a confused and frustrated moderator

[Kristi]

I hope I'm not repeating myself.......
I have been at a big standstill for awhile now. I'm doing everything right. I exercise a lot, eat raw, added yoga twice a week, don't drink but my weight has plateaud (and trust me there is more to lose), it's even gone up a bit, and I just don't feel a whole lot better of late.

Yesterday I went to the doctor, a D.O. I am currently taking:
200mg wellbutrin in the morning
10mg lexapro
thyroid med
probiotic
digestive enzymes

in the afternoon I take another 100mg of wellbutrin.

I told him that I don't feel any better. My body temp is now normal which means I'm on the right dose of thyroid. I tried to slowly decrease the lexapro (hoping to eventually get off all anti-deps) but in 3 weeks I crashed and burned. I was a wreck. Went back up to full dose. Better. Some say I should just work thru the depression to clean myself of it. Like an addiction. That the brain gets lazy and dependant on the meds and never improves its own production of seratonin. I'm afraid to go off it because I was ready to kill myself by only decreasing one type. I need to function for the sake of the kids, my job, my husband. I don't want to end up dead or hospitalized. If I'm hospitalized the drugs will be back in there and probably increased.

He suggested trying melatonin to aid in getting into a deeper sleep as I never feel refreshed. I tried 1mg last night and woke more refreshed than I have in a long time. I don't think it was a placebo affect as I forgot that I had taken it for awhile and just noticed the fact it was easier to roll out of bed. I actually heard the alarm.......never a problem in the past until recently.

The doc is very "everyone needs animal protein and no fruit as there are too many carbs." I really like his natural approach to everything so far and he seems to be the first medical person that believes what I'm saying!!!!! He listens and doesn't just throw scripts at me. He talks about high carbs of even fruit being bad especially for the depression.....too much sugar high. I need to level out the blood sugar. I'm anemic and he keeps harping on the animal protein. We had a big old "argument" on protein. I printed off and read the stuff Kirk and others sent me about protein. It was kinda fun :) and he agreed with some but said I should still increase the animal protein.

I'm frustrated with everything.........being on the antidepressants and still feeling depressed (only slightly and up & down mood swings--far better than in the past).....and the weight! I'm stuck and people! I have a cruise next August!!!!! This is serious! :D . I wish I could just go away for a few weeks and get cleaned out under the supervision of an expert. Be done with all the antidepressants! Pure and fresh! CAUTION ALISSA! DON'T GIVE ME YOUR ADDRESS OR I MAY SHOW UP ON YOUR DOORSTEP!!!!!!!

Advice, please? I felt funny being a moderator (I'm not worthy) and being so frustrated with everything but what they hey, you all know way more than me. I figured there's no shame in asking for help. Thanks for listening.

[rawwannabe]

Kristi,

I am certain I don't have to tell you that anti depressants cause weight gain. Have you tried weaning yourself (i.e.: gradually reducing your dosage?)

[Kristi]

Supposedly these don't cause weight gain. Very little side effects. Not supposed to affect libido.......mine's at zero :eek: ! I have tried weaning and end up in big trouble. I reduced just the lexapro by skipping a pill every 2 days for 2 weeks then went to every other day for about a week and then I started sleeping all the time, crying all the time, craving bad foods, wanting to drink and smoke, didn't want to exercise, was mean to everyone and ready to drive my car into a tree......but I like my car too much. I didn't care about me.

Let's just say I'm very apprehensive to try it again but I'd like to be off them!

[rawjojo]

Kristi ~
I feel for ya girl. There's not much worse than feeling lousy! I don't know how much help this would be BUT once upon a time when I was depressed I was prescribed Prozac. I did take it for a while (it was during my S.A.D. days) and I believe it did serve it's purpose in raising my seratonin. However, I do believe that the only way to get past it all, is to work though it all. I had to overcome a lot of anger and sadness and anxiety issues. I will also add that when I went through my first colon cleanse I released a bunch of waste from my body and upon releasing that I felt something HUGE lift off of me. I had heard people say that "we hold so much emotional baggage inside of us in the layers of gunk that has been built up over the years" but I didn't believe it until it actually happened to me. I still have a lot of recovering to do and a lot more waste to remove but I have not been on any meds for the past 5-6 years and have felt calmer that ever after that last cleanse. I hope that this helps you some and I know as well as anyone that when you are suffering from depression it doesn't ever seem as though it will lift but keep your chin up because I assure you that it will. I also wanted to tell you that I have not heard wonderful things about wellbutrin. I, of course, don't have any scientific proof to back this up BUT I have heard different testamonials that have not been very positive. I realize though that everyone has thier own opinion about anti-dep. and what works and what doesn't but it seems that in your case it might not be working. Many horrible things have been said about prozac but it worked wonders for my mental health at the time, so go figure! I think it's different with each individual. Currently, I am very ANTI-Medications. I feel as though doctors just try to pacify patients with drugs when a lot of the time patients need other forms of therapy to solve thier problems. If I were you and needed to be on some type of med then I would probably ask my dr. to perscribe me something different to try just to see if it may work better. WHatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of health and happiness. I hope that sunny days will be your again soon! I most of all I hope that you will be able to work through your issues! Good Luck!
rawjojo ;)

