St. John's Wort...advice anyone??

[Mander]

Does anybody have any experience with St. John's Wort for depression? I am currently taking an SSRI and would like to stop taking it now that I am more concerned about what is going in to my body. I've been taking an anti-depressant for around 9 years off and on...after post-partum depression hit after my first child, then again after my second child. After I stopped taking it, I quickly got back on it after experiencing more crying, loss of interest and appetite, messed-up sleep patterns, etc. I have been afraid to get off of it since that time. I have been eating mostly (not all) raw since August, and the more I learn and read, the more I want to stop taking it. I just don't want to end up where I was though! It was not fun! It was not only hard for me, but also difficult for my husband (although he was very supportive in spite of the mess I was). Fortunately, my kids were too young to know that something was wrong then. Now if I have a mental health crisis, they will know something's up. I would love to know your thoughts...does St. John's Wort work? It is natural, correct? Anybody taken it after SSRI's?

[Dimond]

Do tons of research because it's very difficult sometimes to find a remedy, let alone a natural one. I definitely encourage it if you can, but St. John's Wort is only one remedy. There are many. It's best to find out as much as you can and experiment.

It can be helpful to have a professional helping you-a counselor, holistic doctor, anyone that has knowledge and can be supportive. Other support with family and friends is important. Also, have some type of emergency plan and back up plan if it doesn't work.

Remedies that can help:
Exercise
Oxygen
High doses of Omega-3s:
Hemp Seeds, DHA Omega-3, Flaxseeds/Oil, Olive Oil, Walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, Avocados
High doses of Magnesium-the form varies for each person
Spinach, Garlic, Kale, Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Raisins, Bananas, Romaine, Prunes, Broccoli, Brown Rice, Brussel Sprouts, Cantaloupe, Collard Greens, legumes, Oatmeal, Oranges, Peas, Wheat Germ, cranberries, Potatoes, brewer's yeast
Quality green food powder such as Vitamineral Green
St. John's Wort, Sam-E, Phenylethylamine (such as E3Live BrainOn)
5-HTP, Maca, Cacao, Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, Ginseng, Phosphotidyl Serine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Choline (B vitamin), Folic acid, Rosemary, Vinpocetine-extract (derived from Periwinkle plant), Huperzine A

[Ilse W.]

Also check out (google) SAM-e!

[snoops]

Did not try St. John's Wort. But I was on and off anti depressants till I realized I was on them in the winter and off in the summer!! Bingo - Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD). Now I sit in front of a SAD lite for 30 minutes every morning while I am reading the paper and on the computer. $150-$200 to purchase. I start in late September and usually don't need it by April - May. May not be your problem but it is another thing you could look into.

[Gab]

Been on and off anti-depressants for since 2000, brought on by total burn out at work. At one time thought it might be SAD and bought lites... turned out not to be SAD. Anyhow finally took myself off all the pills (I was on very high doses of Wellbutrin combined Effexor. I had also been on Paxil and Prozac. Nothing really helped. Yeah, I wasn't 'depressed' but I was totally flat and felt nothing... a walking zombie. The drugs did manage to up my blood pressure to 170/140 (that's with blood pressure meds...)

Stopped the anti-depressants and blood pressure dropped to 120/80 within weeks.

ANYHOW... 'nough about that... I did try St. John's Wort for several months but it did not help me at all. My understanding is that it does work for milder forms of depression, but not so succesfully for a really deep depression.

That's why I've ended up doing raw. Back in the '80's I was pure macrobiotic and I did a lot of emotional and physical healing. After 4 years I returned to 'regular' eating and now, 20 years later am again in need of healing. This time around macrobiotics didn't take me where I want to be so I've eased into raw. I still get my bouts of depression but they're short, not as 'deep', and further apart.

I've read several anecdotal stories of raw relieving depression. Time will tell.

I hope you find the help you're looking for, depression is a horrible place to be. Keep smiling and keep raw!:D;)

[Blazin'Jane]

Mander, don't you just love how responsive these folks are??!

[michigan roman]

fast pace of modern life / unnatural noises blarring everywhere / tv flashing hundred images per minute into mind , it all leads to brain overload / mental confusion or exhaustion

deep breathing / meditation / some type sanctuary space in back yard , sound / sight of running water calming in some type of home water feature .
something to help get deepest sleep , chamomille flower tea helps some get deep sleep

celery juice said to be good for nerves

also B vitamins