New guy, older guy, first post

Hello. I have been on the planet for a bit. I'm not even sure I tapped the right place to do a general post. Will try this. I joined yesterday. This depression stuff is not a new experience but it has gotten much deeper. Much more uncomfortable. I have started treating myself to seeing a counselor. That helps some. I have a supportive wife and much to be thankful for. A son who is happily married, 2 grandkids. I have a prescription for an antidepressant sitting in ta drawer from last December. I have not started it. I want to try everything else first. I have a good friend who also understands depression and has used zoloft or prozac with success. After a nice long conversation she asked where I was at on the scale- 10 extremely happy. She guessed a 6. No, I am at about a 3, sometimes a 2. Even with a good friendd I guess I can cloak.

I have a specific request. Please let me know if you have had some improvement in mood and or sleep with certain supplements. I have tried to add magnesium, pottasium, recently vit B1 B12have tried samE, ashwaganda, selenium. OFten can't feel motivated to take them consisently. I I may be interested in chatting indvidually on this subject at some point. I am not on my deckwith a cup of mostly decaf coffee =( and can't really seee the screen well due to glair and anlge of the sun. LIke I said, much to be greatful for. Hope you all have a good day and find more pieces of peace and happiness. That's all for now. Sincerely, Jude. Trying to take a sad song andmake it bettter.

[Luvmyboston]

welcome! Have you researched the med you are subscribed? I know there’s mixed feelings out there about medication. They aren’t “happy” pills but it does work directly on our neurotransmitters which is the source of our depression most times. It may get you from a 2 to a 6. And for sure keep taking the vitamins to supplement. I’ve been on medication for many years. I still have bad moments, but that’s the human experience. Just encouraging you to keep an open mind. I’m so sorry to hear that you are feeling so low. It is funny how we think people can see us but often times they don’t. Glad you joined. This is a good place.

[Hidden in reply to Luvmyboston]

Hi. Thanks for the welcome! Your reply is very balanced. I have done some research. Have worked in my career with people who have taken meds for anxiety/ depression. I know they can help. I think I am holding off a little longer to try making a few other life changes and try a few more health approaches. Thanks for your kind welcoming reply.

[freedomnow]

Welcome Jude! Totally understand looking for alternatives to prescription medications. I deal with anxiety when out of control brings on depression. If you take herbal supplements please look at side effects, some can cause increase in blood pressure, sugar and liver damage.

[Hidden in reply to freedomnow]

Thanks for the welcome. I appreciate it. Nice to know I can be open and in company of others who understand. Good advice on the herbal supps.

[GottaDance]

I wouldn't try to treat depression with supplements, but a good, healthful diet and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol will help, as does dark chocolate. I had very good success taking Trazadone, a cheap medication which both lifted my depression and enabled me to sleep. It took about 2 months to kick in but then enabled me to live a normal life.

[Hidden in reply to GottaDance]

Thanks much for the welcome. I do have a caffiene habit that I am trying to change. I thought dark chocolate was a lesser of evils on sweets. That was becoming my dessert. Dark chocolate chips. Sorry, have you found dark chocolate ok or harmful? Glad the trazadone helps. I know I need to stay open.

[Hidden]

Thanks catlover for the welcome! Just one word of welcome helps I found. It is odd to be around people so much and at the same time to feel isolated.

[Hidden]

Me too.

[BG-BassGuitar]

Your story sounds similar to mine. I don't like taking meds but I have heard that vitamins do wonders for your mood.

[designguy]

Hello and welcome to the group. I originally tried the natural supplement way but it wasn't moving the needle and then started on an antidepressant. I tried a number of different ones before finding one that was best suited for me genetically. I have a family predisposition to depression from my fathers side so I figured I needed help biochemically and glad I did it. One of the other things I found was how important having your testosterone, thyroid and adrenals functioning properly is because they can cause or contribute to depression if not.

You might check out the book "The anti-anxiety food solution" by Trudy Scott, it has a lot of good information about treating anxiety/depression naturally with supplements/minerals as well as diet things that are helpful.

[Hidden]

Hello. Thanks much for the info. I have had issues with low thyroid since I was 2 and think I've had some adrenal issues as well. I'll check out the book eventually. Actually, I wonder if I inherited some genes from my dad. He seemed to benefit from medication. Lot's to chew on.