Anything other than meds?

[lurkings]

I am going to go see a couselor soon but I don't want to be on meds for anything. Aren't there other options besides medicine if you symptoms are not debilitating? Can you over compensate in another way would work?

[phoenix]

There may be alternatives.Start with taking very good care of yourself,plenty of rest and a healthy diet,and some physical activity.You might also look into natural remedies.It is your choice not to take medication if you feel you don't need it.Many people do well with counseling and perhaps a support group.

However,if your symptoms become worse do not feel you have failed if you do need medical treatment.Just be honest with your doctor and be careful.Keep talking here...we care.

phoenix

[ksos]

Lurkings...

Like Phoenix says, you have a choice and the ones which were listed are excellent alternatives. I know that exercise is one way to feel better and if you check it our with a physician schooled in holistic medicine, there are vitamins, herbs, and roots that are often used in alternative medicine.

I read several members here meditate, cook, write, or paint. I know that I need psychiatric medicine, but I have had debilitating symptoms which I haven't heard you speak about here.

One thing I used to use was Valerian Root for anxiety. It actually helped me when I was withdrawing from opiates, but again, I would never say take this or other natural remedies without consulting with an MD. I know someone who bugged out when they took St. John's Wort for depression, as an example...

Ksos

[Lilya]

We take few drops of Passiflorine here in Paris. It´s excellent for sleep. I sometimes take it during the day if I´m anxious and it works well. I guess it´s Valerian with lots and lots of Vitamine B, but I´ve noticed you use different names for brands in the States.

We firmly believe in Magnésium and Vitamin B combination together with Passiflorine or similar herbal medicine.

Good luck, but just a word of caution: If you really and truly need medication, don´t hesitate. I waited for too long and suffered for it. I accept it, because I stupidely stopped taking my meds last year and became very sick for months. I ruined friendships and professional contacts in the process. It was like a nightmare.

Good rest and exercise goes without saying. Yoga and swimming have helped me immensely and few minutes of meditation four times a week. I write for a living, but I like to take black and white photos and coulour them. It soothes me. I love reading theology, philosophy and esothérique and discovering something fun as often as I can. i also work on SOS lines and I find it really helps the depression.

Use adversity

[AvieG]

Lurkings, I would suggest you read the post 'Anti-depressants' which Bradley started off, theres a whole load of suff on there about prescribed meds for recovering alcoholics, which might help.

PRESCRIBED meds, IF necessary, and IF taken AS precribd are not the big no-no which some people would have us believe.