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Healing depression through diet and also I need a hug.

Dirtdonthurt profile image
14 Replies

Has anyone else had success treating their depression and anxiety with diet? I'm going without taking antidepressants for the first time in years, and after about 10 months, I'm back in a depressive episode. I'm just so sad. And so anxious. And so irritable. It's awful. I was so proud of myself for doing well without meds for about 7 months. Now that I'm not doing so any more, I'm tempted to start taking meds again. I feel like everyone close to me is encouraging me against it. That I should treat this "naturally". But they also don't seem to understand just how bad I feel. I've been weeping off and on all day. This happens frequently, but I'm having a particularly bad day. It causes me to feel panicked and overwhelmed. I'm not as good of a parent as I want to be. I'm a relatively healthy eater, but I've cut out sugar and an trying to more closely follow the Mediterranean diet. I just don't know. I don't know if I want to continue to suffer like this while I wait to see if I can heal myself with diet. I guess most if all I'm just writing because I need a giant virtual hug. Whenever I try and talk to my husband about what I'm going through, he basically says nothing. He doesn't even look at me. I think he doesn't know what to do or say. He doesn't know how to handle it. He doesn't experience depression. So I try and hide it from him because it obviously makes him uncomfortable. I just need a big hug. Or something. I'm just so sad and scared and I can't stop crying. I see a therapist, but she's on vacation for a month.

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Dirtdonthurt
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14 Replies
Stilltrying_ profile image
Stilltrying_

Sending a virtual hug your way :) xx

Dirtdonthurt profile image
Dirtdonthurt in reply to Stilltrying_

Thank you :)

argh52 profile image
argh52

Why did you decide to stop talking your medicine? It's clear that it was helping you. Why don't you want to go back on it?

You wouldn't tell someone with diabetes or cancer to stop taking their medicine and deal with it naturally. This is no different

Dirtdonthurt profile image
Dirtdonthurt in reply to argh52

Because there was a stupid article in the new York times last year about how they don't know the long term effects if these drugs and how people can experience withdrawal. How they were never intended for lifelong use. I initially stopped because I kept forgetting to take it and I felt fine. I think you are right though. I think I probably need meds. I had anorexia and depression basically my whole time growing up until I started taking anti depressants

argh52 profile image
argh52 in reply to Dirtdonthurt

Yeah, we don't know the long term effects of taking these things but we do know the short term effects of not. I don't really feel like I, personally, have a choice. But that's me of course, and I can't speak for anyone else.

Calmonoutside profile image
Calmonoutside

Sending big hugs(((( )))))). 🤗

Dirtdonthurt profile image
Dirtdonthurt in reply to Calmonoutside

Thank you.

bonkers65 profile image
bonkers65

(((HUGS)))

gccmejia profile image
gccmejia

Hi :)

First at all! A huge hug for you !

I understand how you feel about pills.

I have been taken antidepressants for 5 years at least (not continuously) and I am quite worried about the long term effects. I don't know what to advice you regarding the medication but I have read some studies about the linkages between diet and mental illness and it seems that a plant based diet might contribute to keep adequate levels of serotonin (in only two studies). I am trying to give it a shot :)

Finally I wanted to tell you that you are not alone. We are so many struggling with depression and anxiety. We should feel proud of continue trying although it's not an easy path.

Dirtdonthurt profile image
Dirtdonthurt in reply to gccmejia

Thank you. Yes, I read the Mediterranean diet can hello, and that's heavy on the plants, low on the meat. The side effects are better health, so that's not bad. I may take the pills again and supplement with diet. Thanks for the support. I'm still depressed, but feeling a little better today. Yesterday was the toughest day I've had in a long time and the messages helped.

car103 profile image
car103

It is your choice how to treat your symptoms whether you use a pharmaceutical or a homeopathy, Bach Flower essence, Amino Acid (Gaba, Tryptophan, L-theanine), Chinese Herbs, Acupuncture, Myofascial Release, Yoga, Psychobiotics, Magnesium, CBD oil, etc. and dietary choices.

I don't have an answer. I've been doing this for 35yrs with my share of good times and not so good times. Having good support from your spouse and a therapist can ease the bumps on this rocky road. Give yourself credit for reaching out. Remembering my CBT training - banish the "All or Nothing" thinking.

It's hard right now. You have choices. Results aren't always instant. Hang in there.

Dirtdonthurt profile image
Dirtdonthurt in reply to car103

Thank you for the message. I'm feeling a little better today.

Lucy54Abby04 profile image
Lucy54Abby04

Depression is an awful cloud that no one would ever choose for even their worst enemy. I also have tried managing mine a couple times without meds. DISASTER! Things went from bad to worse. I really believe it's a chemical imbalance that we must treat with every tool possible. These include the right medications, diet, exercise, talk therapy, socialization, and support from friends who understand. You are not alone in this battle. Hugs, much love and support being sent your way. ❤🥰🌞🌻🙏🤗

Lucy54Abby04 profile image
Lucy54Abby04

How are are you doing now?

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