[rawwannabe]

Kristi,

Last post before I have to log off and start my day. Have you tried cutting the pills in halves, and quarters, and then perhaps starting with 3/4 of your normal dosage on your regular schedule? Can't hurt, and this way you are not going without the meds for an entire day as mentioned in your post above. Good luck!

[Kristi]

Thank you. I did do a colon cleanse (from Blessed Herbs) at the beginning of the summer. I removed a lot of the mucoid plaque. Although it was wonderful to lose all that I didn't feel it released me of anything emotionally. I've done the therapy route with great success. I made many life changes. I don't believe I'm carrying any negative baggage but who knows.

Thanks for your advice and support.

[lil]

I often experience plateau - even when doing 100% raw, my weight may drop a bit but then plateaus. I don't have a answer for you, but it does indicate a metabolic problem. I would suggest it's more of a hormonal issue - have you had all your hormones tested? And even though you think your thyroid is okay, it still dependent on a medication to function and with medications come fluctuations (and side effects).

Once thing about melatonin - if your thyroid is autoimmune based - melatonin is not recommended for those with autoimmune diseases. It can trigger/ increase the autoimmune resonse.

As someone who also experiences anemia (common with thyroid issues) - it has NOTHING to do with how much protein one eats!. Any doctor that suggests this needs to go back to medical school!. Have you had your ferritin levels checked? Often that's where the depletion is. When my anemia sets in, I increase my Vit C level to 10 grams or more a day - up to tolerance level. Vit C facilitates iron production.

Maybe you do need to consult with someone locally?. It might be worth it to get an opinion from an alternative health care provider. Sometimes they offer free consultations.

Remeber how far you've come and how much change you already made. I know it's frustrating getting through the plateaus... I often try and remember where I was a few years ago - yikes! way over weight, sick, tired....so much better now.

[Rawkinlocs]

Kristi,

I really feel for you but I have no advice as I'm not in your shoes.

But what I wanted to say or rather ask is, do you feel that taking anti-depressants is just like what we say the medical industry does to us with physical ailments...slapping a bandaid on or fixing symptoms and never getting to the root cause? I mean, what is the cause of your depression? Is it things at home? Something from your past? (those are retorical questions and you don't have to answer them HERE...but within) There is no shame in seeing someone to work these things out if you aren't already doing so.

Okay, I edited this to say that I just read what you wrote about therapy and didn't see that before my post. But there is something there causing all this Kristi...perhaps the meds you're currently on now are doing it! When you attempted to wean, the symptoms you experienced could have been withdrawal symptoms or something. I don't know as I'm no expert. But there is a root cause for the depression and feelings that are causing you to feel the need for the anti's and THAT'S what needs to be addressed some how.

But I just have this thing about drugs, especially with all their side effects the toxins they produce in our bodies. If you COULD do it, I would think going away to do a supervised fast sans the drugs would be one of the best things you could do for yourself at this time. Is that an option for you?

There has to be a better way for your body to recover from whatever is going on besides these drugs that apparently aren't working out as well as you or the doctor thought.

Also, just as you said they are not supposed to cause you weight gain, etc...they say such things about a LOT of popular meds out there that end up doing the exact thing they promise you they won't do!

You will be in my thoughts and prayers that a VIABLE solution comes your way very soon! (((hugs)))

[Alissa]

Hi Kristi,
First of all, don’t be embarrassed about writing this and being a moderator. I thought you’d be good for the 'job' because you are honest and insightful and people love you! The fact that you’re willing to share this is why.

