BostonHawk
Established Member
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on lexapro, which apparently lists hairloss as a side effect, are there any good antidepressants that don't? thanks as always.
what is a good antidepressant that doesn't cause hairloss
- Thread starter BostonHawk
- Start date
the correlation between anti-depressants and hairloss has not been clearly defined. keep in mind also that the exact method of treating depression through the use of anti-depressants (SSRI's, etc) is not known...or, in short, doctors don't even know how they work (they just know that they may work). any time hormones are altered, unintended side effects MAY occur....hairloss may or may not be one of those unintended side effects. also, please don't make a decision on treating depression based on the slight chance that you may experience hairloss. hairloss can cause depression, so it's best to treat the depression, then maybe you won't be so bummed about the hairloss 
. don't know, just my thoughts. hope this helps[/code]
. don't know, just my thoughts. hope this helps[/code]
G
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Guest
Yes, getting fit...
Cassin
Senior Member
- Reaction score
- 78
This is long but well worth the 15 minutes to read
********************************************************************
Mood & Mental Health
Three of the major challenges to our mental health today are stress, anxiety and depression. Fortunately, there are many simple steps we can take in our daily lives to regain a sense of balance, feel better about ourselves, and live calmer, more satisfying lives.
* Stress
* Generalized Anxiety Disorder
* Depression
Stress
We all experience stressors at many points throughout our lives. It’s practically unavoidable. What we can control is how we react to them. Stress can best be defined as an individual’s mental and physiological response to a particular event, behavior, place or person. While it isn’t always easy to find effective ways to manage the daily stressors we face it is important to try to find healthy ways to manage stress. When we cannot, we often feel its damaging impact through anger, depression and a multitude of health problems.
Here are some facts about how stress impacts our lives:
* Stress has been linked to all the leading causes of death, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, accidents and suicide.
* Almost 90 percent of all visits to primary health care providers are due to stress-related problems.
* Nearly one-half of all adults suffer adverse effects from stress.
* It is estimated that 1 million Americans miss work due to stress-related complaints.
* Workplace violence has been attributed to stress. Homicide is the second leading cause of fatal occupational injury.
There are some situations that inherently rate high on the stress scale: divorce, death of a child or spouse, illness, a move or a change of job. But each of us has the ability to manage most stressful situations by altering the way we respond to them. It is impossible to manage or control all the people, events and places in our lives that place demands on us, and any attempt to do so causes our stress level to go up. We would be better off learning to accept those situations we can not change and to manage how we deal with stress by understanding the phenomenon of “being stressed.â€
Stress is classified into two types – acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term). People experience acute stress when they are dealing with a dangerous or life threatening situation. Because these circumstances were common in our evolutionary past, humans have a built-in mechanism that is commonly referred to as the “fight or flight†response, so named because of the way our bodies react to such an event. Immediate physiological responses, mediated by the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, prepare the body for this “fight or flight†response by increasing blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. In fact, blood flow can increase 300 to 400 percent in order to prepare the legs, brain and lungs for the added demands of either fighting off a physical threat, or running to safety. Conversely, other major body systems such as the digestive tract are shut down short-term, as they are considered non-essential during a stressful event. These physical changes were vital for survival in prehistoric times, and this response can still be important today when we are in a dangerous situation or even during an athletic event or a competition where a “revved up†system can enhance the way we perform. The problem, however, is that this system now operates inappropriately in our modern world. Although heavy traffic, work deadlines and credit card statements are not life threatening, the system is activated by our response to them, often many times throughout the day. This is chronic stress, and over time the repetition of the “fight or flight†response, designed to allow us to survive occasional real threats, begins to alter our everyday physiology and health.
Some physical consequences of chronic stress:
* Heart Disease. Sudden changes in heart rate and increased demands on the cardiovascular system can precipitate angina even increase one’s risk for a fatal heart attack. Repetitive increases in blood pressure can damage the inner lining of the artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis.
* Stroke. Prolonged or frequent episodes of stress can gradually worsen high blood pressure, affecting the cardiovascular system and the arteries that lead to the brain, thus increasing the risk of stroke.
