I don't wanna beat a dead horse to death here, but there's a couple of mis-conceptions that I feel should be addressed. First of all, how old is your mother Reason for this is simple, once we start our pre-menopause (38 yrs onward), our bodies are producing less estrogen, which in turn can cause depression. This depression can last for a long long time, cause our bodies are just not balanced chemically speaking.

Many people also believe that if a person simply gets up, does some exercise instead of sitting around, then they'll feel better. Easier said than done. If one is depressed, then the hardest thing to do is simply get out of bed. Even to get dressed can become a dreaded task.

Yes, there are many many medications out there, but one needs to see a "Specialised Psychiatrist" who only deals with either Clinically Depressed individuals or the Bipolar person. Also, while some drugs work for some, that's not to say it will work for you. Paxil is a great drug - if you have anxiety. It's primary purpose was to aid people with anxiety problems. People who perhaps have problems being in crowds...that sort of thing. One must do a lot of research into various drugs and their purposes.

If someone is depressed, there's also special diets you can follow, that will help. There's also music therapy. (I got this from a Specialist). If one listens to a faster beat of music instead of say.......opera, well your brain will produce more Serotonin. Serotonin is what our body needs to maintain moods and sleeping patterns. There's so many things to consider here...but I do think that your mother needs treatment and she needs it now. P.s. Your dad is gonna have to show a lot of support and attention to her problem, otherwise all will be for naught.

Has anyone ever tried St. John's Wort for depression? I have a throid disorder that makes me feel run-down and depressed, and my meds just aren't cutting it. My doctor says my thyroid level is in the normal range, but I still feel like crap.

I want to try St. John's Wort, and was wondering if anyone has any info about how well it works, side effects, etc.

Thanks!

Alice, Saint John's Wort has been used in Europe for many years as an antidepressant, and works on mild to moderate depression. Naturally, there are studies for and against it, and I don't have any personal experience with it. However, one caution is that you CANNOT use it with other antidepressants, and it is contraindicated with many other drugs as well. If you decide to take it, make sure that you talk to your pharmacist before combining it with thyroid meds, and it is always important to let your doctor know which herbals you are taking.

Thanks everyone for your concern

Things seem to be looking up lately. I found out she was discontinuing her medication when she started feeling better, but now she realizes she should continue taking it. Her doctor says she will have to take it permanently.

With regards to her age, she's now 54 and it did get worse with her menopause...which she swears has been going on for at least 10 years....

Anyway, we've had a heart to heart and we are closer than ever before (we always did have a good relationship, but never quite getting into this serious of a discussion about what's going on with her life)

Thanks again everyone

Glad to hear that the situation is improving Newfie Gal

Originally posted by Alice Has anyone ever tried St. John's Wort for depression? I have a throid disorder that makes me feel run-down and depressed, and my meds just aren't cutting it. My doctor says my thyroid level is in the normal range, but I still feel like crap. I want to try St. John's Wort, and was wondering if anyone has any info about how well it works, side effects, etc. Thanks!

The Canadian and American Psychiatric Associations have both just released findings that there is no evidence of St. John's Wort being able to help people for depression. While it still does certain "herbal qualities", it's no longer being given out for the purpose of mild to med depression. I myself was on this med for quite a while - for basically the same reasons u are asking about. After taking it for several weeks, my Doctor finally took me off of it and gave me some "prescribed" meds which worked wonders for me. Hope you can find something to help you out.

Just remembered something else that I learned - which practically ended me up in the Hospital. Never take St. John's with Gingko stuff. Apparently it speeds up a lot of people's metabolisms to the point where ur kind of on a high.....so much so that you can't settle urself down.

I used to think that herbs were simply.....well.....herbs. I've since made myself aware of them, and now I don't take any herbal supplements without first asking my pharmacist if it will interact with other stuff. Best to be on the safe side....

I am currently taking meds (zoloft,clonazepam)for depression and an anxiety disorder(I get massive panic attacks!)I think the thing that has helped me the most is cognitive behavior therapy,which your Mom can get from a psychiatrist trained in this therapy or even your provincial mental health clinic(they are both free) I also attend a support group and it helps to have people to relate to and to really understand what you are going through! I hope she gets some help and can enjoy life,I know how awful it can be to be depressed,but it can and does get better! If you want any more info/help,feel free to PM me! Kristi

My mom has bipolar depression and has for many many years. When I was little, she was prescribed valium by the wagonful until she became addicted and they realized all of a sudden that valium isnt the way to go. After years and years of misdiagnosis, she was so loaded up on meds that I was afraid her liver would fail before she could have a normal day.
I steered her away from taking over the counter herbs in place of or in combination with her meds. An $8 an hour employee in a healthfood store is not going to have any say in my moms medical situation. Nothing against herbology or homeopathy BUT its way too serious a condition to play with. Suicidal tendencies, homicidal tendencies,blackouts, panic attacks and god knows what else is much too much of a risk thank you very much. I urged her to go to a naturopath in our city. He is a practicing M.D and oncologist that prescribes regular meds but introduces natural alternatives as well that are monitored and regulated. Our family doctor thought it best to give her 2 more prescriptions on top of the 4 she already had and live out her days as a maniacal zombie. She listened to the naturopath and was given blessings from her pshchologist. Now she is cut back to 2 and is as normal as anyone else. She still has some poor days but she is functioning and active after a really long time. Its been a few years (2)now and it isnt showing any signs of impending doom. Her liver and the rest of her inards are surely better for the cutbacks anyway.
Hang in theer and get her to a different doctor. Most dont know about it, recognize it as valid and wont admit their ignorance so they toss out a stereotypical narc and send them home. Its dangerous and rude.

Originally posted by nikopup Hang in theer and get her to a different doctor. Most dont know about it, recognize it as valid and wont admit their ignorance so they toss out a stereotypical narc and send them home. Its dangerous and rude.

I think that's a very good point about doctors. Most people in general have trouble admitting what they don't know. I prefer a doctor who will admit their limitations and not hesitate to refer you to someone who's more knowledgeable in a particular area. It's good to be knowledgeable, even better to know what you don't know and not be afraid to admit it.