Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

24,601 Members

160,807 Posts

0 Online

Ghostwolf04 03/10/2018

Hey guys I just joined this group. I would say I have had depression since I was a small child and it gets worse that time of the month but I always just try to get thru it. It's like a part of my personality.

This January I was so depressed I thought about dying a lot and giving up on my life because I am so unhappy with it. I tried to make an appointment with a therapist but none of my local ones take insurance and I can't afford it. I don't think it would help anyway. I made an appt with my doc but had to cancel it due to family emergency. I never could handle the side effects of the antidepressants besides.

Anyway, I was at the store shopping for my vitamins I take for joint health. I had nowhere to be so I was browsing the vitamins and found some for mood health. There were two vitamins I had never heard of. 5HTP and L-theanine. I have been taking these vitamins for a month as directed on the bottle and I have noticed a difference. I feel I am better able to cope with things that bother me. I don't cry as often. I also think I function better at work and interact better with people. The 5 HTP has greatly helped my sleep. These vitamins are cheap and easy to take. I'm not saying take them instead of meds, but if you already don't take meds you may try vitamins. I always take a super B complex as well. You may talk to your doc and see about taking these vitamins in support with your meds.

Seamus 03/10/2018

Ghost, I've been telling people over and over about foods and herbs that actually help with anxiety and depression. There's also foods that make depression worse.

Everyone talks a big story, I just want to be normal. I just want to feel good. But few actually do something about it. Like losing weight. Anyone can do so.... But they don't stick to a diet.

I'm glad the vitamins help. And I'm glad you posted it.

Ghostwolf04 03/11/2018

Thanks Seamus. Check out my post about whole grains that boost serotonin.

robotnik 03/12/2018

I remember taking St. John's Wort for a while. Seemed to elevate my mood for an extended period of time but then as if to make up for that I experienced periodically a down-day of note! That could be just me though. I expect everybody has a different reaction to meds, herbal or otherwise

ThatOne 03/12/2018

I'm going to try 5-htp. Thank you for the tip :)

WanderingVet 03/12/2018

do not take anything or stop taking anything without consulting a medical doctor (or at least a pharmacist) FIRST.

Here is an example of why:

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-794-5-HTP.aspx

Ghostwolf04 03/12/2018

The 5HTP doesn't give weird dreams like melatonin often can. Thought I would note that. Thanks for the comment wandering vet. That's why I said talk to your doc about supplementing with vitamins. I know when I did take antidepressants they never completely helped and often had side effects. Vitamins can often help with side effects in other meds, so ask if they can help with antidepressants. Of course always make a note of how you feel in a journal when you do take stuff and show it to your doc as well.

WanderingVet 03/12/2018

>>That's why I said talk to your doc

Yes, ... you certainly did. Good post.

ThatOne 03/13/2018

I don't really have a doctor but I did research 5-htp. I haven't decided how to best use it so I'll consult a pharmacist or a nurse about it. Good post indeed.

Finafa 03/13/2018

hi how much and what time will you take it? I take omega 3 fish oil 2 times a day its ok to take together with 5 htp? Thanks in advance

Join the Conversation