* Depressed Immune System. Prolonged exposure to stress can blunt the immune system response, increasing the risk for colds and more serious infections.
* Weight and Body-Fat Changes. Chronic stress can cause either a loss in appetite and weight loss or an increase in cravings for fat, sugar and salt, which leads to weight gain. A recent study suggested that chronic stress can cause abdominal fat accumulation in otherwise thin women. The researchers attributed this fat accumulation to an increased secretion of the hormone cortisol, which is released during stress – some release more cortisol than others. Central distribution of fat increases one’s risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
* Insomnia. Chronic stress makes it difficult for people to get a restful night’s sleep, which interferes with the body’s mechanisms for recovering and repairing itself. A lack of sleep can also worsen psychological stress and prevent one from recognizing problems and dealing with them rationally.
* Migraines. Studies have suggested that migraine attacks occur more frequently when one is under increased levels of stress.
* Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) . A strong correlation has been associated between stress and IBS.
Not all stress is bad, however, and stressful challenges are necessary to become stronger both physically and mentally. The positive effects of overcoming stress can include:
* Increased energy and motivation
* Increased self-confidence
* Increased drive and productivity
* Enhanced work performance
* A feeling of excitement and a sense of purpose and challenge
Use these steps to help manage your stress more effectively.
1. Determine what is causing stress in your life. There may be particular situations, people or events that make you feel nervous, anxious or fearful.
2. Keep a diary to record the events or situations that are stressful for you. Record your physical symptoms and emotions.
3. Open up. Learn how to express your thoughts and feelings.
4. Don’t be afraid to say “no†when someone asks you to do something. Learn your limits. You can’t do it all and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.
5. Learn how to express your anger appropriately by not insulting or hurting others. Say “I feel angry†instead of “you make me feel angry.†This will help maintain and improve the important relationships in your life.
6. Simplify your life. This means restructuring your priorities. Evaluate what activities are most important, and get rid of the ones that aren’t. You will feel less worn out and more rested. You’ll also have more free time to spend with family, friends or even to be by yourself.
7. Recognize that drugs and alcohol are not effective methods to solve problems. If you feel that you are relying on drugs or alcohol to escape from your problems, seek the advice of a mental health counselor or community health service about special programs for stress management.
8. Improve lifestyle habits. Increasing physical activity and eating healthy can do wonders for your ability to manage stress. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can improve weight, energy levels, self-confidence, and overall health and well-being, making it much easier for you to handle daily stressors.
9. Strengthen your support system. Most people who are able to cope well with stress have strong social support networks with family, friends and even pets.
10. Reduce stress at work. Seek out support from your Human Resources department or a sympathetic coworker or manager. Learn how to communicate your needs in a non-confrontational manner, such as giving suggestions on how to improve working conditions to help increase productivity.
11. Laugh it off. Did you know that laughter is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress? No matter how bad things are, laughing dissolves tension and seems to help brighten the situation. Try not to take things too seriously – a negative mood only adds to your level of stress. Another plus – laughter seems to help boost the immune system, in turn making you less prone to developing colds and other infections.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a normal reaction to certain situations, such as feeling tense when speaking in front of a large group or experiencing a racing heartbeat when faced with a dangerous situation. This physiological response helps prepare you to react to a threatening situation, or gets you charged up to perform well on a test. When anxiety and worry become chronic, however, or are exaggerated and without cause, it is a sign of anxiety disorder. Instead of a heightened physical state to meet an immediate challenge, anxiety disorders actually impair your ability to cope in your daily life.
Anxiety disorders (a term which includes panic disorders, phobias, post traumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders), are the most common form of all mental disorders. They are true illnesses, stemming from a combination of life experiences and biological factors. People may feel anxious all of the time without any apparent reason, have such extreme feelings of anxiety that they have to avoid certain everyday activities, or may become completely immobilized from an intense feeling of terror. There are several different types of anxiety disorders, but this section deals only with generalized anxiety disorder.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by chronic, unrealistic, and exaggerated feelings of worry and tension. It is more common among women than men, and tends to run in families. People with GAD tend to fret excessively about certain people or situations, such as family members, their health or their job, and to overreact to situations, although the source of worry is not always evident. They have a hard time relaxing and falling or staying asleep.
The onset of GAD is gradual, usually affecting people in their childhood or adolescence. A diagnosis is confirmed when a person experiences excessive worrying about everyday situations for at least six months. Treatments include anti-anxiety medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and biofeedback.
Symptoms
Anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms including muscle tension, headaches, trembling, restlessness, sweating, abdominal upsets, dizziness and irritability. These problems usually disappear after treatment of the underlying anxiety.
Suggested Lifestyle Changes
* Breathing exercises are one of the best single anti-anxiety measures. Many people experiencing anxiety tend to hold their breath or hyperventilate without being conscious of their actions. Controlling breathing and breath work can offer an immediate lessening of anxiety and a sense of empowerment. The yogic relaxing breath is perhaps the best tool to use in addressing GAD, and the exercise I recommend as the cornerstone of any relaxation program.
* Meditation can help lessen the effect of GAD by training one to focus on the present moment, thus keeping minds off fears. Meditating on a regular basis can result in significant, long-term reduction of anxiety.
* Eliminating all sources of caffeine and stimulants from the diet can markedly reduce symptoms, and is especially helpful in those who are stimulant sensitive.
* Cognitive behavioral therapy can help those with GAD to recognize distorted patterns of thinking and adopt healthy coping skills.
* Journaling anxious thoughts, worries and symptoms can help reduce stress, identify unfounded fears and monitor progress.
* Regular daily exercise is another excellent way to combat anxiety. Exercises such as brisk walking and moderate strength training can reduce stress and anxiety, and offer a healthy distraction from negative thoughts.
* Taking a “media break†(by eliminating TV news bulletins, the Internet, and newspapers and new magazines) can help anyone with anxiety. A week without “negative†news can teach someone they have choices in how much information they are exposed to, as well as how they process news.
Supplements
B vitamins and magnesium can be helpful in dealing with the symptoms of anxiety.
Passion flower derivatives are effective as mild tranquilizers. Both tinctures and extracts are calming without being sedative and are useful adjuncts to programs of stress reduction.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common types of mental disorders, affecting about 340 million people worldwide. Interestingly, about half of all cases of depression go undiagnosed and untreated, yet depression is the most treatable form of mental illness. Depression occurs in all age groups, social classes and cultures. It is far more common in women, affecting 25 percent of women versus about 10 percent of men. Additionally, depression also affects one out of every 20 teenagers.
It is very important to make a distinction between situational depression, which is a normal reaction to events around us, and clinical (also called endogenous) depression, which is triggered from within and is not related to external situations. Situational depression is quite common and normally follows stressful situations or losses. Rather than suppress these feelings, it is best to work through these periods with help from psychotherapists or counselors. Clinical depression is a medical diagnosis and often requires other forms of treatment.
Symptoms and Causes
The core symptoms of depression include:
* A sullen mood
* Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and anxiety
* Loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable
* Change in appetite
* Change in sleeping patterns
* Inability to concentrate
* A lack of energy or feeling run-down
Clinical depression can be triggered by a recent loss or other sad event, but then grows out of proportion to the situation and persists longer than appropriate. While there are many theories about mood disorders, the actual causes of depression remain unclear. The current branch of medicine that addresses depression, psychiatry, is deeply founded in materialistic thinking, and believes that all mental problems stem from imbalances in brain chemistry. Hence, its total commitment to the use of drugs. While it seems likely that some cases of depression may result from deficiencies or excess neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, it makes equal sense to suggest that mood disorders actually result in disordered brain biochemistry.
Those with a family history of depression are much more likely to experience its effects at some point in their lives.
In addition, there are several factors that can precipitate depression:
* A recent loss or sad event such as the loss of a job, bereavement or social isolation
* Side effects of certain drugs
* Infections such as AIDS, mononucleosis and viral hepatitis
* Pre-menstrual syndrome
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Certain types of cancer
* Neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
* Nutritional deficiencies of B12 or B6
Recommended Lifestyle Changes
In Buddhist philosophy, depression represents the inevitable consequence of seeking stimulation. The centuries old teachings suggest that we seek balance in our emotional lives, rather than continuously striving for the highs, and then complaining about the lows that follow.
