Depression.

[Swa]

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/85/1/6.long
http://blog.trackyourplaque.com/2008/12/high-dose-vitamin-d.html (think I posted this one before)

Now to put this into context a single 30 minute full body sun exposure can produce 20,000 IU. This is about what it takes to get to a level of 100 ng/ml which is generally around what surfers, lifeguards and traditional farmers test at. I would suggest getting a doctor that isn't scared out of their wits by a value above 70 ng/ml.

1,000 IU will take a pretty long time (http://anp.sagepub.com/content/47/3/271.abstract) and depending on your current level may never get you there. Note that "proper" calciferol is probably ergocalciferol (D2) which is the inferior and more toxic form generally prescribed weekly. Most OTC supplement makers have caught on and use cholecalciferol (D3) which is safer and more effective. All pills are not equal either. The dry ones have poor absorption which can be offset by taking them with fatty meals.

How can one stimulate the release of beta-endorphins? Apparently eating chilli can help, but too much chilli over time can cause stomach ulcers.

Acupuncture?

 

[RiaX]

Keep in mind that Vitamin D is a vitamin, correct supplementation of it should you be deficient is essential. It is not a treatment but will will help you immensely should you be deficient.

As for whether you get superiority over the OTC D3 or medical scheduled D2 is not that important. What is important that the schedule calciferol is a high enough dosage that can actually reverse deficiency. Many of the OTC are small quantities.

As I said do a full blood work, see what you deficient in and focus on those with proper high grade high dose supplements that are able to reverse the deficiencies, otherwise you wasting your time and money.

 

[Humberto]

I bought the Solal Technologies brand of vitamin D(3). It's dry tablets.

 

[RiaX]

micky mouse stuff. Though it should work over an extended period of time

 

[Swa]

As for whether you get superiority over the OTC D3 or medical scheduled D2 is not that important.

https://www.google.co.za/search?cli...rceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&channel=suggest

What is important that the schedule calciferol is a high enough dosage that can actually reverse deficiency. Many of the OTC are small quantities.

That was starting to change till this happened.

I bought the Solal Technologies brand of vitamin D(3). It's dry tablets.

That is actually the best one that's readily available, but as I said you have to take 10 of them. The gelcaps are notoriously hard to obtain.

 

[Beachless]

How can one stimulate the release of beta-endorphins? Apparently eating chilli can help, but too much chilli over time can cause stomach ulcers.

Thats a old wives tale in fact it looks more likely that the antibacterial properties in chillies help cure ulcers.
I have no idea about the endorphins release though.

 

[Spliffcat]

How is everyone feeling today? Up down left or right?

 

[Humberto]

I tried taking vitamin D for a few days (2000 IU per day). I developed two of the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity after two days. It may be coincidence though. So for now I've stopped the vitamin D. I'll wait a week then try again. If get sick again then I'll conclude it's the vitamin D.

I've been getting more rest and I'm more mindful of my experiences. I feel better than last week but I think I may have clinical depression. The other night I had a sudden acute pain in my chest. I thought I might be having a heart attack. Then I thought "I'm ready to go so it's OK". It occurred to me afterwards that that's not a normal response.

I've also been struggling to think about my future lately. My imagination struggles to visualise how my life will be five or ten years from now. I struggle to think beyond the immediate few days. Apparently this is a symptom of depression.

I've also been crying in the evenings.

The rational step would be to go to a doctor and get a script for Zoloft. There are four reasons why I haven't done so yet:

1. It feels like a mission to go to a doctor and explain my situation to them.
2. I have experienced many doctors as judgemental in the past.
3. I'm concerned that taking Zoloft will cause anhedonia.
4. I'm concerned that taking Zoloft will impede my concentration. Looking back I realise that I made more mistakes in my work during the periods of my life when I was taking Zoloft.

 

[STS]

I tried taking vitamin D for a few days (2000 IU per day). I developed two of the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity after two days. It may be coincidence though. So for now I've stopped the vitamin D. I'll wait a week then try again. If get sick again then I'll conclude it's the vitamin D.

