Omega fatty acids & depression?

Question

I suffer from depression related to an injury, chronic pain, and the resulting sleep deprivation. I'm constantly exhausted, no longer derive joy from anything (used to be a very cheeful and energetic person), and often feel like 'what's the point?'. I just can't seem to get motivated.

I tried Wellbutrin and it made me feel horribly agitated and temperamental. Seeing a counselor didn't really help, and honestly I can't afford it anyway.

I remember running across something about taking Omega fatty acids as a treatment for depression - can anyone share information about that? Is there any difference between fish oil and flax oil? What dosage? etc.

Any other natural depression treatment ideas to get me out of this terrible rut are welcome. Thank you.

I should edit this & add that I'm no longer taking the Wellbutrin, and am not interested in taking other prescription antidepressants.

I should edit this & add that I'm no longer taking the Wellbutrin, and wish to avoid other prescription antidepressants.

sorry for the duplicat edit!

sorry for the duplicate edit!

Answer 1

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential components in neuronal membranes and play a critical role in how they function. They allow the nerve cell to be more receptive to neurotransmitters, enhancing their effectiveness.

Omega-3 fatty acids also may chemically influence major depression. Certain chemicals in the brain, called cytokines, which play a role in the inflammation response, also cause feelings of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, and EPA in particular, block the action of these cytokines. It is worth noting that many anti-depressants also block these inflammatory cytokines.

In addition, there is a chemical in the brain called brain derived neurotrophic factor. This chemical supports the survival and growth of neurons. Levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor are low in patients with severe depression. Omega-3 fatty acids enhance the function of brain derived neurotrophic factor, as do anti-depressant medication and exercise. Interestingly, diets high in saturated fat and sugar, as well as stress inhibit its production.

People with depression have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. A number of studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids to be helpful in treatment of depression.

Several case studies found that flaxseed oil, which is high in alpha linolenic acid (ALA) the parent compound for all the omega-3 fatty acids, improved the symptoms of bipolar depression. Another case showed that a combination of 4 g EPA/2 g DHA per day improved the depressed symptoms in pregnancy. These improvements took about four weeks.

Answer 2

there is a difference... i think people tend to get enough omega 6 and they need more omega 3 to balance this out. the ratio should probably be somewhere around 1:1. part of the reason fish/flax is good is that it is very high in 3.

fish oil has some things in it that flax oil doesn't. some are good, some are bad. our mistreatment of the environment has contaminated these types of fish with a lot of mercury, which is thought to be problematical. if you can afford very high quality fish oil, that is better.

i would take both fish oil and flax, roughly following the directions on the label. (since you're taking both, perhaps a little less is called for)

along with that, find some way to exercise. i use techniques from yoga and t'ai chi to some effect. posture can really matter with depression.

i suggest a good multivitamin and calcium-magnesium-D. zinc is important also, but seems to be in good multivitamins nowadays. the problem with vitamins is that everyone has different needs and some vitamins work for or against other vitamins. i take breaks from vitamins from time to time. the best thing would be to find a doctor who knows what is up after settling into a supplementation/diet/fitness routine for a few months.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the omegas and oils used in this capacity but when I had a bout with depression, I ran and did A LOT of cardio! Exercising releases endorphins in your brain. Endorphins are peptides which resemble opiates, giving you a sense of well being and reducing the sensation of pain. They affect your emotions…

Try it for a good month 3x a week to start. I can pretty much assure you you’ll feel better :) Exercising along with a sensible diet plan - I mean 'diet' as in eating good food and not starving or eating junk - it's the same cost if not cheaper to eat well - will definitely help you with depression, your injury, and your insomnia. It will elevate your health, distract you from your depression, and help you feel better all around. You don't have to go to the gym either if cannot afford it. There are many exercises you can do at home and you can find many resources and guides by searching for keywords such as "exercise at home without weights" or “exercise without the gym”, etc. Even the research into how to exercise and eat will start making you feel better :)

Good luck! :)

Answer 4

I suggest you get a book called "Potatoes Not Prozac"- it tells you how to balance your body and mind with foods-- and why foods are so much more effective (not to mention healthier) than drugs. It explains how your serotonin and endorphin levels can fluctuate depending on what you eat. Your depression, lack of joy, and exhaustion might improve with a change in diet- and this will coincide with what you've heard about fish oils. One single supplement won't cure anything, but with a food-body-mind balance it is possible.

Answer 5

Omega fatty acid supplements increase your own natural THC (endocannbinoids) and are great for mental health. Increasing your natural THC is not bad btw. It's totally different than one might think. I feel a lot less edgy on it. It's an antioxidant, natural thc, neuroprotectant, amino acid machine!

Answer 6

Read the comment posted by "msjerge".This comment is absolutely correct.