Its basic recommendation encourages the daily practice of meditation, and this is perhaps the best way to address the root of depression and change it. This requires long-term commitment, however, as meditation does not produce immediate results.
* Exercise. For more immediate, symptomatic treatment of depression, there is no better method than regular aerobic exercise. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a daily workout for improving mood and boosting self confidence. I recommend thirty minutes of continuous activity, at least five days a week for best results.
* Check your meds. Make sure you are not taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications that contribute to depression. Avoid all antihistamines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills and narcotics if you have any tendency toward depression. You should also be cautious about the use of recreational drugs, notably alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, downers, marijuana and ecstasy. These substances may provide a temporary sense of relief, but are likely to intensify depression to dangerous levels if used regularly.
* Cut caffeine. Addiction to coffee and other forms of caffeine often interferes with normal moods and can aggravate depression. Try acupuncture. This modality has proven itself to be very useful in treating several mood disorders, including depression.
* Seek professional help. Find a psychotherapist, mental health professional or grief counselor who can help you explore the elements contributing to your depression and facilitate recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be especially helpful.
* Anti-depressant medications. Speak to your physician to determine if you are a candidate for anti-depressant medication.
Nutrition and Supplements
* B vitamins. The B vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B6, can be helpful in mild depression, and you should know that B vitamins can increase the efficacy of prescription anti-depressants.
* St. John's wort. St. John's wort is an herbal remedy that has long been used in Europe as a treatment for mood disorders. Standardized extracts have shown an effectiveness equaling Prozac in the treatment of mild to moderate forms of the disease. It should not be taken with anti-retroviral medications, birth control pills, or antidepressant medications, especially SSRIs like Prozac or Celexa. Try 300mg of an extract standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin, three times a day. It’s full effect will be felt in about eight weeks.
* SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). Has the adavantage of working more quickly than St John’s Wort. Use only the butanedisulfonate form in enteric-coated tablets, or in capsules. Try 400-1600mg a day on an empty stomach.
* Fish oil. Recent preliminary studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may be helpful in maintaining a healthy mind. I think that reasonable doses of fish-oil SUPPLEMENTS (1,000 – 2,000 mg per day) might be useful in addressing mild depression. Fish oil is an excellent source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential fatty acid found in nerve and brain tissue.
* In addition, follow a well-balanced diet and include an antioxidant multi-vitamin/mineral supplement to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs for all the essential nutrients.
http://www.drweil.com/u/HC/HCA211/
********************************************************************
Mood & Mental Health
Three of the major challenges to our mental health today are stress, anxiety and depression. Fortunately, there are many simple steps we can take in our daily lives to regain a sense of balance, feel better about ourselves, and live calmer, more satisfying lives.
* Stress
* Generalized Anxiety Disorder
* Depression
Stress
We all experience stressors at many points throughout our lives. It’s practically unavoidable. What we can control is how we react to them. Stress can best be defined as an individual’s mental and physiological response to a particular event, behavior, place or person. While it isn’t always easy to find effective ways to manage the daily stressors we face it is important to try to find healthy ways to manage stress. When we cannot, we often feel its damaging impact through anger, depression and a multitude of health problems.
Here are some facts about how stress impacts our lives:
* Stress has been linked to all the leading causes of death, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, accidents and suicide.
* Almost 90 percent of all visits to primary health care providers are due to stress-related problems.
* Nearly one-half of all adults suffer adverse effects from stress.
* It is estimated that 1 million Americans miss work due to stress-related complaints.
* Workplace violence has been attributed to stress. Homicide is the second leading cause of fatal occupational injury.
