Just come off anti depressants. Natural alternative suggestions

Hi Lily well done for the reduction strategy that worked. My OH has also recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and it is treatable. He has started treatment and so far it is stress free 😊 - for both of us. He has had hormone treatment and now will commence radiotherapy.

I truly think the best thing you can do is get outside, go for a walk, even a 10 minute walk and you'll feel better any time. Look at the gardens, take deep breaths, listen out for birdsong. So relaxing and therapeutic. (I'm assuming you are mobile). Good luck

Retread has offered some good advice, being able to cope with life’s pressures in a natural way rather than medication is preferable. If you cannot cope then go back to the doctor rather than self medicate.

Retread I'm expecting that this may be the route DH takes Theexwife Thank you both. Daily dog walks get me out. Support gratefully received.

5HTP is good for lifting the mood but wouldn’t advise taking it without medical approval.

I refused anti-depressants when offered them. Instead I went for a morning walk every day- I noticed the sky and the trees and the birds.
I worked on my sleep routine too and ate sensibly, cut out the alcohol.
I kept a mood journal and gave myself little messages to keep me motivated.
I spoke to friends and went out for coffee etc.
I tried to rely much more on my own strength rather than relying on others for answers.
This was six months ago.
I hope you can find whatever it is you need for yourself too.

Depression very often naturally lifts after a period of time and I think you have come off medication in a very sensible way, You should now be able to really appreciate life without it being a bit tamped down by medication. I think that what Keepingquiet says is very sound. I would also add in looking at Mindfulness to help you really be in the present moment.. plenty of stuff on Zoom.. Thich Nhat Hahn is a real inspiration for me.. also just do things that you really enjoy..

I was impressed by Johan Hari's book on the subject. Social engagement seems to be very important. Maybe not as easy as we age but the most cheerful elderly people I know are very sociable and always out and about. They take a great interest in others. One lady in particular is a real icon for me. I will try to be like her.

I understand daily Journalling is now recommended for coping with daily stresses. I've always found writing to be very therapeutic.

Somebody once said to me " Nobody chooses depression"

How true.

Its not easy living alongside the Black Dog and there are no medals for doing without help.
Antidepressants work well for some and others prefer a different route.
Some interesting ideas here, Thanks

Apparently St John’s Wort is a natural alternative to antidepressants which seems to work for some people. I can’t recommend as I’ve not tried them . Be warned it can react to some prescription medicines so check with your GP or pharmacist

It is very helpful to have these views of you, thank you. Actually a lovely walk with the dogs in a wildflower meadow this afternoon accompanied by birdsong was uplifting.

Have you decided to come off these anti-depressants because you no longer need them?

it is so easy for people not depressed to say Go for a walk isn't it!

Thats one of the crazy ironies of depression...the things that make you feel better, you can't do, because you are depressed!

I think it’s unfair to say it’s easy to say it’s easy to say go for a walk……
It’s certainly not when you are in the middle of a depression however when generally upbeat and looking for strategies I’d say don’t knock it til you’ve tried it.
The same goes for absolutely everything else too.

I’ve been on and off anti-depressants for a number of years. I have depression and anxiety. Sometimes it’s just really hard to cope and we all need to do what works for us. There’s absolutely no shame in being on anti depressants, for some of us they are literally a life saver. We need to do what works for us and not worry about others.

zakouma66

Thats one of the crazy ironies of depression...the things that make you feel better, you can't do, because you are depressed!

Well said Cossy. They have been a life saver for me - literally.

Yes, same here, GSM.

I haven't much faith in the 'exercise is good for depression' and 'go for a walk' mantras. They only work for a very short while, while you are actually doing them - the good benefits don't last any longer than that. At least not for me.

It is different for everybody, perhaps depending on the extent of the depression.

I agree. If you’re seriously depressed you need medication in order to give you the motivation to exercise - which as you say only lifts the spirits temporarily. There is no shame in needing antidepressants, any more than any other kind of medication.

Germanshepherdsmum

Well said Cossy. They have been a life saver for me - literally.

Me too.

Germanshepherdsmum

I agree. If you’re seriously depressed you need medication in order to give you the motivation to exercise - which as you say only lifts the spirits temporarily. There is no shame in needing antidepressants, any more than any other kind of medication.

Absolutely!

I hate exercise! I'n sure I am dyspraxic. I loathed team games, never got picked, couldn't catch a ball or walk along a bench.

It does actually seem to help keep the D at bay.

So I force myself to do it.

I really only like Aquafit classes. I love being in the water. Also, it's a discipline to make me get there. I feel very smug relaxing back home afterwards so mentally and physically it helps me.