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OffTheRadar
31st October, 2006, 10:01 AM
Hi Everyone,

From a quick look around the forum it seems most people here have turned to herbals after taking perscribtion medication. I have never being diagnosed with depression nor have taken any perscribed medication. I'm wondering how or if to start on herbals (SJW, 5HTP or similar). Here's my story: (bear with me its a little long)

Throughout my adult life (I'm 31) I've had fairly constant job related anxiety and a tendance to get depressed when got busy or challenged at work. This reached a head in 2004, when I was particularly down, had personal problems and dropped out of a Phd program. I was quite depressed and had frequent thoughts about dying. At the time I went for some counselling/therapy and it helped.

Subsequently I changed jobs and moved to a different country, but intermittant depression remains. Since returning from holidays in sept, I am depressed much of the time, I have nothing to do at work and often cant get motivated to get out of bed.(the end of my work contract in jan is probably a factor). So I contacted my cousellor/therapist again. We started to work together (online sessions) but not long after she says she doesnt want to work with me online, that i need face to face counselling and that I should get assessed for clinical depression.

In my current geographical location i can neither get f2f couselling nor get reliably assessed for depression (even though i cant see how an official assement will help). I am finding that regular excercise is helping but not enough. On the other hand, i would guess that this is mild depression as i'm nowhere near suicidal or even thinking about death - it was much worse in 2004. Should I start trying some herbal preparations? if so which?

Bear in mind that I will need to buy online and that it will take upto 4 weeks for any resupplies to reach me. This concerns me, as it could mean a gap in taking the herbs and it seems many have run into trouble with stopping abruptly.

Any thoughts/advise greatly recieved

OTR

shy1
31st October, 2006, 12:53 PM
Hello OTR and welcome to the forum!

Sorry to hear that depression has found its' way back into your life. Many of us here are self diagnosed. Not all of us have used ADs in the past. If you're comfortable with your self diagnosis then by all means obtain your choice of SJW and begin using it. Keep in mind that for most it takes a few weeks before it starts helping. If it takes 4 weeks to receive an order then by all means be certain to order a 6-8 week supply.

I also found that exercise by itself didn't help during stressful times. I am self diagnosed for mild to moderate depression. SJW has helped me and now I feel great. There is hope.

Wishing you the healing you are seeking.

OffTheRadar
10th November, 2006, 05:16 AM
Thanks Shy!

Your mention of stressfull times made me smile - at my own expense. I actually feel pretty good when stressed/lots to do, its when i'm not busy that things go downhill. At work i'm getting ignored and have nothing to do, but have decided to stick it out till the end of contract in january so i can get the completion bonus.

I've decided to first try some dietary supplements and see how that goes, but have also order 5thp to try if the supplements help. I'll be trying flaxseed oil and schizandra. I don't think schizandra has been mentioned here but i had some experience with it as an chief ingredient before and it might help. Its known for having a balancing and anti-depressant effect. I'll be back to let people know how it goes.