I've been getting more rest and I'm more mindful of my experiences. I feel better than last week but I think I may have clinical depression. The other night I had a sudden acute pain in my chest. I thought I might be having a heart attack. Then I thought "I'm ready to go so it's OK". It occurred to me afterwards that that's not a normal response.

I've also been struggling to think about my future lately. My imagination struggles to visualise how my life will be five or ten years from now. I struggle to think beyond the immediate few days. Apparently this is a symptom of depression.

I've also been crying in the evenings.

The rational step would be to go to a doctor and get a script for Zoloft. There are four reasons why I haven't done so yet:

1. It feels like a mission to go to a doctor and explain my situation to them.
2. I have experienced many doctors as judgemental in the past.
3. I'm concerned that taking Zoloft will cause anhedonia.
4. I'm concerned that taking Zoloft will impede my concentration. Looking back I realise that I made more mistakes in my work during the periods of my life when I was taking Zoloft.

Feels

 

[Chicken Boo]

The rational step would be to go to a doctor and get a script for Zoloft. There are four reasons why I haven't done so yet:

1. It feels like a mission to go to a doctor and explain my situation to them.
2. I have experienced many doctors as judgemental in the past.
3. I'm concerned that taking Zoloft will cause anhedonia.
4. I'm concerned that taking Zoloft will impede my concentration. Looking back I realise that I made more mistakes in my work during the periods of my life when I was taking Zoloft.

So... why zoloft then? I think citalopram is generally the least evil of ssris as far as side effects go. What dose of zoloft were you previously on?
Have you ever tried meditating?

 

[Humberto]

So... why zoloft then? I think citalopram is generally the least evil of ssris as far as side effects go. What dose of zoloft were you previously on?
Have you ever tried meditating?

I was on 50 mg of Zoloft and it worked well.

I did meditate a bit last week and found it very beneficial. The problem with meditation though is that you need to be in the right mood for it to work. Most of the time I'm just too psychologically exhausted to have good meditation.

 

[copacetic]

So... why zoloft then? I think citalopram is generally the least evil of ssris as far as side effects go. What dose of zoloft were you previously on?
Have you ever tried meditating?

Side effects for me on Citalopram were virtually non-existent after a month or two.

Although, it still does noticeably delay ejaculation, but since when is that a bad thing?

As for anhedonia, Humberto, I guess you have to look at what the depression is doing to you, and whether the net effect of the medication is a positive thing in that regard - For me it is an unequivocal yes.

That's why I keep stopping - Because I actually feel better.

 

[blunomore]

The last week or two it feels as though life has lost its colour for me. I feel exhausted. Everything feels like so much effort.

So do I, but my excuse is that I have 2 year old

She saps every last bit of energy that I have.

 

[Swa]

I tried taking vitamin D for a few days (2000 IU per day). I developed two of the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity after two days. It may be coincidence though. So for now I've stopped the vitamin D. I'll wait a week then try again. If get sick again then I'll conclude it's the vitamin D.

You really should get a test done. If you're below 100ng/ml there's no way it's toxicity. If you're severely deficient and have been for a long time it could well be an initial sensitivity.

 

[Chicken Boo]

I was on 50 mg of Zoloft and it worked well.

You mean it worked well regarding the depression? It didn't sound like a winner all round. Anyway, give some thought to trying citalopram - if that doesn't work you can still go back to zoloft.

I did meditate a bit last week and found it very beneficial. The problem with meditation though is that you need to be in the right mood for it to work. Most of the time I'm just too psychologically exhausted to have good meditation.

Make it a daily habit, not a when-in-the-mood event. It's best to make it a part of the day by practising straight after waking.
Do you get much physical activity or exercise? Even just regular walking can help regulate moods.
It's important to stay in the present though. You mentioned not being able to visualize your future - forget it, live in this moment, not in possible futures. Take it day by day, or if you're having a really dark day break it up even more - hour by hour, or less if that's what gets you through.
Also, what's your diet like? High carb intake can wreak havoc with moods. Poor dietary choice in general will not help mental health. Sounds trite but it's true...