I agree with what people have mentioned here. I really don’t think this is about the food for you. Do you know what causes depression? Anger and rage. Sounds simple, hu? Lets just get rid of the anger and rage, but it’s not so simple, it can be very deep seated. But those are the components of depression, even if it doesn’t feel like anger and rage to you which it often wont. It can be hiding in guilt, less then, ego or whatever way it wants to hide. I agree that it is a bandage to take the medication as that is not 'healing ' it but just covering it up and making you feel ok. I don't agree that you should go off of it cold turkey though, it can be a really tough thing which you have seemingly already experienced.

What happens with raw food is that it can begin to 'clear the cobwebs of your mind' and allow you to think straight in order to do the 'real emotional work' that needs to be done. So do i think raw food is helpful with depression? Oh yeah! I have felt it myself. Whenever i would go off of raw i would have a low-grade depression, life was not a 'colorful' etc... Releasing the toxins from your body and mind can help a great deal. And for some people that is enough, sometimes people realize it is an allergy to certain foods or a real toxic environment within the body that is causing the depression. But for others it may not be enough and that’s where you need to do both. The physical and mental. We are not one-dimensional human beings so you cant always expect to do just one thing.

The raw food is probably helping so much, as you said you’ve come so far, but now maybe its time to add some other module. And i really don’t believe that includes eating animal protein. The low iron is not from not eating animals. If it were id be very anemic as I haven’t eaten animal protein in 20 years. You need greens, chlorophyll to assimilate the iron. You can easily do this diet without fruit if you need to for a time being and see if that helps.

Call me and we'll set up a program for you without fruit. It’s not hard to do.
Hope that helps a little. It is a process that you really need to be patient with and one you need to work through in stages.
xo A

[Alissa]

i like what you added rawkinlocs!
Your so loved kristi :D

[smasty]

Hey Kristi...so sorry to hear you're still struggling. I say a prayer for you every day.

I suggested a while back that you might want to consult with someone at Hippocrates or Tree of Life before just following what your DO suggests. There are medical professionals at both those places that probably have experience treating cases like yours. Just a thought. Have you discussed hemp protein with your DO? I love it...it would accomplish an increase in protein intake for you.

[tglasco4]

Hi Kristi,

First, I will pray for you. Second, have you ever done a full Master Cleanse and/or juice fast with no solid food and just liquids? I know the MDs like people to eat solid food with the meds, but it sounds like you need a good 30 day cleaning out. Period. I know a woman I have been talking with recently (she came and visited a few weeks ago) who was on anti-depressants and she called me to tell me she has been off them for several days. At the time she was on here 7th day of the Master Cleanse and planned on following up with a 20 or 30 day juice fast. I need to call her and see how she is doing. But it sounds like a good cleaning of the whole digestive tract will do wonders for you.

Peace.

Todd

[Sharon]

I, too am sorry to hear that you're struggling. As Smasty suggests, I would check into the Tree of Life or Hippocrates. Gabriel Cousens, you know him from your Rainbow Green book, is a psychiatrist. He wrote a book called Depression-Free for Life. I've not seen it myself, but it might be worth a look. At TOL, they now practice a lower-glycemic raw food style. Not for everyone, but then what is?!! ;)

I used to take zoloft, but I've been off of it for some time. We are all different. Please proceed with caution. Living with drugs is better than not living at all.
Love, your fellow Nebraskan!

[Sweet lips]

Hi Kristi,

I personally see no need in you stepping aside as a moderator. In every ones life there is going to be some rain with our sunshine and as for this board, I beleive that there is caring for each and every person and people do understand the times of rain.

As a person who has take the antidepressant lexapro for a little while, I understand what you may be experincing - that comes from the anxiety, fears, and for me the need to be in control.

I have sought therapy for the time when I was unbearable depressed and could not even dress myself -(I have concerns about that time in my life because my husband was dressing me and he is color blind). I learned about me that I had bottled up so much, that I felt the need to be perfect, wanting to please everyone, abuses that I had suffered, and just life in general.

I realize that you may have had therapy, but have you thought of seeking someone else? I had to change and my new therapist was so different, very non traditonal, and that was what I needed at that time.

I do agree with ALissa, anger and rage can be the root causes of depression, and you are not alone, Wonderful person that you are. That is the type of world that we live in. I pray uncessingly and I have added you to my list as I understand for me the power of prayer was what I needed with the other remedies. I also understand that I could not always pray, so somebody prayed for me, and had me on their mind, and took the time to pray for ME, who was feeling unworthy, lonely and in total despair.

