Am I Depressed?

Question

Well, sometimes, I just want to be alone, and people treat me strangely, because of the way I act. I've gone to many depression websites, and I have quite a few of the symptoms. If I went to a doctor, would they refer me to some counselour? Or would they give me medication or something?

Answer 1

It sounds like you may have some depression, but psychiatric medications are highly addictive and toxic to your body, so why not try something a little different?

The first thing I recommend you do is to make an appointment with a good medical doctor (but not a psychiatrist) to do a complete medical workup on you and a full panel of blood tests. The tests may reveal a root cause of your depression -- perhaps you have a vitamin deficiency, hormonal imbalance, lack of certain amino acids or a low-functioning thyroid. All of these things can be tested for and treated. Perhaps, once you address any physiological problems you won’t need to take anything for your depression because the underlying cause will be corrected. You may, for example, be deficient in Vitamin B!2 and then when you start taking B12 you’ll feel much better. It’s important which doctor you choose because some don’t do tests and prescribe drugs without exploring alternatives. Safe Harbor runs a website with a directory of holistic medical practitioners who will help you find the root cause of your depression: http://www.alternativementalhealth.com

If you’re not exercising regularly, beginning a regular program of exercise is another way you can combat depression. Evidence suggests that exercise postively affects the levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Exercise may also boost feel-good endorphins, release tension in muscles, help you sleep better and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also increases body temperature, which may have calming effects. All of these changes in your mind and body can improve such symptoms as sadness, anxiety, irritability, stress, fatigue, anger, self-doubt and hopelessness.

If you do that, and your doctor finds all of your tests came back normal or if you start taking some supplements prescribed by your doctor but still don't feel markedly better then you may want to consider talking to your doctor about taking some herbs. Here are some herbs that you may find helpful:

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a member of the pepper family that has been cultivated by Pacific Islanders for over 3000 years for use as a social and ceremonial drink. The first description of kava came to the west with Captain James Cook, who traveled through the South Seas in a number of celebrated voyages. To this day, when village elders or others in the Pacific Islands come together for a significant meeting, they begin with an elaborate kava ceremony. Currently, kava is used in Europe and increasingly in the United States to treat stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

Valerian: Nature's valium. Another favorite for the treatment of anxiety is valerian. Derived from the dried rhizomes and roots of this tall plant, which grows in wet soil in many countries, valerian has been used for thousands of years as a folk remedy. As a natural relaxant, it is useful for several disorders including restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, menstural problems, and "nervous" stomach. Valerian acts on the brain's GABA receptors to produce a tranquilizing action that is similar to Valium-type drugs, but without the same side effects.

St. John's Wort: Wonder Weed. Imagine an antidepressant that is as effective as prescription drugs but has mild side effects, if any, and even boosts libido. Sound like a fantasy? It's not. You've just met St. John's Wort, an herb taken by many thousands of people every day. In fact, in Europe, Hypericum perforatum is prescribed by doctors five times as often as Prozac.

You can take herbs on your own without discussing it with your doctor or an herbalist (herbs are available even at the corner drug store as well as on the internet and in health food stores) But I recommend taking herbs under the supervision of a doctor or herbalist to make sure that you're taking the herbs and dosages that are right for you. I'll give you the website for the American Herbalists Guild: http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com

Or if you really would like to consult a psychiatrist one who's awesome is located in Pacific Palisades California and I believe you can get medical advice from her by email. Dr. Cass's website is listed below. Dr. Cass, unlike most psychiatrists, is an orthomolecular psychiatrist who has extensive knowledge of herbal remedies.

Answer 2

You should definitely see a mental health professional, and let them determine what's causing your symptoms. Please keep in mind that being depressed is very different from having depression. Everyone gets depressed now and then, and depression is caused by a chemical imbalance.
The doctor will more than likely prescribe you some anti-depressants AND recommend counseling. I advise that you do research on the effects of anti-depressants before beginning treatment.

Good luck and I hope you're feeling better soon.

Answer 3

its ok to want to be alone at times everyone needs a down-time from things. if you feel like you are depressed the doctor is a good place to go he can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a counselor if needbe. the important thing is when you go to the doc tell him/her the symptoms you are having.

Answer 4

Please don't wait to get help. I waited until it was almost too late. I am still trying to "fix" things and it is going to take a long time. Start out with your doctor and talk to other people too. I don't think any one thing works for everyone. Medication can help but not isolating yourself helps too. Increasing your physical exercise helps too. Just please do everything you can for yourself.
Good luck and God bless you.

Answer 5

Your doctor may prescribe something if they felt your condition wasn't too serious. If it is, they may feel better having you speak to someone who specializes in the psychiatric field. It all depends and how bad it really is.

Answer 6

it's always best to consult your physician. Websites are good resources but they should never be used "in place of" a physician or mental health worker.
depending on your assessment, meds could be prescribed for you as well as therapy.

Answer 7

This is a good test to take! You will need volume for some questions asked, its free!

http://www.liquidgeneration.com/content/showMeDaContent.aspx?cid=1956

Answer 8

Both. And it's best to go with both treatments. Neither works well without the other. If you can't afford it, there are affordable clinics out there. Wishing you well...

Answer 9

this is some suggestion. try to talk with...someone u close to u, friend/cousin/wife/ex-wife/etc...

usually if u talk about it u'll discover what's wrong with u and how to settle it.


if that's not helping, follow the doctor's order.

Answer 10

DO PRAYER,TAKE GLASS OF MILK,EAT VEG.EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT