St John's wort tablets/capsules

j.e.j.

Hang on, floradix is a tonic, not a mood-lifter

no1catman

Try - http://www.healthstore.uk.com/p461259/floradix-stjohns-wort-herb-tea-15-tea-bags.html


Moreover - it is not unpleasant to drink.

A.Penny.Saved

Sorry to hear about the situation with your Mother, my grandmother did the same thing after sending her daughter who she lived with, away on holiday.

Something else which might be worth considering because it is has been shown to be as effective as anti depressants with little in the way of side effects. It does have some benefits to health because it also helps with Methylation processes which can be very beneficial so you might decide that it is worth continuing even following the resolution of your current problems. It's called SAM-e. It's wise to take vit B6, preferably Pyridoxal 5 phosphate, folate, either green vegetables or methyltetrahydrofolate and vit B12 methylcobalamin.

For Anxiety, Vitamin B6, Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate form is the best. It helps raise the GABA levels in the brain which has a calming effect. A number of other nutrients can also have a similar effect such as Glycine amino acid. Google GABA and ways to raise brain levels.
Fairly inexpensive here but delivery is extra

I was prescribed two or three different SSRI's and they did nothing for me. I just do not get anything out of serotonin. The is a Psychiatrist who says that serotonin is

sammyjammy

j.e.j. wrote: »

SSRI medication has its own (VERY unpleasant) side-effects, including weight gain and suicidal thoughts.

Seek medical advice by all means, but don't diss alternatives to pharmaceutical intervention, where they exist and benefit the patient.

I think you mean CAN have......

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

sammyjammy wrote: »

I think you mean CAN have......

It's also worth being aware that the first few weeks after commencing any mood altering medication, whether purely pharmaceutical or herbal, can increase the likelihood of self harm/ideation. So if the OP has the slightest feelings of that ilk, it's not the best idea to self prescribe. Natural isn't necessarily bad, but it's certainly not always safe, either.

I'm sorry for your loss, OP - but I think you need to see your GP first. If they are ok with you trying this, they will be able to monitor you for unwanted side effects.

A_Phoenix_of_Tangerine

A.Penny.Saved wrote: »

Something else which might be worth considering because it is has been shown to be as effective as anti depressants with little in the way of side effects. It does have some benefits to health because it also helps with Methylation processes which can be very beneficial so you might decide that it is worth continuing even following the resolution of your current problems. It's called SAM-e.

Your heart is in the right place, but this is potentially quite dangerous information.

People may be under-methylators (in which case, your recommendations may help), but they could alternatively have problems with over-methylation.

If the OP (or anyone reading this) is suffering depression due to over-methylation, then taking substances such as SAM-e, plus methyl-donating substances such as methyl-folate and methyl-B12 may well make their symptoms WORSE.

Brain chemistry is incredibly complex. To find out whether methylation could be part of a genetic propensity towards depression, it may be wise to have a genetic test to find out either way. I know that 23andme.com do genetic testing, and you would then have to upload the results to somewhere like genetic genie or mthfr.net.

Very important to either commit to more thorough research, or genetic testing, before taking brain-altering chemicals without medical supervision.

Just because a substance is 'natural', and can be bought off the shelves from health food shops like Holland & Barrett, does not guarantee that they will suit and do no harm to each individual.

command

From personal experience, I found passion flower supplements helpful, the one I tried was called natracalm. Mindfulness also helps, here's a link to a 10 minute podcast:

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/podcasts/mindfulness-10-minute/

CBT is also very useful, I found this Australian site helpful:

http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=46

Hope this helps.

paddyrg

Grief is a huge thing, compounded by feelings around the fact it was suicide. I'd suggest specialist counselling, or at least taking some of the tips on the SOBS website and NHS Choices websites. The grief and emotions need to come out, they need to hurt, but after time they hurt less and less...

jenniewb

Racheldevon wrote: »

I couldn't take it due to the pill


But you may want to try Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy an 8 week course of 2 hour sessions, which has a strong evidence based including RCTs looking at it's effectiveness against traditional antidepressant medication. I know you're probably not in this area, but here's a link to some info on it https://www.exeter.ac.uk/mooddisorders/acceptclinic/treatments/mbct/ a lot of areas run these courses now sometimes alongside universities or as part of the NHS IAPT programme so worth googling/asking your GP about if interested


I've also found acupuncture really helpful

I feel for you OP. I struggle with my mood even without something as severe as suicide in my family happening and would also be looking for some sort of way to ease the emotional turmoil you must be going through.


I wasn't sure from what you posted if you have any support set up; it may be hard to start something up but it is worth the time and energy required to kick start anything. I've not tried St Johns wort because pills are not something I do well with and I'm basicly scared of them. But instead I try to set up as much emotional support as I can.


I'm struggling with lots of other stuff at the moment and finding it hard to keep my head above water in more ways than one. But I can say hand on heart that I could not do what I am able to do or get as far as I have done now without any of the emotional support I've fought hard to put in place and keep in place. I do think it is worth the effort. I'd not be here without it.


There is NHS support if you are prepared for the long wait- speak to your GP for a referral and if you can hold on for anything that happens because even if what is offered is short term (and it sadly notoriously is) you maybe able to ask where to go next or if there is any advice as to what else to try next.


If your interested in trying different types of medication, it would be sensible to contact your GP to let him/her know as they would be best advised to monitor you to make sure that you're not in any trouble or that it could mix with anything else you may take or cause any side effects and you may not be aware of them. A Psychiatrist could also do this and may be able to offer more advice on different types of medication too.


There is private support in the way of counselling for grief which is a widely spoken about topic and there are programmes and techniques that private therapy may offer as well as just a room and space and time to let do and not be alone when you do this. (I find this the most helpful but some will opt for the former, it's totally individual and what works for you).



I would also suggest looking for charities. Places like Mind and the Samaritans are great and there are also grief specialist charities such as Cruse and so on. Your GP may have more information on this but so may other places such as the CAB or any community groups in your area. If you have a job in the public sector they may well also have more information in this area.


Please don't give up no matter how hard things get because although I know things must feel absolutely impossible now, it doesn't mean things will be like that forever.
Without wanting to sound patronising and I hope I'm not, it takes a strong person to experience their feelings and not recoil and try to block them out or run from them. The fact your feeling all this stuff speaks volumes about your strength even though I bet you don't feel that strong right now, you are.

rothchick

thank you JennieW

I appreciate your response.

I am considering a SOBS meeting that is run once a month in my area. I have a lot of support from my sister and husband. Also one very close friend.

I am having a better week this week and have also come to a conclusion that the job I'm at is not helping my mood. I am starting the process of looking for new employment and this is giving me something to 'work' on and take my mind off things .

I want to stay away from medication but if things get worse I will see my GP.

Once again, thanks to all those who replied.