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2005/03/17, 01:52 AM
My marriage relationship is dying and I seriously think I am depressed. I believe that my feeling depressed could be worse though, if I weren't working out. I'm really trying to make a point of working out everyday because I KNOW that this will help me feel better about myself, help my mood, and keep me healthy. There are times when I just don't want to get out of bed in the morning (well, I'm up late tonight so I won't be up too early). Are there any type of vitamins or herbs that would help me?
At this point, I think that the only thing that keeps me going on a daily basis are my children.
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2005/03/17, 03:55 AM
I am sorry you are feeling depressed and your marriage is not going well. It may be an idea to see someone professionally like your own doctor or a counsellor, even just to help get some perspective on what's going on.
As for vitamins or herbs which may help, I understand that B vitamins can be helpful with low mood - so a B vitamin complex may help, and the herbal supplement St John's Wort (also called hypericum), has been shown in scientific studies to be as effective as antidepressants for depression, with considerably fewer side effects.
Good luck, I hope you are feeling better soon, and well done for keeping up with the workouts.
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2005/03/17, 11:50 AM
Keep training hard. It has been proven that training will help fight/prevent depression. Keep your diet healthy for your training and this will also help you.
Stay strong for the children.
Sorry to here about your let down.
And also consider what the princess suggested about the pro help.
We are here for you.
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Scales are for dead weight: We are not dead yet!
Still trying to find out how to do the Hollywood Free Press.
Ivan
carivan@freetrainers.com
Montreal Canada
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2005/03/17, 03:50 PM
Well, we have been to counseling. Doesn't seem to help.
Thanks for the tips. I will start taking the B vitamin and I'll have to look into the St. John's Wort.
Thanks Carivan!
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2005/03/17, 05:20 PM
Smurfetta, remeber, if you are on any meds, check before taking the st.johns wort. Even though it is a natural herbal product, serious re-action can be had. Just a reminder.
Be well.
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Scales are for dead weight: We are not dead yet!
Still trying to find out how to do the Hollywood Free Press.
Ivan
carivan@freetrainers.com
Montreal Canada
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2005/03/17, 06:20 PM
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I tried St. John's wort and found it ineffective. A bunch of voodoo. The same with lithium. The only thing that helped me is celexa (cytalopram), but you'll need a shrink to get some and if I wasn't a veteran I'm not sure I could afford it. Even counseling and exercise didn't relieve my symptoms. Everyone is unique. Best wishes.
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2005/03/17, 07:53 PM
This time of year, I find, is really bad for depression. My Doctor recommended getting a "light box"...full spectrum light that you sit in front of for about 20 minutes a day...I guess he figures that I am suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and I need more "sun". If you are on any type of medication, definitely check before taking St. John's wort....I have been on antidepressants for quite a while (prozac and zoloft...gained weight on both), and while they did help t the time, I have since stopped taking them, but I now find 5 HTP to be quite helpful for the blues, helps with a great night's sleep and has the added bonus of helping curb carb cravings. It is actually tryptophan (that stuff that naturally occurs in turkey that supposedly makes you sleepy and can be purchased at any health food store). 100 mg at bedtime has helped me and no contraindications if on other meds...of course, check with your doc. My son really pulls me through the blue periods, too.
Take care, Caroline
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2005/03/17, 09:06 PM
Those are excellent suggestions. :)
I might add Omega 3 fatty acids, like fish oil are essential to proper brain function, and can significantly help relief from depression.
Key amino acids serve as starting points for the production of mood lifting neurotransmitters. An amino acid mix that includes tyrosine is very good.
As Princess so rightly pointed out, the B vitamins create depression fighting brain chemicals. Vitamin B12 and B6 and folate are essential to keep a protein called homocysteine from reaching excessive levels...people with high levels of homocysteine are twice as likely to be depressed.(besides high homocysteine levels are very much a cardiovascular hazard).
And again as Princess pointed out, St. Johns Wort.
Best of luck to you....
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Quoting from princesslodgey:
I am sorry you are feeling depressed and your marriage is not going well. It may be an idea to see someone professionally like your own doctor or a counsellor, even just to help get some perspective on what's going on.
As for vitamins or herbs which may help, I understand that B vitamins can be helpful with low mood - so a B vitamin complex may help, and the herbal supplement St John's Wort (also called hypericum), has been shown in scientific studies to be as effective as antidepressants for depression, with considerably fewer side effects.
Good luck, I hope you are feeling better soon, and well done for keeping up with the workouts.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/03/21, 11:28 PM
I thought about that WAnglais. But what good is it going to do if I am putting forth an effort and he isn't? I may as well not even exist; as he pays no attention to me whatsoever...that is, unless it's something I'm doing wrong.
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2005/03/18, 05:37 PM
Hi All!
I am not on any medication and I really have no desire to be on prescription medication. Also, even if I wanted to see a Dr. I don't have the funds.
As for the sun, I live in TX, so I have plenty of sun:).
Sour, What is 5 htp?
I'm going to start the B vitamins right away and will pick up some St. Johns Wort next week. BB1, can I take the fish oil in capsule form? I'll let you know how I'm feeling in a few weeks. Oh, also, I have been doing some pretty strenuous workouts (well, for me anyway) and I think this is helping.
Thank you for all of your input, I appreciate it.
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2005/03/18, 06:47 PM
Fish oil capsules is just fine, or you can do Cod Live Oil if you prefer(but being in Texas in the summer, you may want to wait till winter to use it). (lots of Vit. D can be a concern).
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/03/19, 06:26 PM
According to my little pill bottle, "Griffonia simplicifolia is an African plant, which is extracted to produce 5-HTP, the intermediate metabolite between the amino acid L-tryptophan and serotonin".
