Depression

[Guest guest]

Hi Kate ... I find this time of year really hard to handle too ... are you on any medications?

I'm on Prozac ... and Clonazepam.

Until I had the RAI the strongest medicine I needed was an aspirin! I don't like taking all this medication ... and would like to learn alternatives.

H.

AH! Love was never yet withoutThe pang, the agony, the doubt,Which rends my heart with ceaseless sigh,While day and night roll darkling by.Byron

http://www.dmcom.net/hawkings/

http://home.stny.rr.com/hawkings/

http://www.geocities.com/mysteryfriends/index.html

Re: Depression

Hi I suffer from depression, anxiety and panic - and at this time of year I find it really debilitating. I haveGraves and am absolutely convinced that they are related. You are not alone.Kate & wrote:> Hello ... I was wondering if anyone had big problems with depression ... panic attacks or anything like that.>> I suffer from both ... and I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with my Graves?>> Thank you,>> H.>> AH! Love was never yet without> The pang, the agony, the doubt,> Which rends my heart with ceaseless sigh,> While day and night roll darkling by.> Byron

[Guest guest]

Hi

No I'm not on any meds at the moment. I was on various anti depressants

from 92 on until after my RAI last Mar. Since then I've been maybe

a total of 3 weeks on a couple of different ones but don't want to take

them if I can help it. I have had problems with the anti anxiety

meds - I think I would really benefit from them but have tried two different

ones and became extremely depressed and suicidal within a couple of days

on them so am just waiting it out. Some days are easier than others

and I often wonder if it is the inconsistency in the synthroid that makes

this so.

My daughter works in a research lab in New Jersey that is developing

a different way of presenting thyroxine. I am extremely interested,

needless to say.

Do you find the anti depressants help? How about the clonazapam?

That's the one that landed me in the hospital!

Keep on looking and learning. Knowledge really is power.

Kate

& wrote:

Hi

Kate ... I find this time of year really hard to handle too ... are you

on any medications? I'm

on Prozac ... and Clonazepam.Until

I had the RAI the strongest medicine I needed was an aspirin! I don't

like taking all this medication ... and would like to learn alternatives.

H. AH! Love was never yet without

The pang, the agony, the doubt,

Which rends my heart with ceaseless sigh,

While day and night roll darkling by.

Byron http://www.dmcom.net/hawkings/ http://home.stny.rr.com/hawkings/ http://www.geocities.com/mysteryfriends/index.html

Re: Depression

Hi

I suffer from depression, anxiety and panic - and at this time

of year I find it really debilitating. I have

Graves and am absolutely convinced that they are related.

You are not alone.

Kate

& wrote:

> Hello ... I was wondering if anyone had big problems with depression

.... panic attacks or anything like that.

>

> I suffer from both ... and I'm wondering if it could have anything

to do with my Graves?

>

> Thank you,

>

> H.

>

> AH! Love was never yet without

> The pang, the agony, the doubt,

> Which rends my heart with ceaseless sigh,

> While day and night roll darkling by.

> Byron

[Guest guest]

You may wish to try St. 's Wort. It has been clinically proven

to be as effective as some antidepressant drugs for mild to moderate depression.....

Hi Kate ...

I find this time of year really hard to handle too ... are you on any medications? I'm

on Prozac ... and Clonazepam.Until

I had the RAI the strongest medicine I needed was an aspirin! I don't

like taking all this medication ... and would like to learn alternatives.

[Guest guest]

There was some controversy here on this board about St 's Wort. I think

it was said that it is not good if you are hyper, so if you are thinking of

taking it and you're hyper, I'd recommend doing a search on it on the egroup

search engine.

Does anyone on this board take Nardil for depression??? I've talked about

this one before but there are new people so thought I would mention it

again.

DAWN

>From: Marcia & Mike Pedde <wolfnowl@...>

>Reply-hyperthyroidismegroups

>hyperthyroidismegroups

>Subject: Re: Depression

>Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 11:43:28 -0500

>

_________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

You may wish to try St. 's Wort. It has been clinically proven

to be as effective as some antidepressant drugs for mild to moderate depression.....

Hi Kate ...

I find this time of year really hard to handle too ... are you on any medications? I'm

on Prozac ... and Clonazepam.Until

I had the RAI the strongest medicine I needed was an aspirin! I don't

like taking all this medication ... and would like to learn alternatives.

[Guest guest]

I'm on Prozac now ... but have been on zoloft and serzone ... The Zoloft worked for a while ... but there are side effects ... i.e. your sex drive. The Serzone made me really sick to my stomach and made see funny ( hard to explain) but didn't mess with my libido. The Prozac does ... although it helps with the depression ... *grin* except for the one my husband seems to be in ... LOL

I tried the St. 's Wart ... with no effect what so ever.

H.

AH! Love was never yet withoutThe pang, the agony, the doubt,Which rends my heart with ceaseless sigh,While day and night roll darkling by.Byron

http://www.dmcom.net/hawkings/

http://home.stny.rr.com/hawkings/

http://www.geocities.com/mysteryfriends/index.html

Re: Depression>Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 11:43:28 -0500>_________________________________________________________________________Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

[Guest guest]

Exercise Against Depression

Michal Artal, MD, with Carl Sherman

Series Editor: A. DiNubile, MD

THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE - VOL 26 - NO. 10 - OCTOBER 98

------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Brief: Physical activity is a useful tool for preventing and easing

depression symptoms. When prescribing exercise as an adjunct to medication

and psychotherapy, the complexity and the individual circumstances of each

patient must be considered. Hopelessness and fatigue can make physical

exertion difficult, and some patients are vulnerable to guilt and self-blame

if they fail to carry out a regimen. A feasible, flexible, and pleasurable

program has the best chance for success. Walking--alone or in a group--is

often a good option.

Primary care physicians frequently see depressed patients, varying from those

who have transient symptoms that may be a normal reaction to the setbacks of

everyday life to those who are clinically depressed and experience functional

impairments that affect relationships, quality of life, ability to work, and

physical health.

Fortunately, depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders. Used

judiciously, psychotherapy and antidepressant medication alleviate symptoms,

effect remissions, and may prevent relapse in most patients. Exercise also

has a significant role to play: It can complement traditional treatments in

those who are clinically depressed and help prevent depression in those who

do not have the illness (see " Exercise as a Depression-Prevention Tactic, "

below).

A Vital Primary Care Role

Depression is the most common mental disorder (1) and is further classified

as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, dysthymic disorder, or

depressive disorder not otherwise specified (2). Major depression is twice as

common in women as in men (3,4).

The somatic symptoms of depression (eg, fatigue, sleeplessness, decreased

appetite, decreased sexual interest, weight change, and constipation) bring

many people to their primary care physicians. Depressed individuals are more

likely than others to develop cardiovascular disease and to die of all causes

(5). An estimated 15% of those with severe depression will commit suicide.

