Depression help PLEASE!

[Mango]

I could really use some advice about what some of you have gone through on your journey with raw and depression.

My 17 yo daughter has suffered from depression her entire life. I took her off of gluten 3 years ago which seemed to help a great deal. She has had some ups and downs since then but nothing as bad as it was until recently.

Last week she really bottomed out with her depression. She is also a self injurer. She hasn't injured herself for 2 years and then did it this past week. I told her that she had to do something drastic in order to get herself well. I cannot send her off to college next year in this shape. I asked her if she would give raw a try for a month to see how she feels. She agreed. Thank God!

She has been doing raw for 9 days now. The first 4 days were miserable for her. She had severe headaches and stomach aches. The headaches are gone now but she still has undigested food and stomach pain. She is completely exhausted all the time. She seems almost sedate. She walks around like she is a zombie. I am extemely concerned for her. I have read that sometimes before one commits suicide that they are very calm. I am not sure if this calmness is coming from the diet or something else.

She went to her psychiatrist today and he doubled her dosage of Lexapro. I am not happy about it. I hate drugs but will do anything to keep her alive and happy.

She is only doing this diet for me. I don't feel like I have much time. Can anyone who has gone raw for depression give me some encouragement? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Maureen

[rawstrength]

Relax. It's only been 9 days on the raw food diet. Allow your daughter some time to adjust.
And remember, you know her better than any doctor or stranger on the internet.
:hugs:
I'm sure you will get many honest and helpful responses as many on this website have overcome depression through raw foods.

[Zaphirah]

((((mango and lil mango))))

I have had depression all my life. Raw makes it so much better! I feel like I *finally* know who I am. Also-how about a life coach? I have a therapist/life coach. I like the coaching approach, as it is MOTIVATING and I don't know about all therapists, but mine doesn't let me "wallow" in self pity and past traumas. I'm 34 and I finally feel like I am getting it together.

When I first went raw it was AWFUL as far as emotional detox, but now I feel GREAT most days.

I too have a child that self injures. He's 10 yo and was in the hospital for 8 days last Feb when I walked in the room and found him with a pocket knife poised....:(

As far asw meds go...don't feel bad if you use them as a tool to keep her alive and well. As she gets better she may be more open to other ideas. I've taken a whole lotta cr@p from my family about having my ds on meds-but I feel it's my job to keep him alive and functioning, until he is old enough to take charge of his life. If you are getting any flack-IGNORE IT. Do what you gotta mamabear!

Best of Health to You!

[Revvell]

Food is a big part of the answer yet, as someone here said, she needs to get her mind right through therapy. Find someone who understands the problem and the process. There's a lot of self-esteem issues going on here. Methinks you already know the drugs will eventually cause more damage than help.

Sorry to say but most "life coaches" have have gone through a 3-day training to get certified and most therapists have read a lot of books. Take your time, find someone you can trust, who's been doing the work longer than a few months ~ through referrals maybe?

Most can be done over the phone now.

Best to you,

Revvell

[Mango]

Thanks Rawstrength!

Zaphirah-Sorry to hear your son is going through this too. It is such a hard thing to understand as a parent. Do you remember how long your emotional detox lasted? I know everyone is different but I would like to have some idea. The hard part of this is that it is not her choice to be raw. She is just doing it for me. I need her to buy into it soon.

Thanks for the input Revvell!

[Zaphirah]

yes-Revvell makes a good point-my coach is a licensed therapist-he just has more of a coaching and motivating attitude, rather than hold handing and belly rubbin', ya know?

My detox would be really bad for 1-2 days, then better for 1-2 days then really bad again, then good again, for maybe a month-then staying 100% RAW is the only way to beat the Blues. I went off raw in Feb when my ds was in the hospital and it TOTALLY came back, full force. I tried to eat mainly raw over the summer, and only eat some cooked grains, but I gradually ate more and more cooked, less and less raw and found myself in another "funk". I finally went 100% again 3-4 weeks ago and I feel like a million bucks again. :)

I've got my dc committed to 6-12 months starting Saturday. I think you will need more than 30 days to see drastic changes, but by 30 she should be feeling somewhat better and then amybe she would want to commit to another 30, ya know?

