Back after a break

[Perriex]

Hi all,

I've been off of here for a few months, getting used to my new job as a Sped paraeducator in an elementary school.

Job stress has caused my anxiety and depression to kick up again.

Been med free for many months, and would like to stay that way, so I'm taking lavender capsules for anxiety (not great, but I do notice an effect), and trying to do a daily Qigong practice, which helps my sleep.

I'm considering acupuncture too.

What natural or homeopathic methods do you use for stress, anxiety, and/or depression?

[Hidden]

I've heard acupuncture works. I have a friend that fell and has migranes from the fall and see an acupuncturist. Seems to work but does go see them every so often. Said pretty reasonably priced.

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

itzallgood, it worked for me years ago when I suffered from migraines.It can be a very relaxing session. xx

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

That's what I've heard

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

I had an Anesthesiologist do the acupuncture. She saidshe had patients who went through surgery w/o anesthetic

only acupuncture. I don't think I'd go that far lol xx

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

I don't think I would either

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

lol

[Perriex in reply to Agora1]

😯!!

[Hidden in reply to Perriex]

Prob my look too!!

[Perriex in reply to Hidden]

Forgot to comment before... I am giving serious thought to starting acupuncture. I've heard only good things about it.🙂

[Hidden in reply to Perriex]

Please also let me know how it goes. I've had ribs pains for 6 to 7 years that medical people haven't been able to figure out. I've everything done except surgery and acupuncture done to it. They want to opene up to see what's going on. I've refused to have it that drastic done.

[Perriex in reply to Hidden]

I don't blame you for refusing.Hope you find something that works.🌈

[Hidden in reply to Perriex]

Thank you.

[designguy]

One of the most simple natural things that has helped me is learning and practicing mindfulness. My version is not structured but just sitting and letting the thoughts come and go and focusing on the breath if needed. I don't worry or analyze the thoughts but just let them flow. I do it for however long I feel I need it. It's a great way to calm and center myself and I can even do it for moments when i'm walking or doing things throughout the day.

There is a good book on natural treatments for anxiety called "The anti-anxiety food solution" by Trudy Scott that has a lot of information about natural supplements, diet and treatments for anxiety.

[Perriex in reply to designguy]

Thank you so, so much.

I do a bit of meditation, and I do try to just "be" and let the thoughts come and go.

Thanks for the reminder that this can be done while walking, too.

Lately, when I feel upset, or I'm in bed trying to sleep, I try and repeat an encouraging mantra to myself over and over.

It helps.

The book sounds good.

[designguy in reply to Perriex]

You're welcome. One of the things I do in bed when I'm trying to go to sleep is mentally start at 100 and start counting backwards, if I reach 1 then I start over. I usually never make it to 1 though.

I also take Ashwaghanda, Phosphatidyl Serine and Magnesium Glycinate to help lower cortisol and inflammation before bed along with Melatonin. Together, it all has helped and improved my sleep.

I also found how much caffeine affects my sleep so I have switched to decaf most of the time.

[Perriex in reply to designguy]

I've tried the counting backwards, but I didn't get very far only because I didn't trust that it was going to work.I'll try again. Worth a shot.

I'm familiar with Ashwagandha, but not the others.

I've been taking lavender capsules lately. They help some (for anxiety). That was recommended by my PMHNP.

I've been taking a low dose of Melatonin -- I just read that it shouldn't be taken long-term, which surprised me.

I'm also doing Qigong, which is definitely helping my both my sleep and anxiety. I notice a difference if I skip a day.

[Agora1 in reply to Perriex]

Counting backwards or just hearing or seeing numbers going down bring me to full relaxation mode due to my sessions with a Hypnotherapist. Another

control tool I have under my belt.

We each respond differently.. xx

[Perriex in reply to Agora1]

Indeed!These methods can vary depending on the individual.

[Perriex in reply to designguy]

As for caffeine, I've cut down because my blood pressure has been slightly high. I have a feeling that's from the anxiety, too. 😕

[Agora1 in reply to Perriex]

Perriex, Daily meditation allows me to calm both my mind and body,However, it's the breathing that puts me in full control of myself. xx

[Perriex in reply to Agora1]

I always say that I "don't breathe enough"!

[Agora1 in reply to Perriex]

It's not only about breathing but breathing properlyIf we overbreathe we can become hyperventilated which

isn't beneficial.

YouTube has some great breathing techniques that really work xx

[Perriex in reply to Agora1]

Yes. I use YouTube often. It's a great resource.

[designguy in reply to Perriex]

Yes, breathing through the belly (diaphragm) and through the nostrils with the mouth closed helps slow the breathing down and lower our stress and anxiety.

[designguy]

Good for you, sounds like you are doing some good, constructive things. I use a functional medicine person for my meds and she said to not worry about using melatonin long term, there is conflicting information about it and she doesn't think there is a problem. She is very knowledgeable and I trust her.

[Perriex in reply to designguy]

Thanks.🙂And that's very helpful info about the Melatonin. I was worried about that.

[autumnmarie5]

Hey there! Congrats on your job and being back here. This forum is something that helps keep my stress to more of a minimum. The suggestions you said in your post seem interesting and based on the responses I would love to try them too!! I recommend stomach settle drops from Target. They seem to help when I don't eat much and i'm nauseous. They are all natural

[Perriex in reply to autumnmarie5]

Thank you so much.🙂

Not talking about my issues gives them more room to grow. I may post a bit more.

Appreciate the tip about the drops.

I used to get nauseous upon waking in the morning. I'm better now (still dread getting up, though).

[Hidden]

I'm glad you're back!!! 🙂

[Perriex in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!🥰

[Cathy63]

Acupuncture works well for me. I also take St. John's Wort for depression and CBD for anxiety. I might try to drink chamomile tea again. I don't like the taste of it that much, but maybe I can get used to it.

[Perriex in reply to Cathy63]

Does St.John's Wort work well for you?I know they say it makes you more sensitive to the sun.

I'm not a fan of most tea, but I push myself to drink it for the health benefits.

Chamomile does seem to help me a bit.

[Cathy63 in reply to Perriex]

St. John's Wort works well for me. A couple of times I tried to go off it thinking I didn't need it anymore, and my depression got worse. I haven't noticed sensitivity to the sun. Maybe it depends on the individual.