anyone ever try st johns wort for depression,an anxiety.need something,but afraid to take meds..

[miarose]

[BriarRose]

Yes, Miarose, I did take St John's Wort for depression, and found it helpful. The only reason I - reluctantly - stopped, was that it made my ankles swell, and, in late middle-age, that bothered me. But yes, definitely try it, though check with a pharmacist if you're on any other medication whatsoever. It is actually prescribed in some European countries, though the UK hasn't caught up yet!

Good luck, and hope it helps.

Rose xx

[miarose]

thank thank you BriarRose,for replying to me so promptly. did it help you with anxiety too.my biggest problem is severe anxiety,Iam now feeling depressed because I have lost all interest in going out,just want to left alone i can't go on like this,anxiety has taken over my life I have given up the fight,I am going to stop CBT too,I just havan't the energy to carry on..can you tell me how much you took and at what time of day,and what the side effects were,did it calm you down...sorry so many questions but I am desperate...thanks again.....

[BriarRose in reply to miarose]

Hi MiaRose

sorry, not sure I can answer most of your questions - I can't remember when/how I took it, just as directed on the packet, I think. Can't remember if i was suffering from much anxiety at the time - although I usually am! I just remember that it made me feel "better" although it's not a miracle cure - sorry, that's not much help! The only side-effects I remember, as I said, were swollen ankles, but i was in at least my late 50s if not older at the times.

However, if anxiety is your main problem - and that is causing the depression - you might be better off with something like Kalms - you can get them at a pharmacy/health food shop. Naturacalm is quite good as well.

Having said that - presumably your GP or such like referred you for CBT - I think if anxiety is ruining your life to the extent you say, and CBT isn't helping, you REALLY need to go back to your doctor and see if there is anything else they can offer. I know that CBT is currently the "cure-all" in MH problems, but in my experience it doesn't work for everyone (including me!).

You could ask your GP about beta-blockers - they block the adrenaline and so knock out the "fight-flight" reaction which is the cause of so much anxiety.

You might also like to look at this site - it's mainly about depression, but it has very good relaxation exercises on it - some of the best I've found and, believe me, I've been round the block a few times! Have a look at:-

allaboutdepression.com/relax/

But, please, Miarose, go to your GP. You shouldn't have to suffer this badly on your own.

Let me know if you think I can help any further! Good luck, and lots of love

Rose xxx

[fudge]

Works to a certain extent.. Only mild depression. Not to be taken with medications prescribed by doctor

[KevinManchester]

Hi

Yes I have tried St Johns Wart and Herbal Tea, both had no effects what so ever I tried it for 3 months. I came off it and took the pescribed meds from my doctor which did help but not cure my anxiety.. I have come to the conclusion there is no "majic pill" I attacked anxiety from all angles. CBT, reading books from Amazon to understand the problem, a change of diet, distraction techniques, using an mp3 player with a voice taking me to a beach to relax, deep breathing, facing up to my problem in stages (desensitive), taking up a new hobby really helped to distract my thoughts. I also had a helpful friend who I could talk to. Combine all these together and I am feeling much better after 3 years. Some things work better than others, we are all different but never just take a single approach and think it will work. Never give up and be brave.

Kevin

[KevinManchester in reply to KevinManchester]

sorry about the spelling I meant magic pill as oppsed to majic pill

[miarose]

thank you for all your replies,I think i'll give st johns wort a miss.I need something Iknow is going to work,I have a phobia about taking meds,when I swallow a tablet I panic,how sad is that....I take the tablets home now and throw them in the cabinet,and sit down and cry cause Ican't take them.I don't know how to get passed this,my head is all over the place,my husband has lost patience with me,and life just sucks.......

[KevinManchester]

That phobia sounds bad but let it not beat you, how about your husband hiding the tablet in a cake before bedtime and not telling you. The meds help you sleep, I am on mertazapine

but starting to come off them, no side effects, a tiny tablet as you get in bed and within 5 minutes you are away with the fairies. By the way St Johns Wart is a big tablet...

We all suffered on this website but as you can gather the only person who can really help conquer this is you I did not have any luck with herbal remedies but had better luck with distraction methods and would say that was my biggest help. Getting involved in something means you have less time to think about anxiety which in turn you worry less and feel better.

good luck

[milo1]

HI KEVINMANCHESTER did you find the mirtazipine any good for anxiety and how long were you on them hope you dont mind me asking only my doctor offered them to me but i am too scared to take them x

[miarose]

hi kevin,actually have those tablets in my cabinet,their called zispin,reason I didn't take them was because one of the side effects was dizziness,and I am so lightheaded already.I heard good reports about those tablets,so mayby i'll make myself take them,had you any dizziness,if so how long did it last..Iheard they were great for anxiety......