There are some situations that inherently rate high on the stress scale: divorce, death of a child or spouse, illness, a move or a change of job. But each of us has the ability to manage most stressful situations by altering the way we respond to them. It is impossible to manage or control all the people, events and places in our lives that place demands on us, and any attempt to do so causes our stress level to go up. We would be better off learning to accept those situations we can not change and to manage how we deal with stress by understanding the phenomenon of “being stressed.â€
Stress is classified into two types – acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term). People experience acute stress when they are dealing with a dangerous or life threatening situation. Because these circumstances were common in our evolutionary past, humans have a built-in mechanism that is commonly referred to as the “fight or flight†response, so named because of the way our bodies react to such an event. Immediate physiological responses, mediated by the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, prepare the body for this “fight or flight†response by increasing blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. In fact, blood flow can increase 300 to 400 percent in order to prepare the legs, brain and lungs for the added demands of either fighting off a physical threat, or running to safety. Conversely, other major body systems such as the digestive tract are shut down short-term, as they are considered non-essential during a stressful event. These physical changes were vital for survival in prehistoric times, and this response can still be important today when we are in a dangerous situation or even during an athletic event or a competition where a “revved up†system can enhance the way we perform. The problem, however, is that this system now operates inappropriately in our modern world. Although heavy traffic, work deadlines and credit card statements are not life threatening, the system is activated by our response to them, often many times throughout the day. This is chronic stress, and over time the repetition of the “fight or flight†response, designed to allow us to survive occasional real threats, begins to alter our everyday physiology and health.
Some physical consequences of chronic stress:
* Heart Disease. Sudden changes in heart rate and increased demands on the cardiovascular system can precipitate angina even increase one’s risk for a fatal heart attack. Repetitive increases in blood pressure can damage the inner lining of the artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis.
* Stroke. Prolonged or frequent episodes of stress can gradually worsen high blood pressure, affecting the cardiovascular system and the arteries that lead to the brain, thus increasing the risk of stroke.
* Depressed Immune System. Prolonged exposure to stress can blunt the immune system response, increasing the risk for colds and more serious infections.
* Weight and Body-Fat Changes. Chronic stress can cause either a loss in appetite and weight loss or an increase in cravings for fat, sugar and salt, which leads to weight gain. A recent study suggested that chronic stress can cause abdominal fat accumulation in otherwise thin women. The researchers attributed this fat accumulation to an increased secretion of the hormone cortisol, which is released during stress – some release more cortisol than others. Central distribution of fat increases one’s risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
* Insomnia. Chronic stress makes it difficult for people to get a restful night’s sleep, which interferes with the body’s mechanisms for recovering and repairing itself. A lack of sleep can also worsen psychological stress and prevent one from recognizing problems and dealing with them rationally.
* Migraines. Studies have suggested that migraine attacks occur more frequently when one is under increased levels of stress.
* Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) . A strong correlation has been associated between stress and IBS.
Not all stress is bad, however, and stressful challenges are necessary to become stronger both physically and mentally. The positive effects of overcoming stress can include:
* Increased energy and motivation
* Increased self-confidence
* Increased drive and productivity
* Enhanced work performance
* A feeling of excitement and a sense of purpose and challenge
Use these steps to help manage your stress more effectively.
1. Determine what is causing stress in your life. There may be particular situations, people or events that make you feel nervous, anxious or fearful.
2. Keep a diary to record the events or situations that are stressful for you. Record your physical symptoms and emotions.
3. Open up. Learn how to express your thoughts and feelings.
4. Don’t be afraid to say “no†when someone asks you to do something. Learn your limits. You can’t do it all and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.
5. Learn how to express your anger appropriately by not insulting or hurting others. Say “I feel angry†instead of “you make me feel angry.†This will help maintain and improve the important relationships in your life.
6. Simplify your life. This means restructuring your priorities. Evaluate what activities are most important, and get rid of the ones that aren’t. You will feel less worn out and more rested. You’ll also have more free time to spend with family, friends or even to be by yourself.
7. Recognize that drugs and alcohol are not effective methods to solve problems. If you feel that you are relying on drugs or alcohol to escape from your problems, seek the advice of a mental health counselor or community health service about special programs for stress management.