Please do not give up the moderator positon because of the rain, clouds and fogg that has come about - it too shall pass. Do a rewound, count your blessings for the things that the creator has done for you, cry when you need to, yell when you need to and remember to laugh because the plateaus, the pain too shall pass. I did find that when I was depressed my body would hold the posions that get my weight up and my blood sugar out of wack, which then start the cycle of depression again. I am learning Kristi that I am always in process and as you work through your raw journey, you are also in process and you will get better for it, stronger within with it, and continue to be blessing to me as you have been

Be blessed today Wonderful in your comings and your goings because you are! ;)

[NWgal]

:) Thanks for being honest Kristi.. You make it easer for everyone else to be honest. You are leading the way with the truth of whats going on with you ..
I say that makes you a smashing role model !

[Curtis]

Hi Kristi,
I for one would miss you as a moderator :( You are very helpful and inspiring to all of us. Like Rawkinlocs said I have no idea what you are going thru as I have been blessed in not having to take drugs. I will keep you in my prayers and believe with you insight will come to you on what to do. Alissa's advice on depression and iron intake seems right to me. I realize the medical community is trying to help us but on some issues they,in my opinion, have been blinded to the truth. On a side note ty Alissa for sharing how long you haven't eaten meat because this area I am still dealing with. :) Not the eating of it but the iron issue.
Please keep us informed of your progress, we are here for you always. :)
Curtis

[Tanja_swe]

Hi Kristi,

you don't know me but I've been lurking for a while so it feels like I "know" you... I'm sorry to hear that you don't feel well. I've suffered from depression myself in the past so I know what it can do to you...

Anyway, what I wanted to tell you is that in the last issue of "Get Fresh" there is an article about "Raw Healing: Depression Free" written by Mary Ziolo. If you would like to read it I'd be happy to scan it and e-mail it to you.

[Kristi]

One thing about melatonin - if your thyroid is autoimmune based - melatonin is not recommended for those with autoimmune diseases. It can trigger/ increase the autoimmune resonse.

No need to worry. Not an autoimmune issue.

[Kristi]

Anyway, what I wanted to tell you is that in the last issue of "Get Fresh" there is an article about "Raw Healing: Depression Free" written by Mary Ziolo. If you would like to read it I'd be happy to scan it and e-mail it to you.

I'd love to read it! Thank you so much! email is lewark@comcast.net

[Kristi]

I suggested a while back that you might want to consult with someone at Hippocrates or Tree of Life before just following what your DO suggests. There are medical professionals at both those places that probably have experience treating cases like yours. Just a thought. Have you discussed hemp protein with your DO? I love it...it would accomplish an increase in protein intake for you.

I guess I forget...sorry. I'll look into it.

[Kristi]

Thank you each and every one of you. I feel all warm and fuzzy from your love and support. You all had wonderful ideas. I will process them all.

Todd,
I tried Master Cleanse for about a day. I could not tolerate the cayenne. I've never done a juice fast.


I really don’t think this is about the food for you. Do you know what causes depression? Anger and rage. Sounds simple, hu? Lets just get rid of the anger and rage, but it’s not so simple, it can be very deep seated. But those are the components of depression, even if it doesn’t feel like anger and rage to you which it often wont. It can be hiding in guilt, less then, ego or whatever way it wants to hide. I agree that it is a bandage to take the medication as that is not 'healing ' it but just covering it up and making you feel ok. I don't agree that you should go off of it cold turkey though, it can be a really tough thing which you have seemingly already experienced.

I agree that the medicine is a bandaid. That's why I was so thrilled when this DO said it's thyroid. I feel like ever since my illness that I've been chemically altered. Maybe I'm just impatient as it's only been 10 years! :rolleyes: . I truly don't feel that I have anger and rage issues. I feel like I've dealt with all that stuff. I feel like I've let go of the guilt. I had a wonderful therapist. She did wonders for me. I just can't afford to keep going. That's why I've tried to find the answers myself.

It's so confusing when you get conflicting information from people you trust. I hear all of you and say "yes, you're right." Then I talk with someone else that is pro-medication (not a doctor, a friend with some of the same problems) and I say "yes, you're right." Now what?

Alissa, I will call you.

Smasty, I take (as often as possible) the shapeshift Alissa sells which is hemp protein. I do a lot of almond milk. I've added more greens.