Research has consistently shown that 6% to 8% of all outpatients in primary

care settings suffer from major depression (6). According to the National

Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (7), more than 7 million primary care visits

were made annually in the early 1990s for the treatment of depression, double

the number 10 years earlier. Half are treated by primary care physicians and

half by psychiatrists (1).

Despite the large numbers of patients diagnosed as having depression, the

disease remains underdiagnosed (8), and, according to one study (1), only one

third of those having the diagnosis were receiving treatment.

The Exercise-Depression Link

Research on physical activity and depression goes back to the 19th century.

In recent decades, many studies have documented the benefits of exercise on

mood in healthy and clinically depressed individuals.

Methodologic problems in many of the studies make interpretation and

application of the findings difficult (1,9,10). Some studies used

heterogeneous patient populations, mixed samples of healthy and clinically

depressed subjects, or used different clinical instruments to measure

depression and its alleviation. Many studies refer to depression as a

homogeneous entity rather than a spectrum of disorders that vary in severity,

etiology, and biologic and psychosociologic complexity.

Several studies did not differentiate the types of therapeutic interventions

with which exercise was compared, while asserting that exercise was equal to

or more beneficial than other treatments (11-13). In particular, these

studies did not differentiate between the different types of psychotherapy

(ie, individual, group, hospital-based milieu, brief, or long-term).

Despite methodologic problems, most studies have found exercise to have

psychological and physiologic benefits for participants, with 90% of studies

reporting antidepressant and anxiolytic effects (9). Taken as a whole, the

research strongly suggests that benefits are greatest in individuals who have

greater psychological impairment and in those who are clinically depressed

(10), but both clinical and nonclinical populations benefit.

Clinical populations. Studies in clinically depressed populations have

included both hospitalized and ambulatory patients. One study (14) of

hospitalized depressed patients found significant reductions in depression

among patients who were prescribed an aerobic exercise program, but not in a

control group who participated in occupational therapy. Another study (15)

randomly assigned patients to 8 weeks of walking and jogging, recreational

therapy, or a waiting list. Depression scores decreased only in the walking

and jogging group.

There is no evidence that any one kind of exercise has a greater impact on

depression than others, though many studies have used running or other

aerobic activities. In one trial (16), 40 depressed women were randomly

assigned to 8 weeks of running, a weight-lifting program, or a waiting list.

Members of both exercise groups were less depressed than the control group at

the end of the trial and at later follow-ups; results between the exercise

groups were similar. The authors concluded that a positive outcome did not

depend on achieving physical fitness. Other studies reached the same

conclusion. In a study (11) of hospitalized depressed patients, mood and

fitness improved after a walking or jogging program, but there was no

correlation between changes in the two parameters.

Nonclinical populations. Exercise benefits have also been seen in people who

are not clinically depressed but are at high risk for depression or have some

depressive symptoms (17-20).

One study (21) examined 55 college students who had had a high number of

stressful life events in the previous year. The students were assigned to

aerobic exercise training, relaxation training, or no treatment; after the

11-week program, the exercisers scored lower on a standard depression

inventory than the other two groups. Another trial (22) involved 43 college

women who manifested substantial mood symptoms that fell short of actual

depression. They were randomized to participate in 10 weeks of regular

aerobic exercise (1 hour, twice a week), relaxation training, or no exercise.

Reductions in depression scores were significantly and consistently greater

in the aerobics group.

In nonclinical populations, as in clinically depressed patients, most studies

found that aerobic and nonaerobic exercise were equally beneficial (23).

Why Does Exercise Help?

How exercise alleviates depression remains unclear. Psychological and

physiologic effects have been suggested.

Psychologically, exercise may enhance one's sense of mastery, which is

important for both healthy and depressed individuals who feel a loss of

control over their lives. A meta-analysis of 51 studies (24) linked exercise

to a small but significant increase in self-esteem. Exercise may provide a

therapeutic distraction that diverts a patient's attention from areas of

worry, concern, and guilt (25).

In addition, improving one's health, physique, flexibility, and weight may

all enhance mood. Many exercisers report that their ability to eat more

freely without worries about gaining weight also increases pleasure,

satisfaction, and a sense of self-control.

Another benefit is that large-muscle activity may help discharge feelings of

pent-up frustration, anger, and hostility.

Researchers continue to study the effects of exercise on the neurochemistry

of mood regulation. They are focusing on metabolism and turnover of

monoamines and other central neurotransmitters at presynaptic and

postsynaptic sites and their role in the mediation of depression.

Antidepressant medications, including the selective serotonin reuptake

inhibitors (SSRIs), are believed to exert an antidepressant effect by

increasing the availability of neurotransmitters at receptor sites. Exercise

may exert its beneficial effect on mood by influencing the metabolism and

availability of central neurotransmitters (26-28). A recent study (29)

reports that acute exercise increases brain serotonin.

The role of beta-endorphins in mood regulation has received considerable

attention. These endogenous chemicals, which reduce pain and can induce

euphoria, have been linked to the " runner's high " experienced by intensive

exercisers. The ability of exercise to produce enough beta-endorphins to

affect depression remains questionable (30). Several authors (31,32) report

elevated levels of beta-endorphins after acute exercise; however, the

elevations in fit individuals are lower than in those who are not fit.

One study (33) compared 11 elite runners with a matched group of meditators.

After each group engaged in running or meditation, researchers compared them

by mood and circulating levels of beta-endorphin and corticotropin-releasing

hormone (CRH). Mood and CRH were elevated after both activities, but

beta-endorphin was elevated only in the runners, which suggests that an

increase in beta-endorphins is not necessary for mood elevation.

Because disturbed sleep is both a symptom of depression and an aggravating

factor, the beneficial effects of exercise on sleep may be very important. A

recent controlled clinical trial (34) involving 32 older adults (ages 60 to

84) who had major depression or dysthymia demonstrated that a 10-week program

of weight training exercise (three times per week) significantly improved all

subjective sleep quality and depression measures. Another controlled study

(35) of 43 men and women (ages 50 to 76) reported improvement in sleep

disturbances after 16 weeks of moderate-intensity exercise. Investigators,

however, noted the potential confounding effects of uncontrolled variables

such as outdoor light, time of day, and their effects on circadian rhythms;

environmental heat; and fitness of the subjects (36).

The Exercise Prescription

When designing an exercise prescription for patients who have depression,

several caveats apply.

Anticipate barriers. Common symptoms of depression--fatigue, lack of energy,

and psychomotor retardation--may pose formidable barriers to physical

activity. Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness may also interfere with

motivation to exercise.