[Inca_faerie]

I think St. Johns wart (300 mg, 3 times a day) would help her a lot.
Here's a link with some info.

http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.asp?id=459

Staying away from dairy and wheat would be a good idea, that stuff seems to mess with the brain. I hope she feels much better soon.:)

[shashibala]

My heart goes out to you and your daughter. I have suffered from severe depression since I was 13. It is so hard and so painful. I was on several different medications. My experience was that they would work well for a few months. I would be ecstatic and then they would stop working and I would be more depressed than ever. I am now 42 years old and have been raw for 9 1/2 months. My moods still fluctuate around my period and occasionally at other times, but I am more even than I have been at any other time in my life.
I weaned off of Lexapro when I'd been raw for a month. It was very hard. The withdrawal is very difficult and, as you must know, any change in the medication increases suicide risk. Be very careful with the meds. The foods that I found the worst for me were sugar, caffeine, and cooked grains (especially wheat).These foods cause mood swings and crashes for me as well as food cravings. Also, dairy products make my periods and pms worse.
Your daughter is so lucky to have you there supporting her. I'm glad she is willing to try being raw. It really does help, but it can take time. I wish you both all the best on this difficult journey.
Kendra

[Stina]

Yes, raw food will make a significant impact. Please keep reading books on the raw vegan diet, like Dr. Gabreil Cousens; he's a psychiatrist and raw vegan. He's helped extremely ill people to wellness. Read lots and lots and keep communicating here on the board. It does take time but once she's over the initial painful hump of detoxing, she'll find relief quickly.
Do you have a plan also to address the emotional and spiritual issues that accompany it, like finding a good support group, spiritual outlet, etc? You sound like a special, sweet open-minded mother. My prayers are with you!

[annavon]

You might try the book the "Triple Whammy Cure". I know the title is kind of funny sounding, but it is a good book. It is written by a naturopath and he suggests natural ways to deal with depression among other illnesses that affect women. He recommends various herbs and vitamins, diet, relaxation and excercise for each type of disorder. One thing he does say that it is important to have enough carbs in the morning to help with seratonin production. You might make sure she gets a good supply of fruit in the morning.

(((hugs))) to both of you.

[Mango]

Kendra-glad you are doing good on raw. I would really like her to come off the meds but my husband and entire family are big into meds being the cure for everything. I am fighting a lonely battle here trying to do it naturally. I truly believe it can be done. I am going to keep her on the meds for now because I can't have her go through any more detox than she can handle for now.

Stina-I will read Dr. Cousens book. I have heard of him but never read any of his books. Thanks for the suggestion. We do belong to a church and it is wonderful and most helpful to know that we are being prayed for. Thanks for your prayers.

Annavon-I have not heard of that book. I will look into that also. It is so hard for her to take control of her depression. She feels so hopeless. I have a very hard time getting her to take any vitamins or supplements. I am not sure why. She has no problem taking the drugs.

Thanks so much for all the help and support. It means so much!

[Thick]

I was suicidal and depressed for many years before raw. I am occasionally sad and still have some rage..but I am never suicidal anymore. Before, when I had any problem at all, no matter how small, the answer was always f*** it, im just going to kill myself. Now, I never did attempt ( I would have succeeded)--but it is hell wanting to year after year, whether you attempt it or not.

I think it's not just a matter of eating substances that we are allergic to or are toxic or foreign--but being severely malnourished. Green smoothies helped me (and help me) so much. My first few I was literally very high after drinking them(my favorite is spinach and banana). Healthy fats from nuts and avacadoes help so much, too.

As far as the zombielike emotional detox goes--she will go through all the reasons she is depressed on her way back up--and probably find the source of it all. Does she have someone other than you and her counselor to talk to?

