Hi there. Looking for support--

[InfinityDucks]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking around these forums for the past couple of days. I've been eating raw for 22 days now.

Anyway, I'll cut straight to the point: I've been severely depressed for the past 6 months (actually it dates back further, but it got worse more recently) I've tried going to several doctors, tried out medication as well as amino acid supplements, but nothing seemed to work. The thing is, I'm not a depressed-type person; there's nothing really depressing in my life. But my energy and stress tolerance has gotten so low recently that I had to (hopefully temporarily) drop out of college. So like I said, 22 days ago I decided to go Raw in hopes of getting rid of this depression. After 2 weeks my cooked food cravings finally got more manageable and my chaffed knuckles finally got smooth, but my depression/lethargy is still on full force.

So I'm mainly wondering if anyone else has had a case similar to mine; I'm wondering if it's "normal" to not feel any relief after 22 days. I've actually been sleeping about 12-15 hours a day now-- I'm hoping it's just detox.

Also, if anyone has any suggestions, be it diet related or otherwise, feel free to share.

Thanks in advance-- you guys have a great forum here!

[irishserra]

Hi there,

Welcome to the forums. We're really glad to have you. I'm really sorry you're feeling so depressed. That, to me, can be worse than having any other sickness.

Keep to the raw. In time, you will feel a difference, even in your mood. Keep in mind, that it takes some time for your body to rid itself of years worth of accumulated toxins, and that the very process of your body eliminating toxins has been known to contribute to depression.

That being said, there are things you can do to help the process along:

Exercise is very important. It's the only way our lymph systems have of circulating and detoxing, so get good and sweaty. :p Follow with a nice soak in a tub of epsom salts to draw out more toxic stuff.

Also, I find that dry brushing helps immensely. If you are unfamiliar with dry brushing, run a search; there are threads dedicated to it here on RFT.

Get a little bit of sun.

And keep in contact with the people on the forum. I have been on and off of raw foods, but there are plenty of very dedicated, knowledgeable RFT members with so much insight. I find this site extremely encouraging, even when I have the silliest of questions, so please feel free to ask and ask and ask.

Again, Welcome; it's nice to have you here!

[Dimond]

Welcome. There are many remedies for depression other than amino acids that you may want to look into. Also have you had hormone and thyroid tests?

brain foods, herbs & supplements:
High doses of Omega-3s
High doses of Magnesium-the form varies for each person
St. John's Wort
Sam-E
Phenylethylamine (such as E3Live BrainOn)
Maca
Cacao
Quality green food powder such as Vitamineral Green
Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, Ginseng
Phosphotidyl Serine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid
Spinach, Garlic, Kale, blueberries, blackberries, Strawberries, raspberries, prunes, raisins, cranberries
Hemp Seeds, DHA Omega-3, Flaxseeds/Oil, Olive Oil, Walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds
Avocados, Bananas, Romaine, brewer's yeast, broccoli, brown rice, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, Collard Greens, legumes, oatmeal, Oranges, peas, potatoes, wheat germ
Choline (B vitamin), Folic acid, Rosemary
Vinpocetine-extract, derived from Periwinkle plant
Huperzine A

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW..........Welcome to MY World.

[freshlight]

Welcome :) It took me 2 years to start feeling great on raw. Patience is the magic word in this case ;)

[Veganforlife]

Welcome! You've got some sound advise going on here! Hang in there. Keep at it. You WILL have this "depression" be a thing of the past...

[juliew]

Hi!!
I am in the exact same boat. I tried everything, even eating 80/20 for a year, and I think sometimes it is just a genetic miswiring. My new attempt is 100% raw and more balanced. I don't know if it will work but I doubt it can hurt! Don't feel alone.
Julie

[Frugal Raw]

Welcome!! I wish you the best of rawesome health!!

[klomasius]

Hey there Ducks, welcome to the forum!

I find I'm infinitely more happy on raw then I am on cooked. It doesn't totally get rid of the depression (for me there are other life factors I need to seek control over) but it helps immensely.

Good luck!

[jesslcochran]

Hi and welcome to the forum. :)

Depression usually has nothing to do with what's going on in your life. (sometimes life factors into it but not always) It can also be an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.

I feel that eating raw will help your body heal and help the chemicals in your brain become balanced again. You've been given EXCELLENT advice for how to get rid of your depression. Don't worry, it will go away. It might take some time and diligence but it will go away. :)

*hugs*
Jess