Keep expectations realistic. Exercise recommendations should be made

cautiously. Many depressed patients have a tendency toward self-blame and may

see exercise as another occasion for failure. Suggest that physical activity

may be quite useful, but do not raise false expectations that can arouse

anxiety and guilt. Explain that exercise may be an adjunct to, not a

substitute for, primary treatment. A patient eager to escape the stigma and

shame surrounding emotional illness (feelings that tend to increase during

depression) may want to minimize the condition by viewing exercise as a way

to avoid antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Introduce a feasible plan. An exercise prescription should be realistic and

practical, not an additional burden that may compound the patient's sense of

futility. (See the Patient Adviser, " Mobilize Against Depression. " ) Consider

the individual's background and history. For patients who are severely

depressed, exercise may need to be postponed until medication and

psychotherapy begin to alleviate symptoms. Patients who have been sedentary

should start with a light exercise schedule: for example, just a few minutes

of walking each day.

When patients find it difficult to start exercising, one might communicate

that time is on their side. With treatment, symptoms will yield, and what

seems impossible today may become easier 2 or 3 weeks later.

Accentuate pleasurable aspects. The specific choice of exercise should be

guided by the patient's preferences and circumstances. The activity must be

pleasurable and easily added to the patient's schedule. Exercise enjoyment

has been shown to facilitate adherence (33).

When appropriate, group activities (eg, exercise classes, walking groups)

should be encouraged. Depressed patients who are isolated and withdrawn are

likely to benefit from increased social involvement. The stimulation of being

outdoors and in a pleasant setting may enhance mood, and exposure to light

has been shown to be therapeutic in seasonal depression.

State specifics. Walking is almost universally acceptable, carries minimal

risk of injury, and has been shown to be beneficial for mood enhancement. In

keeping with recent American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

recommendations for healthy adults (37), a goal of 20 to 60 minutes of

walking or other aerobic exercise, three to five times a week, is reasonable.

The ACSM also recommends resistance training 2 to 3 days per week and

flexibility training 2 to 3 days per week. (See " ACSM Makes Exercise Advice

More Flexible: Fitness Recommendations Updated, " August, page 16.)

Encourage compliance. More--more intense, more frequent--is not necessarily

better. Improved fitness may be a valuable consequence of exercise but is not

necessary for an antidepressant effect; however, greater antidepressant

effects are seen when training continues beyond 16 weeks (13). Compliance is

likely to be better when the exercise prescribed is less demanding, and one

study (38) has linked more intensive programs with increased tension and

anxiety. In fact, the " staleness " that some athletes experience with

overtraining resembles depression (39).

Integrating Exercise With Other Treatments

The primary treatments for depression should not present exercise obstacles.

Antidepressant medication is frequently prescribed when depression impairs a

patient's ability to function. Older tricyclic antidepressants, such as

imipramine hydrochloride and amitriptyline hydrochloride, often cause

orthostatic hypotension and sedation, which can impair aerobic activity.

Tricyclics may cause dangerous arrhythmias in athletes (39).

The newer antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine hydrochloride, sertraline

hydrochloride, paroxetine hydrochloride, nefazodone hydrochloride, and

venlafaxine hydrochloride) have better side-effect and safety profiles.

Frequently, they are first-choice agents and appear to be compatible with

exercise.

The spectrum of brief and long-term psychotherapies is widely used for

depression, either alone or with antidepressant medication. An exercise

prescription makes a useful contribution to psychotherapy when the goal is to

increase patients' overall activity level and add pleasurable, satisfying

experiences. The patient's difficulties with exercise, such as motivational

problems, fear of interpersonal situations, and/or a tendency to transform

exercise into a burdensome chore, may shed light on dysfunctional attitudes

that can be explored in psychotherapy.

Maintain Vigilance

Though exercise has few if any adverse effects, some patients may misuse

exercise. Those who have anorexia nervosa may undertake extreme physical

activity, driven by a disturbed body image. Individuals who are compulsive in

other areas of their lives may become compulsive about exercise at the

expense of personal relationships and increased injury risk.

These dangers may be obviated somewhat by stressing that exercise, like a

prescribed drug, should be " taken as directed " and that more is not

necessarily better. If dysfunctional attitudes are significant, they can be

addressed in psychotherapy.

References

1. sen EW: Physical activity and depression: clinical experience. Acta

Psychiatr Scand 1994;377(suppl):23-27

2. American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of

Mental Disorders: DSM-IV, ed 4. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric

Association, 1994

3. Blazer DG, Kessler RC, McGonagle KA, et al: The prevalence and

distribution of major depression in a national community sample: the National

Comorbidity Survey. Am J Psychiatry 1994;151(7):979-986

4. Weissman MM, Bland R, Joyce PR, et al: Sex differences in rates of

depression: cross-national perspectives. J Affect Disord 1993;29(2-3):77-84

5. Barefoot JC, Schroll M: Symptoms of depression, acute myocardial

infarction, and total mortality in a community sample. Circulation

1996;93(11):1976-1980

6. Depression in Primary Care: Detection, Diagnosis and Treatment. Quick

Reference Guide for Clinicians, No. 5. Rockville, MD, US Dept of Health and

Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Healthcare Policy and

Research; April 1993. AHCPR Publication No. 93-0552

7. Pincus HA, Tanielian TL, Marcus SC, et al: Prescribing trends in

psychotropic medications: primary care, psychiatry, and other medical

specialties. JAMA 1998;279(7):526-530

8. Keller MB, Hanks DL: The natural history and heterogeneity of depressive

disorders: implications for rational antidepressant therapy. J Clin

Psychiatry 1994;55(suppl A):25-33, 98-100

9. Byrne A, Byrne DG: The effect of exercise on depression, anxiety and

other mood states: a review. J Psychosom Res 1993; 37(6):565-574

10. LaFontaine TP, DiLorenzo TM, Frensch PA, et al: Aerobic exercise and

mood: a brief review, 1985-1990. Sports Med 1992;13(3):160-170

11. Sexton H, Maere A, Dahl NH: Exercise intensity and reduction in neurotic

symptoms: a controlled follow-up study. Acta Psychiatr Scand

1989;80(3):231-235

12. Matinsen EW, Medhus A: Adherence to exercise and patients' evaluation of

exercise in a comprehensive treatment programme for depression. Nord Psykiatr

Tidsk 1989;43(5):411-415

13. North TC, McCullagh P, Tran ZV: Effect of exercise on depression. Exerc

Sport Sci Rev 1990;18:379-415

14. Matinsen EW, Medhus A, Sandvik L: Effects of aerobic exercise on

depression: a controlled study. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1985;291(6488):109

15. Hannaford CP, Harrell EH, Ernest H, et al: Psychophysiological effects of

a running program on depression and anxiety in a psychiatric population.

Psych Record 1988;38(1):37-48

16. Doyne EJ, Ossip-Klein DJ, Bowman ED, et al: Running versus weight lifting

in the treatment of depression. J Consult Clin Psychol 1987;55(5):748-754

17. King AC, CB, Haskell WL: Effects of differing intensities and

formats of 12 months of exercise training on psychological outcomes in older

adults. Health Psychol 1993;12(4):292-300 [published erratum in Health

Psychol 1993;12(5):405]

18. Berger BG, Owen DR, Man F: A brief review of literature and examination

of acute mood benefits of exercise in Czechoslovakian and United States

swimmers. Int J Sport Psychol 1993;24(2):130-150

19. Krause N, Goldenhar L, Liang J, et al: Stress and exercise among the

Japanese elderly. Soc Sci Med 1993;36(11):1429-1441

20. Steege JF, Blumenthal JA: The effects of aerobic exercise on premenstrual

symptoms in middle-aged women: a preliminary study. J Psychosom Res

1993;37(2):127-133

21. Roth DL, Holmes DS: Influence of aerobic exercise training and relaxation

training on physical and psychological health following stressful life

events. Psychosom Med 1987;49(4):355-365

22. McCann IL, Holmes DS: Influence of aerobic exercise on depression. J

Person Soc Psychol 1984;46(5):1142-1147

23. Berger BG, Owen DR: Mood alteration with yoga and swimming: aerobic

exercise may not be necessary. Percept Mot Skills 1992;75(3 pt 2):1331-1343

24. Spence JC, Poon P, Dyck P: The effect of physical-activity participation

on self-concept: a meta-analysis. J Sport Exer Psy 1997;19:S109

25. Bahrke MS, WP: Anxiety reduction following exercise and

meditation. Cognit Ther Res 1978;2:323-333

26. Syvalahti EK: Biological aspects of depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand

Suppl 1994;377:11-15

27. Lechin F, van der Dijs B, Orozco B, et al: Plasma neurotransmitters,

blood pressure, and heart rate during supine-resting orthostasis, and

moderate exercise conditions in major depressed patients. Biol Psychiatry

1995;38(3):166-173

28. Dunn AL, Dishman RK: Exercise and the neurobiology of depression. Exerc

Sport Sci Rev 1991;19:41-98

29. Chaouloff F: Effects of acute physical exercise on central serotonergic

systems. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1997;29(1):58-62

30. Casper RC: Exercise and mood. World Rev Nutr Diet 1993; 71:115-143

31. Carr DB, Bullen BA, Skrinar GS, et al: Physical conditioning facilitates

the exercise-induced secretion of beta-endorphin and beta-lipotropin in

women. N Engl J Med 1981;305(10):560-563

32. Lobstein DD, Rasmussen CL, Dunphy GE, et al: Beta-endorphin and

components of depression as powerful discriminators between joggers and

sedentary and middle-aged men. J Psychosom Res 1989;33(3):293-305

33. Wankel LM: The importance of enjoyment to adherence and psychological

benefits from physical activity. Int J Sports Psychol 1993;24(2):151-169

34. Singh NA, Clements KM, Fiatarone MA: A randomized controlled trial of the

effect of exercise on sleep. Sleep 1997;20(2):95-101

35. King AC, Oman RF, Brassington GS, et al: Moderate-intensity exercise and

self-rated quality of sleep in older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

JAMA 1997;227(1):32-37

36. O'Connor PJ, Youngstedt SD: Influence of exercise on human sleep. Exerc

Sport Sci Rev 1995;23:105-134

37. Pollock ML, Gaesser GA, Butcher JD, et al: The recommended quantity and

quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory and

muscular fitness, and flexibility in healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc

1998;30(6):975-991

38. Berger DG, Owen DR: Stress reduction and mood enhancement in four

exercise modes: swimming, body conditioning, Hatha yoga, and fencing. Res Q

Exerc Sport 1988;59(2):148-159

39. WP, Brown DR, Raglin JS, et al: Psychological monitoring of

overtraining and staleness. Br J Sports Med 1987;21(3):107-114

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exercise as a Depression-Prevention Tactic

When talking to patients about exercise, physicians can share information

about its probable role in maintaining mental health. Physical activity may

play an important role in preventing depression, according to the surgeon

general's report on physical activity and health (1).

Cross-sectional epidemiologic studies (2,3) suggest a positive association

between exercise and mental health but do not prove a cause-and-effect

relationship. According to the surgeon general's report, people who have no

mental health problems may be more likely to exercise.

Cohort studies shed light on whether physical activity prevents mental health

problems. In one study (4) of 10,201 male Harvard alumni, low levels of

activity reported during initial interviews (in 1962 or 1966) were inversely

related to self-reported physician-diagnosed depression in 1988. The relative

risk of depression was 27% lower for men who reported playing 3 or more hours

of sports each week than for those who reported playing no sports. The

Harvard alumni study, along with another cohort study (5), presents limited

evidence for a dose-response association between levels of physical activity

and depressive symptoms.

The surgeon general's report concludes that some evidence supports a

protective role of exercise against depression, but more research is needed

to confirm the protective effect and to determine the frequency, duration,

and intensity needed to improve mental health.

Schnirring

References

1. US Department of Health and Human Services: Physical Activity and Health:

A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, DHHS, Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health

Promotion, 1996

2. Ross CE, D: Exercise and psychologic well-being in the community.

Am J Epidemiol 1988;127(4):762-771

3. s T: Physical activity and mental health in the United States and

Canada: evidence from four population surveys. Prev Med 1988;17(1):35-47

4. Paffenbarger RS Jr, Lee IM, Leung R: Physical activity and personal

characteristics associated with depression and suicide in American college

men. Acta Psychiatr Scand (suppl) 1994;377:16-22

5. Camacho TC, RE, Lazarus NB, et al: Physical activity and

depression: evidence from the Alameda County Study. Am J Epidemiol

1991;13(2):220-231

------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Not sure I qualify as one of the smarter listeners but I have heard that it

definately has a positive effect on depression. So does the sun shine. So

if depressed don't sit at home that is the baddie. Get out and walk if

nothing else and but get outside. If it is a rainy day go to the spa or Mall

and walk. Well I have told you everything I know in about minute. Now I

will have to go to the bottom of the list of smart ones.

Phyllis in fla

MGB 11-29-2000

Waiting for that 200 mark

[Guest guest]

adrenaline! works wonders and is very good for depression; however, it

increases anxiety.

Re: Climara patch adhesive

>

>

> Is the Climara patch the Estrogen patch? Mine never stays on more

than a

> day or two and keeps falling off. I stopped using it and the lat

2 weeks I

>

> am sooooooo down. I told my husband last night that I could just

sleep the

>

> rest of my life away.........and I have been. It helps that the

kids are

> back in school, but I still have 2 little ones at home and I' m

afraid I'm

> heading for a breakdown.

> Any suggestions?

> in Charlotte

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Absolutely there IS correlation between excersize and depression. My

pychiatrist told me that it is a proven fact that excersize helps depression.

AND there is a medical explaination for it, which she told me, but I'm not swift

enough to repeat it. Maybe someone else can help you there. But YES, excersize

helps depression!

in OK

[Guest guest]

hit it pretty much on the head. I think I've heard that exercise

increases serotonin and norepinephrine (adrenaline) levels in the synaptic

gaps, much like antidepressants. Don't forget also that psychologically

speaking, exercising makes you feel good about yourself as well

S

Re: Climara patch adhesive

>

>

> Is the Climara patch the Estrogen patch? Mine never stays on more

than a

> day or two and keeps falling off. I stopped using it and the lat

2 weeks I

>

> am sooooooo down. I told my husband last night that I could just

sleep the

>

> rest of my life away.........and I have been. It helps that the

kids are

> back in school, but I still have 2 little ones at home and I' m

afraid I'm

> heading for a breakdown.

> Any suggestions?

> in Charlotte

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the great reading Beth!

manda

> Exercise Against Depression

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Manda,

I sure couldn't rank in the smartest, but I've read many times that exercise

definately releases endorphins AND helps cure depression or at least help

manage it!

HUGS AND WORK OUTS

in Ark

[Guest guest]

Endorphines. Happy chemicals that get released through exercise.

aW

Re: Climara patch adhesive

>

>

> Is the Climara patch the Estrogen patch? Mine never stays on more

than a

> day or two and keeps falling off. I stopped using it and the lat

2 weeks I

>

> am sooooooo down. I told my husband last night that I could just

sleep the

>

> rest of my life away.........and I have been. It helps that the

kids are

> back in school, but I still have 2 little ones at home and I' m

afraid I'm

> heading for a breakdown.

> Any suggestions?

> in Charlotte

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

It is supposed to be a help with depression--releases endorphins--the " feel

good " chemical in your brain.

Pat

Re: Climara patch adhesive

>

>

> Is the Climara patch the Estrogen patch? Mine never stays on more

than a

> day or two and keeps falling off. I stopped using it and the lat

2 weeks I

>

> am sooooooo down. I told my husband last night that I could just

sleep the

>

> rest of my life away.........and I have been. It helps that the

kids are

> back in school, but I still have 2 little ones at home and I' m

afraid I'm

> heading for a breakdown.

> Any suggestions?

> in Charlotte

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Manda!

Your suspicions are right, there is a correlation.

When we excersise our body produces endorphines... natural mood

elevators/painkillers. These have been found to lessen depression

significantly.

My best!

Jenn in Vancouver, WA

lover of endorphines, though in short supply around here.

(translation: I haven't been swimming in weeks) *UGH*

" Manda " <eskieluvr@p...> wrote:

> I was wondering if one of our smarter listers could tell me if there

> any correlation between exercise and depression. I mean more like

as

> a cure. The last 2 times I was depressed(like this morning) I went

> to the gym and worked out hard, and then I feel like myself again...

> just wondering.

>

> manda- nicknameless

>

>

>

> > get that patch back on immediately, when you apply it, take a

towel

> and dry

> > off the skin, they apply and rub it nicely with your nails so that

> it sticks

> > well.

> > There also is a cream, my pharmacist told me, that is like a " new

> skin " that

> > you use to glue the damn thing back on.

> > I have been on the patch for one week and I feel a difference.

> Don't get

> > too depressed, it is no good!

> >

> >

> > Re: Climara patch adhesive

> >

> >

> > Is the Climara patch the Estrogen patch? Mine never stays on

more

> than a

> > day or two and keeps falling off. I stopped using it and the lat

> 2 weeks I

> >

> > am sooooooo down. I told my husband last night that I could just

> sleep the

> >

> > rest of my life away.........and I have been. It helps that the

> kids are

> > back in school, but I still have 2 little ones at home and I' m

> afraid I'm

> > heading for a breakdown.

> > Any suggestions?

> > in Charlotte

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I'm so glad you are taking the bull by the horns! It is SO easy to think

" it's just a little funk " that most of us go far too long feeling blue

needlessly. I know I did it, too.

I hope this combo works for you! I am FINALLY getting back to normal and

realize how far down I'd let myself slip, and I hope you soon feel just like

I'm feeling now...happy again and free.

You have come SO far and have lit the way for so many of us! I feel more

confident that there is HOPE for my skin because you've gone there first and

so successfully! I wish you could look at yourself through our eyes and see

the miraculous transformation in yourself! Now your insides just need to

catch up with the outsides, and I'm sure they will soon!

Take care and keep us updated!

HUGS

in Ark

[Guest guest]

Well.... I have been on my depression meds for 30 days and I'm not sure it's

working.... do you all feel alot different on yours? By the way , I'm not

sure you were aware of this, but I got two emails from you that had viruses

attached. I know that once they attack they send to everyone on your email list

without knowledge so just so you will know.

aW

Depression

I had my two year checkup this Friday and got put on Wellbutrin for " referred "

depression and Trazadone to help me sleep. I, like a lot of us, fought the fact

that I might be depressed like a proud warrior. But... after taking the

depression test on line and listing everything I have been through with all of

the surgeries, having my job eliminated, starting two new jobs and a difficult

period getting my husband diagnosed with position induced sleep apnea and

narcolepsy realized anyone who had endured what I had would have plenty of

reason to be depressed. I could see that in someone else but not in ME! A

friend said what would you say to someone else who was feeling the way you were

after being through everything you had been and THAT finally clicked. I grew up

in a dysfunctional home with a mother who had manic depression that was

undiagnosed for years and two sisters who suffer with it. Since I had never

really suffered from depression before and THOUGHT I knew what it looked like

from living it through them felt I was immune I guess. Anyway, hopefully I will

start to feel more optimistic and back to my old self again soon. My PCP did

tell me to work more heartily on positive self-talk as one thing that has

manifested itself throughout all of this was not necessarily being unable to see

how far I have came but dwelling on how far I still want to go!

in MN

[Guest guest]

Hang in there, a. *hug*

Your prescribing practitioner should have told you that it can take

6-8 WEEKS to begin to feel any therapeutic effects from antidepressant

medication. (Many unfortunately neglect to tell us that.) You are

about half way there. If in another month you don't feel any

different you may need an increase in dosage or a change of meds.

Hope that helps!

Jenn in Vancouver, WA

(Super depressed... could be the chronic pain issues, though...and on

500mg of Serezone a day and PCP refusing to put me on Climera

patch!... will ask Psych doc to do it *and* increase my serezone...

armed with Dr. R's post. LOL I'll let you know how that goes.)

" a Warner " <shoutjoy@c...> wrote:

> Well.... I have been on my depression meds for 30 days and I'm not

sure it's working.... do you all feel alot different on yours? By the

way , I'm not sure you were aware of this, but I got two emails

from you that had viruses attached. I know that once they attack they

send to everyone on your email list without knowledge so just so you

will know.

>

> aW

> Depression

>

>

> I had my two year checkup this Friday and got put on Wellbutrin

for " referred " depression and Trazadone to help me sleep. I, like a

lot of us, fought the fact that I might be depressed like a proud

warrior. But... after taking the depression test on line and listing

everything I have been through with all of the surgeries, having my

job eliminated, starting two new jobs and a difficult period getting

my husband diagnosed with position induced sleep apnea and narcolepsy

realized anyone who had endured what I had would have plenty of reason

to be depressed. I could see that in someone else but not in ME! A

friend said what would you say to someone else who was feeling the way

you were after being through everything you had been and THAT finally

clicked. I grew up in a dysfunctional home with a mother who had

manic depression that was undiagnosed for years and two sisters who

suffer with it. Since I had never really suffered from depression

before and THOUGHT I knew what it looked like from living it through

them felt I was immune I guess. Anyway, hopefully I will start to

feel more optimistic and back to my old self again soon. My PCP did

tell me to work more heartily on positive self-talk as one thing that

has manifested itself throughout all of this was not necessarily being

unable to see how far I have came but dwelling on how far I still want

to go!

>

> in MN

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Alistair,

I too had sucess with 5-HTP. It helped with the depression and

sleeplessness. Are you having trouble sleeping? Insomnia and

depression usually go hand in hand. If so, I recommend staying away

from siberian ginseng...it's a very powerful herb that stays in your

system way longer than caffiene...my brain would " buzz " all night.

I know that this has alread been said, but it can't be emphasized

enough: exercise really helps deppression. It will not only boost

your energy, but your self esteem levels too. Walk, run, lift

weights, yoga...it works!

good luck!

Stacey

> Alistair,

>

> The first and only thing that has ever worked for me has been 5-

HTP, and I

> have literally been on most everything out there, prescription and

non-.

> Again, I only have experience with NSP products, but here are the

> ingredients in what I take:

>

> 3 mg - Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCl)

> 3 mg - Zinc

> 35 mg - 5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan)

> 335 mg - Eleuthero/Siberian Ginseng Root (Eleutherococcus

senticosus),

> Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera), Suma Bark (Pfaffia

paniculata)

>

> I don't know why, but St. 's Wort never did anything for me.

But I

> actually wasn't able to stick w/the diet for too long b/c I would

get

> suicidally depressed. As soon as I put the foods back in, though,

I was

> fine. So I know how you feel. All the best!

> Hugs

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:

> http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx

[Guest guest]

sea_fremont42 <sagamble@...> wrote:

I know that this has alread been said, but it can't be emphasized

enough: exercise really helps deppression. It will not only boost

your energy, but your self esteem levels too. Walk, run, lift

weights, yoga...it works!

good luck!

Stacey

Hi Stacey,

You are so right. If there is one panacea, it is exercise...staying active! I

teach yoga (Iyenagar discipline) so I have a postive bias towards yoga. It not

only is benefial for the external body, it tones up and cleanses the internal

organs. It acts as a mini-detox that teaches you are to breathe. You can eat

all the right foods but, if you don't get wind in your sails, you're not going

to go very far!

Pam

---------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Read this (from http://www.mercola.com/2002/jan/16/depression.htm and from

http://www.mercola.com/article/eft.htm). It might help.

Paco

Depression is one of the most devastating and common diseases on the planet.

It exacts a toll far more significant in pain and suffering than just about

any other disease.

The numbers are quite compelling. Treating depression with drugs is becoming

quite common. The number of people treated over the ten year period

increased by over 300%.

By now over 8 million people are using antidepressants.

I used to be one of those drug prescribing doctors and in the late 80s I had

put several thousand patients on these drugs.

They seemed to work well for many however; in not one single case did they

solve the underlying foundation reason as to why the person was depressed.

Last year I learned how to use EFT to treat depression and it is very rare

where I need to use antidepressants for any patient. I believe I can count

the number of prescriptions I have written for them on one hand since I

started using EFT.

If you are struggling with depression, one of the best things you could do

would be to find a qualified EFT practitioner at www.emofree.com and once

you are feeling better start following my eating plan. EFT can also be used

for any food addiction problems such as sugar or bread.

Alternatively, you could consider purchasing the videos of a workshop that I

recently did on EFT. The videos should provide you with a great foundation

for helping those you love quickly, effectively and permanently resolve the

misery of depression.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The number of people being treated for depression has increased dramatically

in the United States in the past decade, marking a profound shift in how

Americans cope with the common emotional disorder, the most comprehensive

study to date shows.

Drugs such as Prozac have become the mainstay for the vast majority of those

being treated, even as doctors spend less time with patients and offer

comparatively less psychotherapy.

The sea change probably does not stem from an actual increase in depression.

Instead, it is most likely connected to the destigmatization of mental

health problems in general and depression in particular, the rise of

managed-care insurance plans, and the arrival of powerful drugs including

Prozac, accompanied by multimillion-dollar marketing campaigns.

" The increase in the treatment of depression cuts broadly across the

population and extends to Hispanics and African Americans and people who are

unemployed and uninsured, " said Mark Olfson, the lead author and an

associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and the

New York State Psychiatric Institute. " These changes reflect broader changes

in attitudes toward the treatment of depression and a decrease in stigma. "

Between 1987 and 1997, the percentage of Americans being treated for

depression more than tripled nationwide, from 0.7 percent to 2.3 percent.

Medicines, which were prescribed to about a third of patients in 1987, were

given to almost three-quarters a decade later. Simultaneously, patient

visits to doctors for depression fell by a third, from about 12 visits per

patient to eight, with large numbers being treated by primary care

physicians and others outside the field of mental health.

While the news almost certainly means that fewer people with depression are

suffering in silence, the results also have generated concern that some of

the patients may not be getting the treatment they need, and that some might

be getting misdiagnosed or overdiagnosed.

" What we don't know about is the quality of the care people are getting, but

there are reasons to suggest there are problems with quality, " said Harold

Pincus, vice chairman for psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and one

of the study's authors.

Substantial numbers of patients receive a single prescription for medicines

and do not refill it, he said. Because the drugs often take a month to have

an effect, one prescription is unlikely to do very much.

But overburdened primary care doctors have no incentive to conduct the kind

of long-term follow-up treatment that chronic conditions such as depression

demand, and that means that many patients may not be getting the best

treatment.

Psychiatrists say that most depression -- including major depression, in

which patients may find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning or are

suicidal -- still goes untreated. While estimates of prevalence vary,

studies indicate 5 percent to 10 percent of Americans are affected by major

depression each year.

" There was such under-treatment of depression that the increase in treatment

for depression almost certainly represents a good thing, " said

Druss, an assistant professor of psychiatry and public health at Yale

University and one of the study's authors.

The study, which used data from surveys that interviewed tens of thousands

of American families, started the same year that Prozac, launched in 1987,

began to change the treatment landscape. Part of a class of medicines that

boosts the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, Prozac and its

sisters quickly came to be prescribed for a vast array of conditions and

disorders.

As managed-care companies demanded a shift from open-ended Freudian models

of treatment and lengthy periods of psychoanalysis, the antidepressants were

heralded as quick and effective. An important reason they were embraced

early on is that they were believed to have fewer side effects than earlier

medicines.

In the period of the study and the five years since, the medicines have come

to supplant psychotherapy in many settings, even though some forms of

psychotherapy have been found to be as effective, and even though the

combination of medicines and psychotherapy has often been found to be the

most effective of all.

Between 1987 and 1997, the study found that the number of people receiving

any psychotherapy declined from 71 percent to 60 percent.

Psychologists complain that the drugs do not address the underlying causes

of depression, and end up being more expensive than psychotherapy in the

long term because they are less effective at preventing relapse.

" Survey after survey has shown that given a choice between psychotherapy and

antidepressant medication, the majority of patients prefer psychotherapy, "

said Geoffrey M. , assistant executive director for professional

development at the American Psychological Association. " The trend being

reported in this article is contrary to what we know of patient

preferences. "

" It's much more likely and much easier for the physician to say, 'Okay,

you're feeling depressed, here, try this pill,' instead of exploring the

option of psychotherapy and make a recommendation to a mental health

provider, " he said.

Pincus, who is also director of the Rand Corp.'s health program at

Pittsburgh, said that the split in insurance coverage between behavioral

care and medical care encourages the schism between psychotherapy and

psychopharmacology, by ensuring that the behavioral plans have no incentive

to improve primary care and primary care doctors have no incentive to

provide long-term behavioral care.

" The biggest problem is the failure to take a longitudinal perspective on

the illness, " he said. " These are chronic illnesses -- it's not a one-shot

deal. "

Washington Post January 9, 2002; Page A01

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Related Articles:

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Lawsuit Charges That Paxil Is Addictive

Tryptophan May Boost Confidence

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

It Should Be Illegal to Learn How to Improve Someone's Health This Rapidly

and Easily

This is exactly what one of my patients from South Africa told recently told

me after I helped her improve the depression symptoms she was struggling

with for over ten years. Prior to this she had not responded to traditional

and alternative therapies.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) was put together by Craig and is a

derivative of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) that was developed by

Callahan. TFT was my first introduction into energy medicine and I learned

that in 1998.

I have been using EFT in my office since June of 2001 to provide a balance

to the body's electromagnetic system. It has been very helpful for my

patients to:

* Remove Negative Emotions

* Reduce Food Cravings

* Reduce or Eliminate Pain

* Implement Positive Goals

I find that many people cannot follow my eating program unless they are able

to address the underlying anxiety that is usually associated with giving up

certain foods.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

EFT History

TFT was my first introduction into energy medicine and I learned that in

1998.

However, EFT is much more streamlined and seems to achieve fabulous results

by balancing one's energy meridians.

EFT is only one way, not the way.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Own Journey

When I entered medical school in 1978 my goal was to apply exercise to

medicine and use it to solve most people's health problems. I had been a

runner since 1968 after reading Dr. Copper's book Aerobics.

I was always interested in nutrition, but my concept of an optimal diet was

what most traditional doctors understand today. Medical school served to

brainwash me and oriented me to a drug based solution for many years.

Fortunately in the early 90s I reexamined the Yeast Connection hypothesis

and became networked to a group of physicians who were naturally oriented.

So from the early 90s to the late 90s I focused primarily on nutrition and

my optimal eating plan evolved after working with thousands of patients.

In late 1998 I encountered TFT but rapidly abandoned it as it did not seem

to work in my hands. I became introduced to EFT in spring of 2001 at an

advanced NST workshop and have been growing in that work ever since.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psychological Acupuncture

I am fond of describing EFT as psychological acupuncture without the

needles.

It works by inputting kinetic energy (tapping) onto specific acupuncture

meridians on the head and chest while actually activating the brain circuits

that are involved in the energy disruption by thinking about the problem.

EFT is believed to work by balancing your bioenergy short-circuiting through

your body's electromagnetic system.

All, not some, but ALL negative emotions, are due to disruptions in one's

bioenergy system.

Combining the tapping with a positive affirmation seems sufficient to

disrupt the field that is created from the emotion and its consequence on

one's physiology and thus, normalizes the bioenergy disruption.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some of My Christian Patients Expressed Concern About EFT

Although I certainly do not restrict my patients to Christians, the majority

of them are. Many have expressed their reservations about the potential

mystical implications of EFT.

That is why I posted an article from one of the leading energy psychologists

in the country, Dr. Larry Nimms, which addresses this concern.

Some of his conclusions are:

* Energy psychology therapies are a gift from, and are being used by, our

God.

* EFT is a helpful adjunct to any professional practice in the physical

health or mental health fields.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone Can Learn This Technique in Five Minutes

This technique is so amazing it is almost too good to be true. It has been a

major benefit for nearly all of the patients we have trained in it.

While anyone can learn the mechanics of this technique in a few minutes,

like any skill, the more you practice, the better you will become. These

tapes are ten hours of examples that will provide a solid foundation of

being able to use EFT with amazing results. I learned EFT from watching over

50 hours of Craig's videos. So the more you study, the better your

results will be.

With experience and additional instruction you can become a master at this

process and bring about emotional and physical healing where other

procedures have failed.

Craig has a comprehensive web site at www.emofree.com. He has a variety

of learning material on the site, including a free 80-page book that can be

download. This manual will likely be replaced with an inexpensive $10 CD

video sampler in the near future.

One can also identify practitioners who use this technique on the site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

In November and December of this year I held two workshops on EFT. The

workshops sold out very quickly, but I do plan on holding future workshops

on EFT.

However, I am offering videotapes of the December workshop for the same

price that the attendees paid to get in. This means that you will be able to

receive the same information and keep the videos so that you may view them

more than once. There is a one-year, complete money back guarantee if you

are in any way not satisfied with the information that you learn in the

videos.

The tapes will only be sold in the US but are a terrific way to learn this

work rapidly and easily.