If she is only doing raw for you, then she might not be as raw as you think. If she is really trying--let her get on the computer and order some food or items that she might like.

http://www.rawvolution.com/

http://www.rawveganbooks.com/index.php

Maybe the two of you could get out of town (or if your lucky in town) and go to a raw restaurant together. Maybe some sort of relaxing spa vacation where the emphasis is not on depression, but healing and relaxation. Or a vacation out to nature away from all of her current prisons.

What does she really want? What would ease her stress? Is she overwhelmed with schoolwork? Maybe try a tutor that she interviews for herself or homeschooling her awhile? I have read that suicidal tendencies have a lot to do with stress being greater than coping mechanisms and that you either need to reduce the stress or increase coping mechanisms.

All that being said, raw food is really a miracle cure for many things--and I can testify that it cures severe depression.

I'm so impressed with your love for her, and I'm sure she realizes how deep and true your caring is as well. Green smoothies!=)

[Thick]

another raw meal delivery site=
http://www.purerawcafe.com/Welcome%20to%20Pure%20To%20Go%20serving%20gourmet% 20living%20cuisine%20nationwide!.htm

also, look for raw food meetups in your area for support for both of you. Sometimes a bunch of new friends ( or one=) can make a world of difference.

www.meetup.com

[Mango]

Wonderful ideas, Thick. We live near Chicago and have raw restaurants close by. I like your ideas. I will try and get her online to buy some food. I am trying to get her to drink green smooothies. She is not too fond of them. Yesterday I made a bunch of fruit leather for her to take to school.

[Thick]

. She is not too fond of them.

Maybe try making them more simply. What sort of fruit does she like? For me, a handful or two of spinach, one or two frozen (or not) bananas and some water is really good. Everyone in my family (including picky dh) like this one.

Or just pick her favorite fruit and blend it with a tiny bit of spinach, cilantro, parsley or romaine. Kale seems to be an aquired taste.

If she doesn't like sweet green smoothies, try savory?

red salsa
green salsa
bloody mary
pesto
blended soup recipes w/ greens added

[Stina]

OH, I was just thinking about introducing your daughter to the books by Victoria Boutenko's kids. I think both have published on the subject of raw. Maybe your young woman would relate more to the concept of raw foods coming from other young people.:)

[Mango]

Oooh! great idea. Thanks!

[curlygirl82]

My heart really goes out to you and your daughter! I can't speak to the impact of the raw food diet on depression, because I just started it about a week ago - and so far it makes me feel absolutely wonderful.

I was wondering, though - maybe some light exercise would help? I don't know if she does any, but in my experience battling depression, it absolutely works wonders. I know there are tons of studies about the endorphins released during exercise, and I've certainly felt it. Even something as simple as a 30 min walk would really boost my mood, and it would last for about 24 hours. I like doing it on my own - it becomes kind of like a walking meditation. If she doesn't want to go on her own, maybe take her to a park and walk with her? Just a thought, hope it helps. Best of luck to you both.

[Mango]

I agree with the exercise. I want her to do yoga with me. For now she is still so exhausted that I am just going to have her rest until she is feeling better. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words.

[carolg]

I keep bringing up www.hacres.com cause I read some many testimonies. Not all will go 100% raw, but they believe take them up to hopefully 85% raw with results. Check testimonies in tips or site search, but not comprehensive of course.

How about getting her some barley powder and going heavy to start spread out several times per day is my suggestion. Check on last two health tips at www.hacres. One recent, one last weeks.

Hope you all your sufferers or families the best to your health

carolg

[Zaphirah]

oh mango-I just had a thought-how about yoga nidra? I downloaded this from itunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=271119845&s=143441

It has been so helpful!

Also-I love the idea of the Boutekos kids books. Sergei has made 1 or 2 dvds too. I recall one being quite fun and silly.

Thinking of you two today.
Much love and health to you!
Zaph

[Mango]

Carol-We have tried the Barley Max but she cannot have gluten. I know they say it is gluten free but it definately affected her. I will look there for the testimonies. I remember one of their videos had someone who recovered from depression and anger. I should pull that one out for her.