I get overwhelmed by tracking food, weighing/measuring food, fitday.com blows my mind, etc. I get overwhelmed easily if I try to do too much. I need simplicity in my life. That's what works best.

Well, thanks again. I know this conversation isn't over. I'm off to take a sign language class. Something I've always wanted to know better. Trying to learn Spanish at the same time. So much for simplicity, ha! You all have made me feel so safe and wonderful. I can't thank you enough! I know my life is full of many, many blessings and I don't take them for granted. Some days that's what keeps me going!!!!!!! Love to all!

[Kristi]

I know a woman I have been talking with recently (she came and visited a few weeks ago) who was on anti-depressants and she called me to tell me she has been off them for several days. At the time she was on here 7th day of the Master Cleanse and planned on following up with a 20 or 30 day juice fast. I need to call her and see how she is doing. But it sounds like a good cleaning of the whole digestive tract will do wonders for you.

It usually takes a few weeks of being off the meds to notice the effect. I can go cold turkey off them without any problems for a couple weeks then.....the problems begin. It was at about the 3 week mark for me. Yes, check on her. I hope she is doing well.

Also a long fast is very difficult for me. One, my husband would be very against it. He'd think I was starving myself. Also I cook SAD for three other people.

[mypinkbow]

Cold turkeying off antidepressants or any psychotrophics meds can majorly do more damage than good.........

There is a yahoo group I belong to that is very good and has a moderater with 15 plus years experience with getting people tapered off meds in a less painful way...........

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Withdrawal_and_Recovery/

The moderator is a wonderful blessing to many who are in need of assistance.......

Melissa :)

[Revvell]

Hi Kristi,

Let's address what's happening and how that affects being a moderator first. It doesn't. Awhile after I first began going to my mentor/healer/etc., etc., etc., his live-in girlfriend left him. During class one night, he literally sat on the floor crying. He kept saying "Don't help me through this, help me get into it". Well, being new and not very insightful, I just backed away thinking ~ "...and this guy is going to help ME????"

Well, 16 years later, I finally left after realizing, no, I didn't know who I was (I disputed THAT one when he told me); I had a LOT of anger towards mother, brother and family which I didn't know I had AND didn't know how to express; and then, resolving it all. I started getting this when I was 36. For me, the depression started when I was 13 ~ about a year after my dad died. It ended in my mid-40's (after going through some severe asthma which made me get help). One day I was out on my motorcycle, riding up Angeles Crest Highway (very steep mountainous terrain where, if one isn't paying attention, one could easily just ride off the edge as many do) and I was thinking ~ Hmmm, all I have to do is ride off here and it will all end. Then I thought, "But no, I've not ridden enough yet". Then I realized, I'd not eaten enough (vegetarian) sushi yet, so, I went to my favorite restaurant and picked up some sushi saying ~ "I've not had enough picknics yet", so, I went to a park and enjoyed watching the children play.

That was the last time I was suicidal. I had to dig deep to find out who and what I was angry at. It was a lot of work. Unlike you, I've never taken drugs for my depression so, cannot help you there.

You have my love and support for what you are going through ~

Injoy ~

Revvell

[Pailani]

Kristi, I don't think any of us expects perfection from the moderators here, raw is a relatively new thing for most of us so none of us (except maybe Alissa) is an expert. We're all on this journey together. When you get this all figured out, we'll all benefit from the knowledge of what helped you.

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Hi Kristi, Wow, what a compelling issue. I even used the same words..."If I could just go somewhere & detox off all these meds. " Yes, I've been on Serzone, Lexapro, Wellbutrin & then they wanted me to switch to Paxil. This has been going on for 5 years. I know the whole suicidal thoughts, (only thing that kept me from doing harm to myself was my faith.)

Well, last Feb., as I was going down on my Wellbutrin to transition for the yet "miracle wonder" of Paxil, I started to feel better. Then I got a call, My Dad had a heart attack-so I had to leave suddenly. I was really afraid, as I'm going into this crazy situation & I'm going off my meds. But, I was actually feeling better. I went to a Pharmacist & asked what should I do as I just went off the meds & other than a headache I feel much better. Not so depressed & able to handle the stress of the Hospital plus more....much more. The pharmacist took me to the side & said I just stopped too, take some tylenol for the headache & don't start the Paxil. What does that tell you about the drugs they sell. I was astounded at his honesty.

Anyways, It just seemed to me that I had to start living again. Stop the depression. (I was sleeping day & night.) This is when I started my internet search for RAW & how I found this site.