 

[Jhbgirl]

Sorry to jump in here but I'm really battling atm. I'm on my 3rd month of Serdep 50mg and the effects seems to be less and less. I can't even get out of bed or focus on anything or even just concentrate my way through a movie (unless Tom Hardy is in it hehe) Do I stop with the antidepressants since they don't seem to be doing much? Really not even motivated to go do the dr again to just go through new meds again and again. Last time he wanted to admit me because I was suicidal. *shrug*

 

[rubytox]

Sorry to jump in here but I'm really battling atm. I'm on my 3rd month of Serdep 50mg and the effects seems to be less and less. I can't even get out of bed or focus on anything or even just concentrate my way through a movie (unless Tom Hardy is in it hehe) Do I stop with the antidepressants since they don't seem to be doing much? Really not even motivated to go do the dr again to just go through new meds again and again. Last time he wanted to admit me because I was suicidal. *shrug*

You're battling to get out of bed and experience problems with concentration. Added to this, you have suicidal thoughts. It sounds as if you have lost interest in the things you used to enjoy (except Tom Hardy ) and you don't think the medication is helping, right?

It is not a good idea to simply quit the medication. It is a schlep and visiting a doctor is one of the things a depressed person does not look forward to. It might be that you need to change medication or you may just need a few therapy sessions with a professional?

Do you have any support systems? Such as a trusted friend or family?

 

[killadoob]

Sorry to jump in here but I'm really battling atm. I'm on my 3rd month of Serdep 50mg and the effects seems to be less and less. I can't even get out of bed or focus on anything or even just concentrate my way through a movie (unless Tom Hardy is in it hehe) Do I stop with the antidepressants since they don't seem to be doing much? Really not even motivated to go do the dr again to just go through new meds again and again. Last time he wanted to admit me because I was suicidal. *shrug*

Have you been diagnosed with depression? Often anti depressants don't work if you are bi polar. Not saying you are but if you are you need a mood stabilizer. I am not an expert just telling you what my doc told me. Serdep also can you make gain weight rapidly so perhaps find something like wellbutrin or a drug that won't make you fat. Putting on weight won't help depression i would imagine.

Obviously your doc is the person to discuss your condition and med change with. I would not want to be on a drug known to make people gain weight fairly rapidly.

 

[heartbroken]

Sorry to jump in here but I'm really battling atm. I'm on my 3rd month of Serdep 50mg and the effects seems to be less and less. I can't even get out of bed or focus on anything or even just concentrate my way through a movie (unless Tom Hardy is in it hehe) Do I stop with the antidepressants since they don't seem to be doing much? Really not even motivated to go do the dr again to just go through new meds again and again. Last time he wanted to admit me because I was suicidal. *shrug*

This sounds a lot like me. I was on Serdep 100mg for a couple of months. Now on Serdep 150mg past 3 months, but still I lack focus and energy. Actually I am getting rather forgetful and easily distracted. I also narrowly avoided a hospital visit recently, but that is another story. But I found that speaking to my Psychologist on a very regular basis over the last couple of weeks helped me to feel more positive. She helps me to focus my thoughts on one positive goal to achieve at a time, instead of having my mind wandering off and thinking of several negative things at once. What I am getting at is that the medication did a lot to help me, but combining that with regular sessions with a professional works best for me. I did previously only use the medication and only visited someone once every two weeks, but that really did not work. I am at a bad place right now, so I visit the psychologist 4 times a week at the moment, but it works for me.

EDIT: Also the movie thing happened to me as well after switching to Serdep - so much so, that I don't even bother with movies anymore.

 

[D3nz]

Sorry to jump in here but I'm really battling atm. I'm on my 3rd month of Serdep 50mg and the effects seems to be less and less. I can't even get out of bed or focus on anything or even just concentrate my way through a movie (unless Tom Hardy is in it hehe) Do I stop with the antidepressants since they don't seem to be doing much? Really not even motivated to go do the dr again to just go through new meds again and again. Last time he wanted to admit me because I was suicidal. *shrug*

You really do need to visit your doctor again. My sis in law was on an antidepressant and feeling similar to you. It took away the suicidal feeling ,but it left her feeling like a zombie. She's been on a new antidepressant for about 4 months now and the change in the way she feels is incredible. Ultimately only your doctor can tell you what's best for you, so make that appointment.