Zaphirah-thanks for the link and the thoughts. I ordered the Boutenkos books yesterday. Can't wait to get them.

I will give you an update on her. She seems to be a little less tired. I am thankful she is sleeping because sleeping has always been difficult for her. Her mood seems to be content. I asked how the depression was and she said she doesn't feel anything. She is not sad or happy but she wants to be happy. I feel like we are heading in the right direction (at least the depression isn't horrible like it was last week). So far she has stuck to the diet. Thank God!

Thanks so much for all your concerns and ideas. You have no idea how much this helps me.

[roseyonnex]

I second Dr. Gabriel Cousens book "Concious Eating." I'm reading it now, and not quite done...it's like 900 pages so it's going to take awhile. Very interesting, in-depth. It covers a lot of subjects, but it does go over depression and eating raw and how he has had success with treating patients with depression through diet.

[roseyonnex]

Just wanted to mention a part in Gabriel Cousens book I thought was intersting on feeding our brain correctly. Apparently our brain uses the MOST glucose of any organ in our body. And "glucose" is defined as a simple form of sugar that acts as fuel for the body.

If we don't get enough glucose from to feed our brain cells, it can result in depression and other mental illnesses. Eating processed food that do not assimilate correctly, or are hard to assimilate into glucose, can lead to depression, and other brain illnesses, etc. And the reason raw food works so well in correcting depression is because our body can easily digest and assimilate the food into glucose to feed our brain properly so it has all the energy it needs to work properly.

Anyway, thought that was some interesting physiology of how it kind of all works. Obviously, that is a simplified, dumbed-down version to it all, but in a nutshell that what he was saying.

Gabriel Cousens also goes into our different body types and what raw food works the best for our body types, fast oxidizers and slow oxiders and parasypathetic and sympathetic....don't ask me to explain those here! ha!

I would like to hear any comments on this if anybody has read his book and implemented it....

[Medusa1977]

When I was a teenager I would swing from rage to apathy so fast my mother referred to it as the PMS train. (regardless, if I had PMS or not.) I remember the frustration I felt about not being able to get people to understand my feelings. It's hard on the parents (sorry mom) and the kids because feelings expressed in words aren't correct. They can only come close.
Depression for me has always been very sneaky and only once I was in the muck of it did I realize what was happening.
My salvation came from believe it or not (and I don't advise this for everyone) was to drop out of school and go to work. Leaving school for the real world was a wake up call, outside of the cluster of other hormonal kids and authority figures I was able to explore who I was and what I was going through, as well as, make friends with people who would become my mentors and friends for life, even though, I no longer work with them.
Your daughter believe it or not may not want to go to college, really. On the surface we want so many things because we think we should want them but deep down we don't.
Changing her diet was an excellent start, and if you can get her into exercise all the better, but also encourage self exploration, art, religion, mythology, science. You both might be surprised at the direction she takes and blossoms in. Good Luck!:o

[brydee]

Hi Maureen,

Im 19 and i have severe depression, have been suicidal, severe anxiety, social phobia....!

When i went raw being raw was not enough, although i did manage to come off the pills because i knew what it was doing to my body and was counteracting the reason why i went raw...to get healthy! I now take more 'superfoods' and super herbs than anything else, i have to or i do get depressed..through what others have said and myself and my medical history i think i must have a hormonal imbalance. I now make sure i have he shou wu and cacao everyday or everyother day, i take other stuff but these two are a must have! something like hemp seeds or flax seeds also really seem to help my brain in that department..quick reply, i will try and think of more later

[brydee]

Oh yes, i also strongly agree with what people have said about exercise, it works miracles for me, i know as soon as i stop exercising and eating cooked food i will get BAD depression!!
When your depressed though the last thing you want to do is exercise, make sure its something that she wants to do, maybe with friends etc
Something like rollerblading,horseriding,climbing,running etc?

The reason i normally have off days with exercise is because i hate exercising indoors, even with music i find it mind numbing and boring...im an outdoor person!