8. Improve lifestyle habits. Increasing physical activity and eating healthy can do wonders for your ability to manage stress. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can improve weight, energy levels, self-confidence, and overall health and well-being, making it much easier for you to handle daily stressors.
9. Strengthen your support system. Most people who are able to cope well with stress have strong social support networks with family, friends and even pets.
10. Reduce stress at work. Seek out support from your Human Resources department or a sympathetic coworker or manager. Learn how to communicate your needs in a non-confrontational manner, such as giving suggestions on how to improve working conditions to help increase productivity.
11. Laugh it off. Did you know that laughter is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress? No matter how bad things are, laughing dissolves tension and seems to help brighten the situation. Try not to take things too seriously – a negative mood only adds to your level of stress. Another plus – laughter seems to help boost the immune system, in turn making you less prone to developing colds and other infections.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a normal reaction to certain situations, such as feeling tense when speaking in front of a large group or experiencing a racing heartbeat when faced with a dangerous situation. This physiological response helps prepare you to react to a threatening situation, or gets you charged up to perform well on a test. When anxiety and worry become chronic, however, or are exaggerated and without cause, it is a sign of anxiety disorder. Instead of a heightened physical state to meet an immediate challenge, anxiety disorders actually impair your ability to cope in your daily life.
Anxiety disorders (a term which includes panic disorders, phobias, post traumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders), are the most common form of all mental disorders. They are true illnesses, stemming from a combination of life experiences and biological factors. People may feel anxious all of the time without any apparent reason, have such extreme feelings of anxiety that they have to avoid certain everyday activities, or may become completely immobilized from an intense feeling of terror. There are several different types of anxiety disorders, but this section deals only with generalized anxiety disorder.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by chronic, unrealistic, and exaggerated feelings of worry and tension. It is more common among women than men, and tends to run in families. People with GAD tend to fret excessively about certain people or situations, such as family members, their health or their job, and to overreact to situations, although the source of worry is not always evident. They have a hard time relaxing and falling or staying asleep.
The onset of GAD is gradual, usually affecting people in their childhood or adolescence. A diagnosis is confirmed when a person experiences excessive worrying about everyday situations for at least six months. Treatments include anti-anxiety medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and biofeedback.
Symptoms
Anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms including muscle tension, headaches, trembling, restlessness, sweating, abdominal upsets, dizziness and irritability. These problems usually disappear after treatment of the underlying anxiety.
Suggested Lifestyle Changes
* Breathing exercises are one of the best single anti-anxiety measures. Many people experiencing anxiety tend to hold their breath or hyperventilate without being conscious of their actions. Controlling breathing and breath work can offer an immediate lessening of anxiety and a sense of empowerment. The yogic relaxing breath is perhaps the best tool to use in addressing GAD, and the exercise I recommend as the cornerstone of any relaxation program.
* Meditation can help lessen the effect of GAD by training one to focus on the present moment, thus keeping minds off fears. Meditating on a regular basis can result in significant, long-term reduction of anxiety.
* Eliminating all sources of caffeine and stimulants from the diet can markedly reduce symptoms, and is especially helpful in those who are stimulant sensitive.
* Cognitive behavioral therapy can help those with GAD to recognize distorted patterns of thinking and adopt healthy coping skills.
* Journaling anxious thoughts, worries and symptoms can help reduce stress, identify unfounded fears and monitor progress.
* Regular daily exercise is another excellent way to combat anxiety. Exercises such as brisk walking and moderate strength training can reduce stress and anxiety, and offer a healthy distraction from negative thoughts.
* Taking a “media break†(by eliminating TV news bulletins, the Internet, and newspapers and new magazines) can help anyone with anxiety. A week without “negative†news can teach someone they have choices in how much information they are exposed to, as well as how they process news.
Supplements
B vitamins and magnesium can be helpful in dealing with the symptoms of anxiety.
Passion flower derivatives are effective as mild tranquilizers. Both tinctures and extracts are calming without being sedative and are useful adjuncts to programs of stress reduction.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common types of mental disorders, affecting about 340 million people worldwide. Interestingly, about half of all cases of depression go undiagnosed and untreated, yet depression is the most treatable form of mental illness. Depression occurs in all age groups, social classes and cultures. It is far more common in women, affecting 25 percent of women versus about 10 percent of men. Additionally, depression also affects one out of every 20 teenagers.
