Posted by deirdrehbrt on March 29, 2006, at 12:21:57
In reply to Will I ever work again?, posted by Enigma on March 29, 2006, at 10:35:50
I don't know if this might belong on the "alternative" board, but there are some natural things you might give a try that seem to have helped with some people.
I haven't been keeping up as much as I used to, but DLPA, DL-phenylalinine seems to have helped some people with depression as well as with chronic pain.
5-HTP is basically a replacement for tryptophan. It metabolizes to serotonin. and some people gain some relief from depression with it. (Don't take this during the day as it may make you drowsy.)
Herbs that might be used include
Ginko. (don't use this with blood thinning medications.
Kava. (Can increase the effect of alcohol and other depressant drugs or medications)
Morinda. (Helps with depression and may help male sexual functioning.)
And, of course, St. John's Wort. (Don't use with prescription antidepressants or with any medications that react with MAOI's. May also cause sensitivity to the sun.)
Also, there are herbs and preparations that can help with sleep if that is troubling you as well.
Health-food stores are by law not permitted to tell you how to use these substances to help your depression, though some might. There are books available that will specify recommended doses.
A few years ago, I was studying Naturopathy, and still have a fairly good library, so if you want to know something more specifically, let me know via babble-mail and I'll get back to you. I'm not a Naturopath or official herbalist, but do have some information.
OTOH, I'm Bipolar and am still out of work too, having been an engineer as well. It's tough. I used to own my own home and now rent a room. I'm doing what I can though to gain employment in another field, making jewelry. I hope this works out.
Good luck,
-Dee
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:626022
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060324/msgs/626075.html