I feel very blessed to have come so far & I don't want you to think I am telling you to stop taking the meds, but, for me, I was all focused on the "Depression" & It is sooo real. Your heart actually hurts w/pain. :mad: I know what you are going through. I just had to stop focusing on the depression & start living.

Private message/e-mail me if you would like more info, as I don't want to disclose everything I have been through with this cycle.
My Prayers are w/you. :o

Lana Q.

[rawpriestess]

Dear Kristi,

I feel for you dear one.

I take no medication, never have, so I can't begin to relate, or to even help with that part,

But, I am a counselor, and Alissa is right, Depression is anger, and anger is always fear.

Usually what we feel as adults, comes from deep seated childhood issues.

And most of them come from mother or father issues, although it can be anything.

Although, I can't actually help you too much on this board, I can give you some ideas that have helped many of my clients.

If you would like to feel better:

Take a pen and paper, and make sure you have 1 hour time where you can be alone, with NO interuptions.

Write down all the things you are grateful for in your life
you will come to at least two places where you think that there isn't any more, then keep going.

Here are some ideas,
people you love
people who love you
friends,
pets,
house
car
job
family
neighbors,
health
eyesight
hearing
education
all body parts
living in America
living in a house
living
being able to read
any items that you own
pretty much write down everything that you would want to take with you, if you moved to a desert island.

include clothes, shoes, sun glasses, everything,

This should take a while, now look at your list, look at all the friends and family you have, look at all the wonderful things you have purchased in your live,

now do this again, with your accomplishements, graduating from each grade, hgih school, college, essays you have written, cleaning the house, raising your kids, being a good partner to your spouse, etc.

now do this again, with things you want to do this life

this should give you something to strive for, that you want to achieve,

now write down a timeframe for each thing you want to achieve,

now write down when you will start each thing

now write down what you need to buy, or do to achieve these things,

now start.

it is that easy.

good luck

[VeganVixen]

I think this is an older post?????

[fatdogs12]

Hi Kristi,y.

I really don’t think this is about the food for you. Do you know what causes depression? Anger and rage.

I don't mean this in any disrespectful way nor am I trying to start an arguement but I don't think that depression nessasarily results from anger. I think depression results from the idea that life will be bad (awful) in the future or now. Generally I think anger results from something going against the way something "should" be. I have not seen thus far any situation that I have been in where I was upset that I didn't believe that things "should" be a certain way.

You know, you let someone in in front of you in traffic and they don't wave, you get angry at them because they "should" show some common courtesy.

I don't nessasarily see any correlation between anger and depression other than the fact that both can be present at the same time.

Think about this, a person could have thier spouse die and could be very depressed over it. Many times there will be anger but certainly not in all cases. However when there are both anger and depression it's usually from two seperate but co existing ideas: "Life will be awful with out them" / "I need them" and "They shouldn't have died" / "I should be able to be with the person I love".

For years I felt miserable, suicidal. I saw a psychologist and tried to work out my problems. I certainly did learn a lot but mostly I found that no matter what I did I still didn't feel better. That really prompted me to study every emotion I could on my own to see what the common factors were, where did each emotion come from, what mental processes were involved. All in all in my research I did almost 10,000 pages in notes and research. Now I understood where mostly every emotion I felt came from and how to change it. Still though I felt bad even when things were good in my life... :confused:

Then about 5 or 6 months ago I started thinking that maybe it was physical (which I had rejected outright any time anyone even brought up the idea) when I realized that if it was psychological I probably would not be feeling bad when things were good for me in my life (it was more than feeling bad however, I was tired ALL the time, couldn't do anything stressful without having to sleep).

Ironically though I gave it no thought at the time for the last 6 or 7 years I ate out 3 meals a day EVERY SIGLE DAY with only very rare exceptions. When I was at home I would guzzle down soda like gas into an SUV, eat candy by the boatload. etc.

After going on a better diet I feel the difference, a million times more. It's much better to be able to remember more than just your name. I guess my whole point in this is that there is a definite distinction between emotions and physical health but both are important. The most sane and reasonable psychological ideas I have seen in a book were written by Albert Ellis. I would suggest "A guide to rational living" it actually shows were emotions come from. Though he doesn't understand everything, he is lightyears ahead of the rest.

If you have any questions I would be glad to respond. I have read (it seems) every book on psychology out there and would be glad to discuss it.

- Matt