It is very important to make a distinction between situational depression, which is a normal reaction to events around us, and clinical (also called endogenous) depression, which is triggered from within and is not related to external situations. Situational depression is quite common and normally follows stressful situations or losses. Rather than suppress these feelings, it is best to work through these periods with help from psychotherapists or counselors. Clinical depression is a medical diagnosis and often requires other forms of treatment.
Symptoms and Causes
The core symptoms of depression include:
* A sullen mood
* Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and anxiety
* Loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable
* Change in appetite
* Change in sleeping patterns
* Inability to concentrate
* A lack of energy or feeling run-down
Clinical depression can be triggered by a recent loss or other sad event, but then grows out of proportion to the situation and persists longer than appropriate. While there are many theories about mood disorders, the actual causes of depression remain unclear. The current branch of medicine that addresses depression, psychiatry, is deeply founded in materialistic thinking, and believes that all mental problems stem from imbalances in brain chemistry. Hence, its total commitment to the use of drugs. While it seems likely that some cases of depression may result from deficiencies or excess neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, it makes equal sense to suggest that mood disorders actually result in disordered brain biochemistry.
Those with a family history of depression are much more likely to experience its effects at some point in their lives.
In addition, there are several factors that can precipitate depression:
* A recent loss or sad event such as the loss of a job, bereavement or social isolation
* Side effects of certain drugs
* Infections such as AIDS, mononucleosis and viral hepatitis
* Pre-menstrual syndrome
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Certain types of cancer
* Neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
* Nutritional deficiencies of B12 or B6
Recommended Lifestyle Changes
In Buddhist philosophy, depression represents the inevitable consequence of seeking stimulation. The centuries old teachings suggest that we seek balance in our emotional lives, rather than continuously striving for the highs, and then complaining about the lows that follow.
Its basic recommendation encourages the daily practice of meditation, and this is perhaps the best way to address the root of depression and change it. This requires long-term commitment, however, as meditation does not produce immediate results.
* Exercise. For more immediate, symptomatic treatment of depression, there is no better method than regular aerobic exercise. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a daily workout for improving mood and boosting self confidence. I recommend thirty minutes of continuous activity, at least five days a week for best results.
* Check your meds. Make sure you are not taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications that contribute to depression. Avoid all antihistamines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills and narcotics if you have any tendency toward depression. You should also be cautious about the use of recreational drugs, notably alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, downers, marijuana and ecstasy. These substances may provide a temporary sense of relief, but are likely to intensify depression to dangerous levels if used regularly.
* Cut caffeine. Addiction to coffee and other forms of caffeine often interferes with normal moods and can aggravate depression. Try acupuncture. This modality has proven itself to be very useful in treating several mood disorders, including depression.
* Seek professional help. Find a psychotherapist, mental health professional or grief counselor who can help you explore the elements contributing to your depression and facilitate recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be especially helpful.
* Anti-depressant medications. Speak to your physician to determine if you are a candidate for anti-depressant medication.
Nutrition and Supplements
* B vitamins. The B vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B6, can be helpful in mild depression, and you should know that B vitamins can increase the efficacy of prescription anti-depressants.
* St. John's wort. St. John's wort is an herbal remedy that has long been used in Europe as a treatment for mood disorders. Standardized extracts have shown an effectiveness equaling Prozac in the treatment of mild to moderate forms of the disease. It should not be taken with anti-retroviral medications, birth control pills, or antidepressant medications, especially SSRIs like Prozac or Celexa. Try 300mg of an extract standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin, three times a day. It’s full effect will be felt in about eight weeks.
* SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). Has the adavantage of working more quickly than St John’s Wort. Use only the butanedisulfonate form in enteric-coated tablets, or in capsules. Try 400-1600mg a day on an empty stomach.
