If you can't take antidepressants what do you do?

[onwardsandupwards2022]

What do you do that helps your mental health? Everything feels overwhelming and I need to fix it, before it gets a grip.

Vigorous, cardiovascular exercise (only half hour to forty-five minutes)... You have to really sweat. First thing in the morning.
That, and eat properly and sleep properly.
Absolutely no alcohol if you're feeling low.

Finding a form of exercise that you enjoy and can do regularly.

I feel so much better when I do some, although it is so easy to let it slip

@crispsarny

Therapy, meditation, Vagus Nerve exercises & somatic exercises.

This

Yoga, meditation, an incredibly good diet, good sleeping practice, exercise, keeping busy.

When people say a good diet, what do you find is most helpful?

Today, I've eaten half a grapefruit and three boiled eggs. I have no real desire to eat any other proper food but I could hoover up some ice cream Will probably have a salad with avocado in a bit but can't think what else to eat.

I feel like I've got absolutely zero patience with meal planning and the idea of chopping and fussing is too much. DP doesn't eat meat, and I'm weary of it neither of us ever knowing what to have for lunch or dinner, I do eat meat but it seems such effort to cook it just for me.

I had after taking SSRIs for some years developed tardive dysphoria, a form of depression caused by antidepressants. It was not fun. Here's what helped: EMDR, a super effective talk therapy that addresses mood issues related to trauma. Making sure I was never deficient in omega 3, B12, or vitamin D. Addressing sleep issues (magnesium before bed helps). Biofeedback training (specifically neurofeedback). Also, exercise.

Yes, l - tyrosine - I got it from amazon, the green bag from a store called supplemented. Have one pill on empty stomach with caffeine
I honestly can't believe what a difference it has made to pretty much everything
I got a bit carried away and tried l theanine too - that did not agree with me at all!

Thank you CCSS15

Generally speaking any regular exercise or movement, even a short walk or going up and down the stairs a couple of times, is better than nothing even if it doesn't always feel like it. Inactivity really zaps energy levels and can end up making you feel worse.

It may sound daft but you can get folding bathtubs, so if you have space close to your shower (so you can fill it up) that could be an option.

I buy a lot of pre-chopped frozen veg and tinned pulses etc so I can eat reasonably healthy meals without too much effort and having to plan going to the shops etc. If my DP wasn't such a fussy eater I'd probably do Gousto or Hello Fresh.

Other than that, give yourself permission to not always feel obligated to be doing stuff. I have a checklist of five or six things - eating, showering and basic household chores like washing up that I make myself do each day. If I'm still feeling overwhelmed I don't force myself to keep going. Often having a little rest means I can do more later in the day, or if not that day the next one etc.

@JohnNutLips

Cold water therapy - I swim 2 or 3 times a week, for about 10 or 15 mins in current temperatures. A huge benefit to my mental health and meant I could stop taking ADs.

I’ll second this, it’s a good time to start as the temperatures are a bit warmer so not so much of a shock.

The benefits of swimming over the winter have been incredible

@Beautifulmonster87 the whole picture of having meds rammed down your throat when you know full well you can’t take them? It’s the go to response on here isn’t it, take a pill for every emotion that feels uncomfortable, turn everyone into zombies, numb the pain. Obviously some people really need meds but most people should be encouraged to explore their emotions that are entirely normal, instead of shutting them off which later down the line can do more damage than good. We all need to learn the practice of self care & how to help ourselves instead of reaching for a tablet to switch off feelings that are meant to be felt.

[quote crispsarny]@Beautifulmonster87 the whole picture of having meds rammed down your throat when you know full well you can’t take them? It’s the go to response on here isn’t it, take a pill for every emotion that feels uncomfortable, turn everyone into zombies, numb the pain. Obviously some people really need meds but most people should be encouraged to explore their emotions that are entirely normal, instead of shutting them off which later down the line can do more damage than good. We all need to learn the practice of self care & how to help ourselves instead of reaching for a tablet to switch off feelings that are meant to be felt.[/quote]
I agree with you but what I meant was, it’s good to know why OP doesn’t wish to take them so advice can be offered! If she wasn’t taking them as allergic then that’s different to not taking them as she was scared for example !

My exH takes HPT5. I go to therapy, and whenever I have an "episode" I've been prescribed with valium.

Exercise - research has shown it's as effective as taking anti depressants.

And avoid alcohol completely.

I could have wrote this. how are you getting on x

• Movement: I do one swim, one run and one yoga class a week, it’s all I can fit in but makes a huge difference.
• coming off social media and using my phone less
• balance app for mindfulness.
• being less of a perfectionist and less hard on myself.

the biggest thing that makes a difference to me is the exercise. If I don’t do it I really feel it - even my anti exercise husband now recognises the difference it makes.

All.the boring stuff. Good diet, exercise, medication and mindfulness, taking time out

actionforhappiness.org/10-keys

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