Serotonin is known to modulate mood, emotion, sleep and appetite! Decreased serotonin has been known to play a key role in depression.
Tryptophan naturally occurs (in small amounts) in many of the foods you probably already eat and helps regulate moods and sleep. Google 5-HTP and there is lots more information to be had.
Take care,
Caroline
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2005/03/21, 12:07 AM
Smurfetta,
Try the most natural remedy of all, faith and prayer!
Coming from a rather wild background I can attest to its' ability to alter your life in every aspect for the better.
I have been faced with divorce (now happily married), death, total disability accompanied by crippling anxiety and depression. Through faith I now lead a life that you only read about in books LOL!
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2005/03/21, 03:37 PM
Smurfetta,
You said that therapy or whatever didn't help the two of you. What about going on your own? There are all types of help out there. No matter if you want a regular person or someone who will help with a more faith based approach. If this is indeed dying, besides everything you normally have to do for the kids you have to do stuff for yourself. Some places are on a sliding scale, so it's based on what you can afford. Let us know what happens.
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I ran outta gas. I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from outta town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake, a terrible flood, locusts. It wasn't my fault!! I swear to God!!
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2005/03/23, 09:47 AM
Smurfetta, I think what WAnglais was implying was that you seek councelling for yourself, to help you cope with your current depression. It may or may not help your marriage, but it certainly would help your own self esteem. If your marriage is heading towards an end, a councellor should help you deal with that as well. If you feel strongly about keeping your marriage together, you'll need all the support you can get. Do it for yourself! Keep up your healthy lifestyle as well--it can only help!!
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2005/03/23, 09:54 AM
I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties, I have taken various herbal concoctions, the list is many, but have found they really don't make much difference in the long run, although I still take valarian root in the evenings before bed when I feel anxiety and I take a few other things for anxiety but not on continual basis.
I have found that lack of FUN and a happiness from within has entered into my life many times and has caused me to doubt everything. I have learned to step back, remove myself from EVERYONE even for an hour a day and think of all the things I have to be grateful for. I am still working on the fun part, but I think that we need to have the opportunity to laugh and just love life for what it is and sometimes having all the responsibilities of mom, wife, bill payer, cook, cleaner, etc. weighs heavy even when being a mom is the best thing in the world and you can't ever imagine NOT being one!
Hugs and well wishes!!
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Veda
MISERY IS OPTIONAL
***When you are up to your ears in trouble, try using the part that is not submerged.
***The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
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2005/03/23, 10:13 AM
check out www.zenbev.com
an all natural supplement that helps with mood disorders.
Made of pumpkin seed and produces tryptophan in the body...When taken during the day, Zenbev provides tryptophan in a natural formulation, which metabolizes into serotonin. Combined with the specific ingredients to ensure optimal delivery across the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB), Zenbev is a powerful source of relaxation and aids in alleviating anxiety, stress and depression.
It can also be used to aid in insomnia: tryptophan in the protein source metabolizes into serotonin, which then metabolizes into melatonin at night, serving to activate the brain’s sleep mechanism.
It really is an excellent product....The people who developed it are very knowledgable and helpful.
PAT
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2005/03/23, 10:53 AM
Not to get technical, but tryptophan is actually a precursor of seratonin. :)
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/03/23, 06:08 PM
Speaking of tryptophan, i went to a website called the world's healthiest foods (whfoods.org) and found more information on foods that contain tryptophan, what high-tryptophan foods can do for you, interaction information, and so on. The website is amazing and has all sorts of info on the healthiest foods to eat, supplements. The link to the tryptophan page is http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=103 but while you are there, browse around. Lots of great information. Just noticed that because of some fiasco where a batch of 5HTP was contaminated and 30 people died, it is not available for sale in the States...that's too bad...but otherwise, a lengthy list of high tryptophan-containing foods can be found here.
Take care, Caroline
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2005/03/23, 07:37 PM
Yep, a bad batch came from Japan I believe it was quite a while back, maybe as much as 10 yrs. ago, so all tryptophan now has to be "naturally ocurring" as you will see on all protein labels, etc.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/03/23, 10:44 PM
hmm...I saw 5-HTP on a shelf at walgreens where I live...is that the same type?
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2005/03/23, 10:46 PM
Message deleted by moderator due to unsuitable content for this board.
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2005/03/23, 10:51 PM
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan) is a natural supplement that converts in the brain into serotonin.
It is different than tryptophan if that is what you are asking. It was by the way the way the tryptophan that was contaminated. 5 HTP again is a precursor of seratonin.
The use of L-Tryptophan as a dietary supplement was discontinued in 1989 due to an outbreak of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) that was traced to a contaminated synthetic L-Tryptophan from a single manufacturer.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/03/25, 02:28 PM
Smurfetta,
Not to make light of the situation but if your marriage is fading due to your husbands lack of interest then unfortunately the decision to save it has been taken out of your hands. I know it is difficult to hear or accept as I have been on the receiving end of a bad marriage myself. You must not let it destroy your life.
From your picture you appear to be a very pretty young lady and your posts suggest that you are compassionate as well. You should have no problems finding someone who is interested in making lifes' journey with you.
Keep in mind sometimes relationships go bad through no fault of your own. Keep your head held high, concentrate on your children who both love and need you and believe that better times are waiting just around the corner.
Best of luck
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2005/03/25, 05:22 PM
Thanks everyone! I am planning to look into counseling by myself. Also, I've been taking B-vitamins this week, but that's about it. I've only exercised once this week because of a five day conference, which has taken most of the days and evenings. I sure wish I were a morning person. :(
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