* Fish oil. Recent preliminary studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may be helpful in maintaining a healthy mind. I think that reasonable doses of fish-oil SUPPLEMENTS (1,000 – 2,000 mg per day) might be useful in addressing mild depression. Fish oil is an excellent source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential fatty acid found in nerve and brain tissue.
* In addition, follow a well-balanced diet and include an antioxidant multi-vitamin/mineral supplement to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs for all the essential nutrients.
http://www.drweil.com/u/HC/HCA211/
BostonHawk
Established Member
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thanks so far, I'm on lexapro and I'm losing a lot of hair, even though my hairloss was very very minimal before the lexapro. Any ideas for other antidepressants?
elguapo
Experienced Member
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Check out http://www.myhappiness.com. That may be where the post about stress came from. good site. Do a search on happiness, stress, etc. Lots of good advice out there.
I think defining goals that are realizeable and working toward those goals is a very important thing. You have to want to live for something, and that site helps you understand how to define that and break it down.
OOOOOOOOooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... =[
I think defining goals that are realizeable and working toward those goals is a very important thing. You have to want to live for something, and that site helps you understand how to define that and break it down.
OOOOOOOOooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... =[
BadHairDecade
Senior Member
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Look into Nardil...It's been around for over 20 years. DO NOT SELF MEDICATE WITH IT!!!!
There are certain foods that cannot be eaten while on it.
There are also certain medications that CANNOT be taken while on it. It's possible that finasteride is one of them but I'm not sure.
There are certain foods that cannot be eaten while on it.
There are also certain medications that CANNOT be taken while on it. It's possible that finasteride is one of them but I'm not sure.
camaromike69
New Member
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I was on lexapro about a year ago
I didnt notice any increased hairloss only 2 weeks in I had a really bad reaction where I was pouring sweat and ready to pass out.
I was left with severe panic attacks anytime i was in public that are only starting to subside now. Everytime I hear the word lexapro I get the chills.
Good luck with that @#$%.
God had nothing to do with making that stuff....
I didnt notice any increased hairloss only 2 weeks in I had a really bad reaction where I was pouring sweat and ready to pass out.
I was left with severe panic attacks anytime i was in public that are only starting to subside now. Everytime I hear the word lexapro I get the chills.
Good luck with that @#$%.
God had nothing to do with making that stuff....
G
Guest
Guest
THere's so many drugs out that we really don't need, such as antidepressents and our beloved Propecia. If you are depressed, I found that working out and running helps elevate my mood at least.
POSITIVE YOUTH
Member
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i take remeron and even though hair loss is listed as a side effect, I think it has less potential than SSRI's. I haven't noticed any increase in fall out with it, at least.
Redbone
Senior Member
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I recently started Lexapro and Concerta for ADD. My hair was doing great three months ago now I can see a nice big recession in the center of my frontal hairline and the hair seems overall to be thinner and less lively.
I started shedding like crazy about 4 weeks after I started on the Medications. Every doctor I spoke with including a Psychiatrist, Dermatologist and Dr. Lee said that it should not cause hairloss. Though it does say it right on the package insert.
I suffer from Anxiety and pretty Severe ADD so I need both meds and have done well on them but I want my hair so badly.
I started shedding like crazy about 4 weeks after I started on the Medications. Every doctor I spoke with including a Psychiatrist, Dermatologist and Dr. Lee said that it should not cause hairloss. Though it does say it right on the package insert.
I suffer from Anxiety and pretty Severe ADD so I need both meds and have done well on them but I want my hair so badly.
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This is something I've been searching for as well. I suffer from crazy anxiety. Mostly at night as I can't calm my mind. I exercise daily, eat right and I'm in overall great shape.... although still suffer from anxiety. With the help of Propecia, I've maintained a healthy head of hair. Whenever I take any anti-depressant my hair falls out. I also tried Lexapro and Zoloft and even medical MJ. And all three caused massive hair fallout. When I stopped, within 3 to 6 months all, or most of my thinning hair came back to normal. Still searching....
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I use Mirtazapine and it doesn't cause hair loss. Infact in high doses the drug is actually a hallucinogenic drug.