Crying and sadness

[lonesome_journey]

In 2006, my dad died. I already had anxiety and depression issues. I continue to take the 5-HTP and after a while it stops working. I wake up crying and go to bed crying. I have constant "bad" thoughts. I feel like I am in a loop of some sort and can't get out.

Can someone offer suggestions on what I might add to the 5-HTP for this? I'm not sure I can keep going at this rate.

I was thinking of trying Clarocet or RR.

Not sure what to do :spin:

[Amazed & infused]

Hi Lonesome_Journey,
I too, suffered a recent bereavement of a close family member, felt trapped and locked myself indoors for months.
I started using St John's Wort along with 5HTP 3 wks ago and found the effect transforming although the 5HTP effect seems to be lessening now; the effects also seem dependent on timing and environment, particularly with regards to sleep patterns.
I started 5HTP at 100mg first thing and late afternoon and SJW tea (2000mg stewed for 10 mins) at the same times plus once in the early evening. I found that 5HTP later at night seemed to cause nightmares.
I find that 5HTP gives me a boost to tackle things which I'm putting off, but doesn't always help with "stress" levels.
I found SJW to have a more subtle but blanket calming effect which may be due to it's action on a wider range of neurotransmitters (guessing). For that reason I am slightly more cautious about recommending it but feel that it has been worth it for me (ask some others with more experience on the dedicated site).
The boost from starting the above combination got me out of the house in the morning and I believe the added daylight/exercise compounded with the 5HTP Seratonin/Melatonin effect, to drastically help my sleep patterns.
When (stupidly) I sat on the computer for a day, I couldn't sleep at night again.
Alcohol also caused problems but the alcohol problems seemed reduced by the 5HTP/SJW - helping me to avoid alcohol more now.
I've been lucky to have support in all of this from friends, family & Girlfriend. Have you tried your doctor, support groups etc?
Going to work on the subtleties of this for a couple of months, also trying to cycle more etc - exercise helps me significantly though I didn't have quite the same competitive streak as before - sat and enjoyed the scenery during a jog :)
I find that I'm learning more about how my mind works and how it's affected which gives me more tools to tackle specific problems but that any one approach may not work depending on my state of mind.
Haven't tried Clarocet or RR.
Guess that there will be a whole arsenal of approaches needed, I'm hoping this is the start of an upward spiral, have to capitalise on the good days.
Time for my next happy pill and happy tea!
Must get outside now.:walkingsm:
Battling on :lookaround: Let us know what you find, as some of your symptoms sound similar to mine.
Best wishes, we all feel alone sometimes, you're not alone in this.

[lonesome_journey]

I ordered the RR to take along with my 5-HTP. I am starting to take a multivitamin too.

[analea21]

Hi Lonesome Journey...so sorry you're going through this. It's so painful. Look at the "My Experience with 5htp" thread under Orlando's first post. When 5htp pooped out for me, he told me to add tyrosine to 5htp because it boosts dopamine levels. They were saying that 5htp poops out after 2 months because dopamine leves get low.

I actually didn't try this, but began St. John's Wort. SJW lasts longer. If you're the anxious type, Kira is more calming. You can get it off of iherb.com for cheap. Also, if you feel anxious, get some herbs that are calming like valerian.

[AmyLee]

I'm sorry you are going through this too. It looks like you got some good advice already. Let us know what works for you. HUGS.