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Herbal Wisdom:  Depression and Anxiety  |
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 23 2011 : 09:13:40 AM
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I am wondering if anyone has any helpful hints on things I can try for depression and anxiety. I see a DOC for these issues and take medication, I'm trying really hard to get off my meds and control these in a different manner. The side effects or horrid but suffering from these diseases are just as bad. If anyone is willing to share some ideas I would deeple appreciate it!!
Lori |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2011 : 10:19:40 AM
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Lori, I'm on several anti-depression and anti-anxiety meds too and I hate them! But last time I tried to go off of them I ended up in the hospital, so I do understand. I have found that tincture of Valerian helps, but I don't know what it does with particular meds, so be careful and do a google search for possible bad side effects and drug interactions before taking it. I am in no way a qualified herbalist or medical person. Also, I've found that when I'm not so depressed that all I want to do is sit in a chair and stare at the floor, before I get to that point, I make myself clean house or i take a long walk. Keeping busy helps, but doesn't cure, anxiety, depression and PTSD. I make little positive affirmation notes and stick them up where I will see them. You have to use a myriad number of tools to combat these diseases.
It is hard being on the medicines, but if some of them help you have a more functional life, then I would consider it important to stay on them. These disease are serious life wreckers. Lowering the dosage or changing medications until you find one where the lowest does give you the maximum support is a good step, believe it or not, to getting off of them. I was on Clonazepam for years, and actual feel better and a lot more lively on a low does of Trazodone, which isn't addictive.
You have to learn what comforts you, it's called self-soothing, and practice ways to fight against the anxiety and depression. Every person is different and you'll have to discover your own methods of comfort. these tricks work best on the anxiety, with the depression, the hardest thing to do is to be motivated, I know, but the way to fight it is to make yourself do things, be involved in projects that inspire you or that you're passionate about.
I hope that some of this helps. These diseases are horrible to live with. Be good to yourself *Hugs*
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2011 : 10:54:18 AM
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Annika,
That is so much my problem- no motivation and it seems like so much sadness at times and I can be fine one moment and a basket case the next. I have quilts that I'm working on and that keeps me busy...I know it's time to get focus, I have a 14 year old that is suffering because there are days I can hardly function...I go to work come home and in bed. Darn it I'm missing out on my baby and I can't stand it anymore!!! |
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marthajane
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Anna
Orlando
FL
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Sep 26 2011 : 11:23:30 AM
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Hey Lori! I agree with Annika, you should comfort yourself.
Are you spending enough time with your child? Could you be sad because you spend so much time apart while theyre at school and you at work? Give yourself some credit, I think your deep feelings are a sign that you are a sensitive and caring person. Maybe you just need some encouragement/friendship? Its also great that you can be so honest and share what youre going through...I can relate to you.
Its a confusing time in America and the world is changing and so overwhelmingly sad, dont think its just you.
Do you enjoy cheesecake? Or lemonade? These are my favorite comfort foods...and theyre also healthy. Also, chinese food always seems to save me from exhaustion and renews my vigor. I go for the hunan style, either chicken or vege. It has such a warm spiceness that always makes me feel better. Hoping you have a good chinese restaurant in your town. Make a tradition with your child, to give yourselves a treat...and remember to let us know how youre doing...
Best wishes Lori!
Happiness IS being a MoM |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Sep 26 2011 : 6:39:42 PM
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How about lunch with a friend? I have been crazy canning for the last couple of weeks, but am tapering down now. Let's get together and do some laughing and some lunching. Cracker Barrel? Send me an e-mail!
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Don't go with the flow...you are the flow.
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2011 : 06:14:26 AM
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MarthaJane- Happiness is being a MOM- thank you for your concern and love sent thru this site!
Diane I would love to do lunch- I love you dear friend!! I will email you!
You ladies are so very wonderful to me! Much better than any doc I will ever find!
Lori |
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marthajane
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Anna
Orlando
FL
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2011 : 06:24:18 AM
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Lori, I found this in an old English magazine:
The best six doctors anywhere and no one can deny it:
Are water, sunshine, rest and air, exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend if only you are willing
Your ills they'll mend your cares they'll tend
and charge you not a shilling!
Also the bible said a cheerful heart does good like a medicine...
and when we are happy sing songs and when we are not we should pray.
I am glad you were blessed by our responses.
Thats what friends are for.
I believe we were all born with feelings, I am glad you gave us an opportunity to share in how to manage them.
bless you,
Happiness IS being a MoM |
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2011 : 08:48:16 AM
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I understand that in Germany they often prescribe St. John's Wort. Check it out on the internet. If you take a lot of it I understand that it can cause your skin to get darker in a lot of sunlight. But I have seen it used a lot for that. But check carefully first. Chamomile is also something that is used for relaxation.
CMF |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2011 : 4:22:08 PM
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Remember to remove caffeine from your diet after 5:00. This can bring on anxiety. It stimulates certain areas of the brain. Walking helps me when I am anxious.
I also use relaxation music. I like Hillary Stag, Vangelis, Enya, etc
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
www.morganicinstitute.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 09:21:13 AM
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I've read that having a vitamin b-12 deficiency can cause depression. I actually take sublingual b12 with b6 and folic acid in it to help with absorption. I'm not depressed but after having 3 kids in 3 years I could tell my reserves were super low with the mood swings I had. Now that I've been taking it for a week I can tell a difference and I'm starting to feel like my old self again. Deep breathing is also supposedly supposed to help as well as vitamin D, I guess that means sunshine :) Best of luck to you! Oh, you should go get a massage and pamper yourself a little bit, sounds like you deserve some pampering! :D
Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee. ~Author Unknown
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2011 : 10:04:01 AM
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I have been taking extra vitamin D (with my other herbs)... upwards of 10K units a day. It really helps with the gray skies and lack of sunshine we have around here. If I don't take it, I definitely know it.
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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Herbal Wisdom: Depression and Anxiety |
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Depression and Anxiety
