I am not using meds for 9 months. I have taken Effexor for 4 years during a high anxyety period (first child and later divorce). I would like to transform my lifestyle to minimize or eliminate dysthymia. Thank you!!!
2007-09-18 16:01:40 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Exercise regularly, eat healthy, get sun, socialize. Beyond those, look into Omega 3 fatty acid Fish Oil. The ingredient you want to look for is EPA, and you'll need at least 1,000mg of it. There is research supporting efficacy, and it was my psychiatrist who recommended it. I have bipolar and cannot take antidepressants, so she turned me on to the one OTC that can be very effective. It's worked fairly well at limiting the dysthymia so far, and it is side effect free which is really quit nice.
2007-09-18 16:09:09 · answer #1 · answered by Alex62 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same diagnosis and I would love to do without meds but I don't think I can.
I have gone without meds several times but I generally wind up going to a doctor and asking for meds again.
Everybody's different, who knows, maybe you'll luck out.
2007-09-18 16:35:30 · answer #2 · answered by majnun99 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want to take meds then you don't have to. I agree with that decision. The hang is is you still need a professional counselor for therapy. There is nothing wrong with getting the help you need. You are limiting your life in many ways if you do not. Good luck.
2007-09-18 16:16:27 · answer #3 · answered by bountyhunter101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever tried Omega-3 fish oil? It has other health benefits, but there is some evidence that it helps improve moods. They sell it in capsules and also you can try to incorporate foods rich in it into your diet.
Exercise actually has similar effects in the brain as antidepressants...so making that a regular part of your life is important.
2007-09-18 16:15:07 · answer #4 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