posted
I have always used the mindset that depression is not a 'prozac' deficency and underlying problems need to be addressed - in other words never been a fan of anti depressants. But then lyme hit. I am having a hard time coming out of the funk of mourning my old life. Any ideas of what to do?
-------------------- KSN Posts: 34 | From Indianapolis | Registered: Feb 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- FEED YOUR BRAIN with excellent NUTRIENTS with enough healthful WHOLE foods and specific supplements. Do not skip meals. PROTEIN really helps.
Avoid GLUTEN (in wheat, spelt, kamut, rye, barley - and one other one, I think). see: www.celiac.com
DRINK WATER every hour - even slight dehydration can cause the mood to drop. Just read that yesterday.
B vitamins
MAGNESIUM
FISH OIL (OmegaBrite is the place to begin)
ADRENAL support (Lyme hits adrenals. Support is a MUST).
LIVER support such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion, NAC (as an overwhelmed liver can lead to depression, big time)
Sleep
MOVE your body. Dance a bit. However you can, often.
�� Nutritional Supplements in Disseminated Lyme Disease ��
J.J. Burrascano, Jr., MD (2008) - Four pages
==============================
It's very important to have this book as a reference tool for self-care and support measures. It answers so many questions in detail that is impossible here on the forum.
posted
I feel that the brain is an organ too. It can get sick physically, just like any other organ.
When my son was 4 months old, my husband was hospitalized with Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. I was post-partum and dealing with my husband's serious health issues. I felt like my world was falling apart. I could not stop crying.
An antidepressant was like a lifejacket. It gave me some breathing room between myself and the horrific circumstances I was dealing with. Therefore, I was able to cope better.
-------------------- aperture Posts: 551 | From Louisville, KY | Registered: Nov 2011
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WPinVA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33581
posted
Exercise and sunlight can help too.
Posts: 1737 | From Virginia | Registered: Aug 2011
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posted
I totally understand. I never thought I would go on an SSRI... until Lyme. I'm taking a super small dose of Lexapro, and it has really helped.
I think the key is to have a plan for going off the med and to make sure to start seeing a therapist. I'm planning on going off in next next few months, but it has been a huge help.
Good luck! Posts: 14 | From Maryland | Registered: Aug 2011
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Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922
posted
Hi!
Depression has been a huge problem for me since Lyme hit.
These things have helped me:
Fish Oil with high EPAs (I'm using Nature's Bounty brand. Helps reduce inflammation in the brain, helps nerves to repair themselves and to communicate better.)
Japanese Knotweed (helps reduce inflammation from Lyme Disease - particularly in the brain. Helps to remove neurotoxins and promote good circulation in the brain. Helps to correct the immune imbalance which Lyme causes and the resulting inflammation.)
Kavinace (I buy though my LLMD. Helps with mood and sleeping)
Vitamin D3 (it helps with depression due to Vitamin D definciency. I guess this happens a lot with Lyme. I noticed last summer that a little bit of sunshine each day helped, so I bought the D3 which is the version made by the sun. Better than regular Vitamin D.)
I am also thinking about trying Lithium Orotate.
I can't seem to handle the side effects from antidepressants.
The loss is huge, but have hope in knowing that many people eventually get their lives back.
Posts: 1358 | From Midwest | Registered: Apr 2009
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mojo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9309
posted
I say try the antidepressant. Paxil saved and changed my life. I have depression and anxiety from both sides of my family and had issues even before Lyme.
I would also try the other's suggestions, as well.
Posts: 1761 | From USA | Registered: May 2006
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