[Mango]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, comments and ideas. They have been very helpful.

Brydee-You sound just like my daughter. How long have you been raw? Do you do low fat raw or high fat? How long did it take you to start feeling better? What superfoods and super herbs do you take? Do they make any without wheatgrass or barleygrass? She cannot have any gluten. Do you take vitamins? Sorry for all the questions. I am so desperate.

[Stina]

I found the medical advice in Dr. Gabriel Cousens book to much to wade through. The gist of it is find out what works for you with the raw diet, but heavy emphasis on the use of amino acids for mental problems. You know a really easy way to get the amino acids we need for good mental health? A variety of leafy greens! Hence suggestions for green smoothies...:)

[brydee]

Mango- Don't worry about it! I have alot of eating problems, so i have been 100% raw for some 80%-back to 0% in the past year, i managed to stay 100% for 2/3 months and i felt brilliant!! im trying again right now 100% again, iv been back fully raw food wise for past 3 days minus 2 cups of black coffee everyday.
I also couldn't have gluten for a few years previous to going raw. the only things i can think of that i eat that may have gluten in are oats now and again, but i don't think they do?
I've been on off raw for around a year and it took me around a month before I saw and felt the effects and realised it was the raw food!

I didn't feel that good until i started adding the supplements to my diet to be honest though, i don't follow a strict pattern, i tend to eat what my body wants to eat or id give up straight away. So I cant really answer the low fat or high fat. I do eat coconut,cacao and avacado on a regular basis, so I guess its high fat, I will have days were I just want to eat berries and nothing else, or just greens.

The things i make sure i have everyday or every other day to feel my best are:
Cacao -either i make a chocolate bar and add superfoods like maca etc into it or i will have 5-20 beans depending how bad i feel or what im doing, some people will say thats a silly amount, but i've talked to others who have anxiety/depression and the way we see it is, its better than pills! they dont taste that great in bean form, but when im not hungry i take them like this and swig them down with some tasty smoothie or juice. I would really recommend the 'naked chocolate' book by shazzie and david wolfe, other than the wonderful recipes, it made me adore raw chocolate even more, it tells you everything thats good about it, its history etc.
He shou wu This stuff I also swear by, it lifts my mood as soon as i have taken it, i take about a teaspoon a day or every other day as a tea(off the boil or it will kill it!) or in a raw chocolate bar or smoothie. Other than lifting my mood, it has done wonders for my hair! my hairdresser who has cut my hair since i was a baby has said how wonderful it is since taken it, how healthy, its texture and how much it has grown! This might appeal to your daughter if you tell her that!:)
Sea Greens I really cannot stand the taste of seagreens but the effects outway the taste, saying that, the only one i can stomach is noki and i make it into a tuna with mayo subsitute and eat it on flax crackers, cucumber sticks or with a salad. i could give you the recipe if you like.
Etherium I take the gold and pink at the moment, it looks expensive, but for how much your suppose to take, works out quite cheap! This stuff is brilliant, it balances your brainwaves, i would do more research on everything i have said though.

I take lots of other things but these are the things i consider v.important for my mood and head. For mood and if you cannot afford anything else i would say cacao!

Kate wood has a book out that just revolves around superfoods and nothing else, its a really funky book, its very arty also and just...magic! Being around your daughters age, i would say this is one of my favourite books that i look at nearly everyday because its not as text book.... and of course alissa's book is great!

You or your daughter can pm me or email me if you like, or have any more questions.

Oh and i don't take vitamins, just make sure i try and get everything from my foods

[Dimond]

Here's a free ebook for depression that goes into detail about amino acids and other supplements:

http://www.thewayup.com/upfrmdwn.htm

Seaweed is also available in concentrated capsule form for those that don't enjoy it.

E3Live Brain/Depression product:
http://tinyurl.com/4485sx

[rosepetals]

E-3 live brain on works really great for depression. I use both the tincture and the fresh frozen. It is a raw blue green alge. As a bonus it has increased my enegry by 100% and my strength is improving. Do a search for it to read more details.

