Hello!
I have clinical depression and have had it for about 4 years now. It's not diabetes related. I'm on prescription meds and seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist for it. These have helped tremendously over the years and I would go as far as to say that I now have my old life back, am working and feel glad to be alive. So, firstly, never give up. There really is light at the end of the black hole!
Secondly, I do recommend that you talk to a specialist. Sometimes it can be painful or embarrassing to tell a loved one exactly how you are feeling as you don't want the guilt of upsetting them, or to be judged adversely. I didn't confide in the first instance and ended up collapsing in a full nervous breakdown at work. Two days later I had attempted to take my life. The police intervened and stopped me.
Thirdly, there is only so much that meds, or natural remedies can do. Now I'm a great believer of suplements and take several every day for cholesterol, fluid retention, heart health and energy. I do read up about diet too and foods which help these conditions and my mental health. However, I also think that these measures need to be taken alongside talking therapies as this combination is proven to be the most successful way of combating depression. Whether you talk to friends, family or your GP, please talk to someone. I would feel happier if it was a medic.
So, foods which help and supplements: Chicken, avocados, Brazil nuts, coffee, milk, oats, raspberries, rice and sunflower seeds. The best herbal remedy is St John's wort, as you know, though this can interact with other meds as it is quite potent (namely antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants, contraceptives, and transplant drugs). You can see why I stick to pharmacy meds! Other supplements that help are vitamin B complex, vitamin C, Calcium/magnesium, Ginkgo biloba and Kava. My book also suggests 5-HTP but this seems to have as many interactions as St John's Wort.
Exercise also helps as it releases endorphins, happy hormones, to stimulate the brain. Depression, clinical depression at any rate, is due to a chemical inbalance in the brain, namely a lack of serotonin and noradrenalin. No amount of snapping out of it can help this. It's just a fact, like having diabetes. Modern SSRI antidepressants are less harmful to the body than traditional antidepressants. A GP will be able to assess the extent of your depression and consider a side-affect/benefit analysis with you.
What ever you choose to do, don't muddle through alone. Please seek help and comfort from others. I've found this site very supportive. I hope you do too.
All the best
Juliette x :crazy:
