I know someone who has a very bad chemical imbalance. So his depression is really bad. There are times when he is soo happy, so outgoing and so friendly. Then the next, he wants to kill himself. He has suffered with this for about 30 years. And he has tried everything that he can think of. He has seen dozens of therapists, he's tried dozens of medications, and he has gone to the extent of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). And none of these things has worked.
I should mention that he does not drink, smoke, do drugs, he is very religious. He gets outside in the sunlight...its part of his job as a farmer. So its not his lifestyle (I have posted this question on here before and thats what a lot of people said he had to change, but there is nothing to change)
My question to you is:
Is there anything else that you can think of? He's at the end of his rope and is willing to try ANYTHING...travel ANYWHERE!
Any suggestions?
2007-03-06 06:01:36 · 11 answers · asked by dreamcatcher 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Unfortunately, if even ECT failed to give any relief and he has been tied on all the mood stabilizers known and used, I am out of ideas. None of the treatments completely eliminate the symptoms, but rather take the edge off and drastically diminish the extent of the highs and lows, but if nothing has helped to decrease the number ot the intensity of swings, there's not much else I know of.
You mentioned some lifestyle factors which he seems to be managing, but one in particular (and this may not apply) that is a major trigger is disruptions in the sleep wake cycle. Folks with mood disorders should avoid shift work and always try to maintain a steady schedule and avoid stimulants like caffeine. The only other thing I could possibly suggest is trying Clozaril, though it would be an off label use. I'm not certain, but it seems to me I remember reading somewhere that sometimes it is successful in very resistant cases. Good Luck and encourage him to try and get symptomatic treatment when an episode occurs.
2007-03-06 11:48:36 · answer #1 · answered by Opester 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
One of the simplest activites in our daily life has the most impact on how we behave-our diet. Many of those who suffer from chemical imbalances lack the means to process nutrients and therefore have terrible mood swings and often go unnoticed by doctors and therapists trying to slap a bandaid on the problem. Encourage him to speak with a nutritionist.
2007-03-06 06:10:57 · answer #2 · answered by dracenalady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like this is more than depression. It sounds like he could be bipolar. There are different treatments and therapies available that would be used for being bipolar rather than just having depression. I would get a different therapist if his treatment has not worked for 30 years and mention the highs and lows.
2007-03-06 06:11:57 · answer #3 · answered by saved_by_grace 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He needs massage therapy. I had this form of therapy in combination with my physical therapy a few years ago. It's amazing, very balancing to the emotions.
In combination with drug therapy (under the guidance of your md), it works miracles. It worked so well that now I am a licensed massage therapist.
2007-03-06 06:06:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would need more information, but are you sure that he has been diagnosed correctly? If he is suffering from those mood swings that you are telling, then it might not be depression, it could be a Bipolar Disorder.
2007-03-06 06:12:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look at these two websites I found today.
Russian Arctic Weed is supposed to do much good.
ttp://organicpharmacy.org/products/Rhodiola.Rosea/SKU:RR9-pe
ttp://amoryn.com/formula_rhodiola.html?gclid=CK-tv4rg4IoCFQEwlAodFBzSyQ
Natural, herbal.
He could also try Colloidal Mineral and Vitamin supplementation.
2007-03-06 06:08:53 · answer #6 · answered by taifun25 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This might sound crazy but buy/order the movie The Secret. It helps! Also, keep on praying, keep praying, keep praying
2007-03-06 06:25:19 · answer #7 · answered by Elias 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bipolar disorder is one of the most difficult mental illnesses to treat, not to mention live with. All I can suggest is that he avoids just giving up...I have faith that there are answers out there for all of us, and part of why we are here is to search out those answers for ourselves.
2007-03-06 06:08:19 · answer #8 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Accept it.
It's part of life.
Just keep on living.
2007-03-06 06:06:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
My brain hurts with this question....But do what every body does when they have a problem--- Drugs! from the local drug store.
2007-03-06 06:13:59 · answer #10 · answered by Mike E 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