[Mango]

I went to Whole Foods and the health food store today looking for the E3live. Is this something that you can only get online? If so, where have you been ordering it from.

Thanks!

[mongodelight]

Many people eat when they are a little or very depressed. When they feel better. But the emotion is stocked inside. If u act like this for 10 years there is a lot of negative emotion accumulated. So in this case depression within the first weeks of detoxing is very normal. You shouldnt eat raw food to feel better, it holds you back from releasing the negative energy. Not doing anything, crying, laying down and not moving and letting those feelings rise onto the surface is in my experience the best reaction. There are all kinds of stocked emotions that are released in the first weeks of detoxing. They have to leave your body to become 100% healty again. Otherwise u never come to the point when you re enjoying your raw food paradise 100%. We dont need stocked emotions, we re living now and with our lifestyle we can have a big multiple of positive emotions than the standard person. But we have to get rid of the stocked emotions by letting them be and dont fighting against

with overeating, or other attempts to feel better.

When it gets to hard you can do sth to feel better(not eating, not drugs)
but if u can stand it, let it be

LET IT BE! There are also great positive emotions released that has been stocked inside.

Laughing out of nowhere like you re crazy, feeling feelings of wellbeeing that makes u cry, energy rushes that feel outrageous powerful etc

[rawstrength]

Many people eat when they are a little or very depressed. When they feel better. But the emotion is stocked inside. If u act like this for 10 years there is a lot of negative emotion accumulated. So in this case depression within the first weeks of detoxing is very normal. You shouldnt eat raw food to feel better, it holds you back from releasing the negative energy. Not doing anything, crying, laying down and not moving and letting those feelings rise onto the surface is in my experience the best reaction. There are all kinds of stocked emotions that are released in the first weeks of detoxing. They have to leave your body to become 100% healty again. Otherwise u never come to the point when you re enjoying your raw food paradise 100%. We dont need stocked emotions, we re living now and with our lifestyle we can have a big multiple of positive emotions than the standard person. But we have to get rid of the stocked emotions by letting them be and dont fighting against

with overeating, or other attempts to feel better.

When it gets to hard you can do sth to feel better(not eating, not drugs)
but if u can stand it, let it be

LET IT BE! There are also great positive emotions released that has been stocked inside.

Laughing out of nowhere like you re crazy, feeling feelings of wellbeeing that makes u cry, energy rushes that feel outrageous powerful etc

I have experienced this, too. The release of stored up emotions when going raw . . . it can be very intense.

[Mango]

That is very good to know. She is still VERY depressed. I worry about her so much! I hope she can hang in there long enough to see the wonderful benefits of raw. On top of it all, she now has a cold. UGH!

[HolyGuacamole]

brydee, would you mind sharing your source for etherium?
TIA!

[brydee]

Of course!

Its cheapest if i get it from http://www.rawmagic.co.uk/ because i will buy other things whilst on there. If you havn't tried camu camu get some, its GORGEOUS!! like nutmeggy sherbet!

I get the powder and just stick my finger in, but this website do sprays and capsules also, id check if the capsules are vegan though, i would of thought they would be http://www.newhuman.co.uk/etheriumgold.html

[Goji]

You sound really worried about your daughter; I can only imagine how stressful this must be for you.

Depression can frequently be a sign of magnesium deficiency and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. Magnesium is essential for healthy nerve function; stress depletes the body of its stores, but also the more stressed your daughter is, the more magnesium her body will need to cope with the stress.

Raw cacao is the highest natural source of magnesium and is chock-full of antioxidants. It also contains a mood-boosting chemical, which will give your daughter a natural high.

The best raw, vegan source of omega-3 is linseed or the blue-green algaes (spirullina or chlorella). If you choose to take linseed oil, make sure it's cold-pressed and comes in amber bottles and has been stored in the refrigerator, because heat makes the oil go rancid.

B-vitamin complex is also essential for healthy nerve function.

