Alternatives to meds

I have now been on 3 different SSRI anti-depressants and have reacted to all 3. The lastest being an allergic reaction 2 weeks ago- hives and breathing probs, for which I needed steriod and anti-histimine injections and tabs.

Well, now that I am over that, and the awful withdrwal process from having to have my meds suddenly stopped, I would like to see what else I can do to help myself that doesnt involve taking meds.
Both my GP and I agree that the SSRI werent particularly effective- the one I reacted to I was up to te highest dose too -, and we would like to see how I go with the weekly phychologist sessions.I now also have much more family support (MIL rings daily and will have Isla whenever I want her too, and Isla stays the night there once a week), and Isla is in daycare 9 hrs a week.
I am still taking Oxazepam(similar to valium) which I needed to get over the withdrawls from the anti-depressants, but am only needing a low dose.

What other things have u used or heard of that would be worth a try? St Johns Wart? Or some sort of natural therapy etc etc?

Edited to fix spelling!

Edited by Kellz

Yeah a friend the other day mentioned accupunture- I had never considered that that could be used for something that isnt physical. Would be keen to see if anyone has tried that.
I am keen to try anything! Lol! I SOOOO dont wanna ever have to go through the awful withdrals that I did this time I reacted.
I am going back to the GP weekly, and we will try a tricyclic antidepressant next if I do need drugs.

I used to have 3 hrs homehelp a week when we lived in Whakatane, but that service isnt avaialable here. It was more to help me out with Isla and give me a wee break too, cos we didnt have any family living closer than 2 hrs away.

Have made an appointment for accupuncture on Mon with the guy my friend sees and recommends. He said he will do a bug health questionsaire, and get me eating some different foods too,....eek my diet is so shocking at the mo,..I dont wanna tell anyone!

Can u babysit?!!
Seriously tho, I have been thinking I really need to re-start some sort of regular excercise, and definalty start eating better too. I am so not a gym person, have joined too many times and given up after a short time. When we have some $$, Im gonna get a kid seat for my bike and start using that again. Maybe walking too.



Edited by Kellz

I take omega 3, magnesium & multi-vitamins aswell as regular exercise and Its seems to work ok for me.

I'd be wary of St Johns Wart, it can be a bit hit and miss. Sounds like you've got some good support networks and stuff now which should be a huge help, as will the psychology (and living further away from your Dad ). And of course me, your unofficial psychologist!

Thanks Stacey- think I will definatly go to the health shop and get some fish oil tabs and multi vits. I seem better off the meds at the mo, and my Dr agrees, so maybe I dont have a chemical imbalance either.
Mine was definatly circumstantial depression- birth experience, lack of sleep, mega unsettled baby, problems with medical professionals getting diagnosis for Isla's problems, no family support living closer than 2 hrs drive, then moving towns last Oct and then the earthquake in dec so didnt help either. Now things are much more settled, and Im working through a lot of the issues and have more support etc, I am sure I can do this!

Ha ha ha. Takes one to know one I guess!

Evening primrose oil caps are good to take too, I find they are a great help especially around 'that' time of the month!

Even though the ones I take are 'horse pill' sized I make sure I do every day, otherwise if I forget things tend to really bottom out when my period hits!

I've found St Johns Wort good in the past and never had to personally worry about whether to take it on a long term basis or not - maybe 2 or 3 months max to get through the odd rough patch.