A woman is desperate for advice on how to overcome depression.  What drug-free methods have worked for readers, she asks?

According to Shirley, the first thing you should do is purchase the book Optimum Nutrition For The Mind by Patrick Holford (Piatkus Books, 2003 and 2007), which details how to solve mental health problems through nutrition.  Her son, who suffered from depression for years, is now happy and healthy thanks to the advice given in the book. “He has been given the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilled life, which, five years ago, seemed impossible, reports Shirley.”

Other readers suggest specific supplements for beating depression.  One lady swears by a US product called Equilib, while psychotherapist Dominic recommends Higher Nature’s Mood Food Formula.  Both provide nutritional support to aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health problems.  Other supplements that may help include omega-3 fatty acids, particularly pure Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), chromium, tyrosine and 5HTP.  5HTP, a precursor to serotonin, has proved effective for a number of readers.  One woman recommends getting 100 mg capsules and taking a few every day.  “I've been taking it for a while now and have never been happier,” she says.  Another reader takes a 50 mg capsule every night and has noticed a significant improvement in her mood.

In addition to nutrition, exercise is also important, say readers.  As Jeannette explains: “My daughter has suffered from severe depression for many years.  She now has her condition under control for most of the time.  Her strategy is: get as much physical exercise as possible.  She goes swimming but you can do anything you really enjoy for at least a short time every day.  She also paints and plays music.  Other things like laughter and walks in the countryside help too.”

It may also be worth trying herbal remedies.  A couple of readers report great success with St John’s wort, while Anne recommends Rhodiola rosea (Roseroot) and hemp seed oil.  A qualified medial herbalist will be able to advise further.

Other treatments that may work are reiki, acupuncture and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).  Also, we shouldn’t forget counselling and psychotherapy.  According to Linda, these methods have been shown over and over to be more effective than drugs.  “The type of counselling is not particularly relevant; the important aspect is a good feeling about the therapist, and an ease with the therapist's style of working,” explains Linda.  “A client can assess this by setting up an introductory session with two or three different therapists before making a commitment.  Useful websites are www.bacp.co.uk and www.psychotherapy.org.uk.”


E-news broadcast 22 May 2007 No. 361 [Subscribe]