I have found my mood has improved overwhelmingly since I have started eating raw cacao and goji berries every day. Nothing else has come close to boosting my happiness levels and I've been raw for nearly 20-years.

[Mango]

Thanks Goji! I am very worried about her. She is a great person with so much to give. I hope that someday she will see it.

Fortunately she loves the cacoa. I make sure she has a green smoothie each day. I wish she was better at taking vitamins. She absolutely hates the taste of the B vitamins. Even though it is a capsule, she still tastes it and I can't get her to take them. Thanks for your help.

[Dimond]

You can add the B-vitamins or any other supplement (with or without the capsules) into the smoothie or get it in powder form to add.

If Cacao works, you may want to try a more concentrated form of it like a tincture or other supplement.

The E3Live products can usually only be purchased on-line.

[rawstrength]

You can add the B-vitamins or any other supplement (with or without the capsules) into the smoothie or get it in powder form to add.

If Cacao works, you may want to try a more concentrated form of it like a tincture or other supplement.

The E3Live products can usually only be purchased on-line.


More is not neccesarily better. If cacao is good, more cacao won't do more good.
I think it's better to go for whoel foods, like a whole cacao bean, then tinctures and supplements.
I hope your daughter feels better soon! If you feel it would be appropriate, you could have your daughter email me at ezo@comcast.net . I am always looking to connect to other raw teens and raw young adults. (and people of all eating habits and all ages, of course :) )

[RawPaw]

I hate to say this, but nutrition shouldn't be the first thing on your list as everyone here is suggesting even though it's essential.

I wish I could've chimed in a while back.

Depression and hopelessness comes from trauma and or control.

If she's had a controlling or manipulative parent or boyfriend, the confusion for what constitutes as love can cause problems.

If she's been sexually or emotionally abused by someone, it also causes one to have tremendous fear and dread, as if she can't trust anyone and feels like nothing will protect her.

Self harm gives one a sense of control. "I control my emotions and my pain" either with food or cutting, or an unhealthy sexual appetite.

Let her know she is loved, without any conditions. Let her know that she is valued for who she is and do not have pre-conceived notions of what she should be.

All addictions and health issues stem from our ability to cope with trauma and control. When we find what causes our fears, we can be free. Love is not controlling, it's freeing.

[Dimond]

Rawstrength, when it comes to depression, which is usually one of the worst illnesses, one needs to do whatever possible to feel better. If cacao is working a some, but not a lot, it makes sense to increase it to see if it can work even better. Just like with anything, you need to experiment. It's not true that more won't work. Everyone is different. Unfortunately, food alone doesn't always work. Would be wonderful if it did, but supplements are often a necessity and a much better alternative to medicine. When someone is on the brink of death, almost anything is worth trying.

Depression, like any mental illness, isn't always just about what's going on in one's life, but can be a nutrient deficiency, can be immune system related, hormone related, brain problem, etc.

[cherrypie]

Thanks Goji! I am very worried about her. She is a great person with so much to give. I hope that someday she will see it.

Fortunately she loves the cacoa. I make sure she has a green smoothie each day. I wish she was better at taking vitamins. She absolutely hates the taste of the B vitamins. Even though it is a capsule, she still tastes it and I can't get her to take them. Thanks for your help.

Mango,

there is also a connection between yeast overgrowth/ candida and depression. if your daughter had been on heavy medication for many years it will quite likely have tamperd with her digestive systems and though detox is limited.

I know that the reasons for depression a multiple and complex but take the yeast issue into consideration. If yeast overgroth is an issue it is best to stay away from everything that feeds it such as fruit (exception apples and blueberries), vinigar and refined sugars- in some cases you should also stay away from grains for about 4 weeks, take acidopholus ad buy a colon cleanse/ candida kit from your health food store

I myself suffered severly from depression during and after my pregnancies, I harmed myself, was misserable, I was more than ready to take any medication around when I met my GP who is very much into alternative medicine and talked me into an colon detox and candida fight , I did it , went raw and the depression was gone within 4 weeks. then i went back to cooked foods and over teh period of 12 month I was back were I stared. Now I comitted myself to be 100% raw forever and I am blooming.

