, we all react to psych meds differently. The only way to know for sure if lithium will help is to try it.

I tried lithium when I was on a bunch of meds, but it made things worse rather than better. So my doctor stopped the lithium in about about 4 to 6 weeks.

We are in a similar boat. I am seriously thinking of stopping all my meds, except for Klonopin. First I am addicted to it and, second, I need it to sleep. So I congratulate you on your success with stopping the meds, especially the benzos.

I also went through brain scans and they couldn’t find anything wrong. However, brain scans are mostly useful for detecting major problems like brain tumors.

In the last two years, I have improved a little when I started taking Lamictal (a mood stabilizer) and Abilify (an anti-psychotic). I am not suggesting these exact drugs for you. However, if you decide to go back on drugs, find a shrink who does a lot of research and thinks outside the box. Mood stabilizers and anti-psychotics may help you more than antidepressants.

Someone recently suggested EMPowerplus to me, a vitamin supplement allegedly useful for mood disorders. You are supposed to slowly taper of your meds, while increasing the EMPowerplus. You might look into this: http://www.truehope.com/default.aspx. Also check out EMPowerplus on youtube.com.

Please note: I have only been trying this product for 3 weeks and have not noticed any difference. So I am not recommending this to you, but it is something you might (or might not) consider.

You can email me if you have any comments or questions.

EDIT: My most potent antidepressant is exercise. You might consider starting with a little each day and working your way up. Try to join a health club or go to classes. It is very hard to motivate yourself to exercise when you have to do it alone.

Have you tried therapy and stuff like that?

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