[Guest guest]

I had a couple of bouts with depression after surgery. When I realized

what was going on I relied on a remedy that cured me once before. Its

called 5HTP and you can get it at Walmart. I took two pills a day for a

week, and never got really depressed again. Oh, everyone gets the

blues, but this little vitamin kept me from going off the deep end. And

it had no side effects. At least not for me.

On the subject of posting bad news to the pre op list, let me say that I

would never counsel anyone not to post good or bad to the list. All pre

ops need to know the possibilities. I just think that Sherry did the

right thing by posting to the post op list first, because in addition to

telling her story, she was asking if we post ops had any words of wisdom

to help her situation, or at least that's the way I read it. It would

do no good on the pre op list, because only MGB post ops can relate to

the problems she is having.

I commended her for getting feedback from her peers first, and now she

can post to the pre op list however and whenever she deems appropriate.

I know I can be too positive about things sometimes, but I never meant

she should keep pre ops in the dark.

Good luck Sherry, hope you get better soon.

F. Potter

Depression

Hello Everyone!

I know it's been a long time since I've written.....but with all 4

boys

home from school, several trips out of town, visitors from Switzerland,

etc.

etc. I have been very busy.

Guess what?! My Mother took me shopping so she could buy me a dress

for

her Retirement party at the City Club. ( I guess she thought my taste in

attire is not quite what it should be! heeheee) Anyway, she took me to

Hechts and we went straight to the Liz Claborne section ( spelling?) and

we

picked out a slimming black skirt

( size 8!!!!!) and a hippie-kind of blouse that was pretty much my taste

anyway. I can't believe I am in a size 8, although different clothes

fit

differently.

Now about the depression: I STILL suffer from depression and have

seasonal problems, but I know what to watch out for and Patrik helps me

"

watch out " for myself. I have a chemical imbalance so I started with

Prozac

and over the years I've tried Effexor and about 6 other kinds of meds.

I

changed my doctor and he put me on Adderal, which is usually used for

ADD,

but with me it helps with the " racing thoughts " and the fear of being

around

people.

Well, I need to run, but I hope to see you all at the meeting this

month:

August 15th at the Great Wall of China at 7:15.

Angels on your Pillows,

[Guest guest]

I remember -- misremember? -- Dr. R. telling us (or maybe just me)

that the rapid weight loss at the beginning causes our fat cells to

dump stored estrogen into the system with attendant effects -- not

unlike post-partem depression. I feel much more in touch with my ex-

wife . . . .

> I had a couple of bouts with depression after surgery. When I

realized

> what was going on I relied on a remedy that cured me once before.

Its

> called 5HTP and you can get it at Walmart. I took two pills a day

for a

> week, and never got really depressed again. Oh, everyone gets the

> blues, but this little vitamin kept me from going off the deep

end. And

> it had no side effects. At least not for me.

>

> On the subject of posting bad news to the pre op list, let me say

that I

> would never counsel anyone not to post good or bad to the list.

All pre

> ops need to know the possibilities. I just think that Sherry did

the

> right thing by posting to the post op list first, because in

addition to

> telling her story, she was asking if we post ops had any words of

wisdom

> to help her situation, or at least that's the way I read it. It

would

> do no good on the pre op list, because only MGB post ops can

relate to

> the problems she is having.

> I commended her for getting feedback from her peers first, and now

she

> can post to the pre op list however and whenever she deems

appropriate.

> I know I can be too positive about things sometimes, but I never

meant

> she should keep pre ops in the dark.

> Good luck Sherry, hope you get better soon.

>

> F. Potter

>

>

> Depression

>

> Hello Everyone!

> I know it's been a long time since I've written.....but with

all 4

> boys

> home from school, several trips out of town, visitors from

Switzerland,

> etc.

> etc. I have been very busy.

> Guess what?! My Mother took me shopping so she could buy me a

dress

> for

> her Retirement party at the City Club. ( I guess she thought my

taste in

>

> attire is not quite what it should be! heeheee) Anyway, she took

me to

>

> Hechts and we went straight to the Liz Claborne section (

spelling?) and

> we

> picked out a slimming black skirt

> ( size 8!!!!!) and a hippie-kind of blouse that was pretty much my

taste

>

> anyway. I can't believe I am in a size 8, although different

clothes

> fit

> differently.

> Now about the depression: I STILL suffer from depression and

have

> seasonal problems, but I know what to watch out for and Patrik

helps me

> "

> watch out " for myself. I have a chemical imbalance so I started

with

> Prozac

> and over the years I've tried Effexor and about 6 other kinds of

meds.

> I

> changed my doctor and he put me on Adderal, which is usually used

for

> ADD,

> but with me it helps with the " racing thoughts " and the fear of

being

> around

> people.

> Well, I need to run, but I hope to see you all at the meeting

this

> month:

> August 15th at the Great Wall of China at 7:15.

> Angels on your Pillows,

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Bad Boy! Funny, But reallllllllllllllllllly Bad!

Hugs,

LyndaV

Cushing Oklahoma USA

p8nlady@...

9/5/2001

296/172

...I am always happy to be a contact. But

Please....contact me privately.

> Depression

> >

> > Hello Everyone!

> > I know it's been a long time since I've written.....but with

> all 4

> > boys

> > home from school, several trips out of town, visitors from

> Switzerland,

> > etc.

> > etc. I have been very busy.

> > Guess what?! My Mother took me shopping so she could buy me a

> dress

> > for

> > her Retirement party at the City Club. ( I guess she thought my

> taste in

> >

> > attire is not quite what it should be! heeheee) Anyway, she took

> me to

> >

> > Hechts and we went straight to the Liz Claborne section (

> spelling?) and

> > we

> > picked out a slimming black skirt

> > ( size 8!!!!!) and a hippie-kind of blouse that was pretty much my

> taste

> >

> > anyway. I can't believe I am in a size 8, although different

> clothes

> > fit

> > differently.

> > Now about the depression: I STILL suffer from depression and

> have

> > seasonal problems, but I know what to watch out for and Patrik

> helps me

> > "

> > watch out " for myself. I have a chemical imbalance so I started

> with

> > Prozac

> > and over the years I've tried Effexor and about 6 other kinds of

> meds.

> > I

> > changed my doctor and he put me on Adderal, which is usually used

> for

> > ADD,

> > but with me it helps with the " racing thoughts " and the fear of

> being

> > around

> > people.

> > Well, I need to run, but I hope to see you all at the meeting

> this

> > month:

> > August 15th at the Great Wall of China at 7:15.

> > Angels on your Pillows,

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Why, , you devil you! Never knew that you were too positive. I took

Sherry's post the same way. Don't you worry! Tell your family hi for me.

How much have you lost now? Enjoyed the articles you're writing, too.

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