Be aware that it will be a long journey for your little one and for you but there is light at the end of the tunnel. (have you ever checked with the doctors id the depression might be genetical disposition as it runs in families?)

I wish her and you all luck and sunshine

[Mango]

Thanks for all the input. I am weighing all the info I get. It is really appreciated.

I truly do believe that her depression is from her diet. She was depressed from the time she was a very young girl. It runs in the family. We have very severe mental illness on my husbands side. She is very open with both my husband and I. We have asked her countless times if she has been abused or raped and she says "no". I do believe her. She is a wonderful person with such a sweet personality. Not a rebellious bone in her body. She responded very well when we took her off of gluten 3 years ago. The depression seemed to vanish within days. Her diet was much better at the time also. But since than she has developed very poor eating habits. There is a definate correlation.

On a more positive note, I want to give you an update. I have been praying for a glimpse of hope. God has given me a glimpse and I am so excited. She came home from school today full of energy. She said it was the first day that she did not sleep through her classes since school has started. There was a little hop in her step. She even went to see a movie tonight with a girlfriend. She was cracking jokes and laughing. I can't tell you how happy this makes me. There is no better feeling than to hear your child laugh. It means the world to me.

Thanks so much for all the support. I will keep you updated.

[shashibala]

I'm so happy to hear that your daughter is feeling better! Depression is so painful. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

[RawPaw]

Thanks for all the input. I am weighing all the info I get. It is really appreciated.

I truly do believe that her depression is from her diet. She was depressed from the time she was a very young girl. It runs in the family. We have very severe mental illness on my husbands side. She is very open with both my husband and I. We have asked her countless times if she has been abused or raped and she says "no". I do believe her. She is a wonderful person with such a sweet personality. Not a rebellious bone in her body. She responded very well when we took her off of gluten 3 years ago. The depression seemed to vanish within days. Her diet was much better at the time also. But since than she has developed very poor eating habits. There is a definate correlation.

On a more positive note, I want to give you an update. I have been praying for a glimpse of hope. God has given me a glimpse and I am so excited. She came home from school today full of energy. She said it was the first day that she did not sleep through her classes since school has started. There was a little hop in her step. She even went to see a movie tonight with a girlfriend. She was cracking jokes and laughing. I can't tell you how happy this makes me. There is no better feeling than to hear your child laugh. It means the world to me.

Thanks so much for all the support. I will keep you updated.

Very cool. As long as you have a completely open relationship, she will be honest to you and that's awesome. You never know if they are embarrassed or ashamed if something did happen. If it is nutrition, maybe excersize or getting more sunlight.

[Moretta]

Happy to hear that your daughter is feeling more energy.

Good luck to the both of you.

[HolyGuacamole]

Of course!

Its cheapest if i get it from http://www.rawmagic.co.uk/ because i will buy other things whilst on there. If you havn't tried camu camu get some, its GORGEOUS!! like nutmeggy sherbet!

I get the powder and just stick my finger in, but this website do sprays and capsules also, id check if the capsules are vegan though, i would of thought they would be http://www.newhuman.co.uk/etheriumgold.html

brydee, thank you so much for the information.
I hadn't noticed that you'd replied until I decided to peek back at this thread just now.
I appreciate your help. :)

Hope your daughter is continuing to feel better, Mango.

[Mango]

Thanks. She is no longer doing the raw diet :(. Her psychiatrist switched her meds and she has been feeling much better. Of course I have extremely mixed emotions about this as you can imagine. I want more than anything for her to be happy but of course I hate the whole medicine route. I hope that someday she will go back to the raw diet when she is ready.

[HolyGuacamole]

I'm sorry it's been difficult for you guys.
Sending love and prayers. *hugs*

[littlemarie]

Raw was part of waht healed my depression. only part though. i thought i had healed it completely with raw but it came back. not as bad but still bad. its a change of thinking that healed me. i couldnt do it without faith. i hope that helps