Natural mood stabilizers - 5HTP - has anyone had success with this

[betterwhenthesunshines]

I've had depression after birth of DC2 ( 8 years ago). Treatment with CBT and medication for about 3 and a half years, then OK for a while, then a down hill drop, but didn't want to yo-yo back to meds so I did private therapy for 15 months which was extremely beneficial. Stopped that a year and a half ago.

Have had a very stressful 6 months recently, but I can feel myself withdrawing, mood swings, lack of involvement with DCs, irritable, physically very tired, minor self harm habits eg skin picking until it bleeds etc. It's not a big depressive episode, but neither do I have the time (or inclination) at the moment to do all the nurturing things that usually help get over a hiccup!

Has anyone used 5HTP link here with any success?

Or other hand holding tips please?

Oh, also much higher anxiety levels (known cause) but inability to deal with this, often waking early with that sinking stomach feeling that then lasts. Feeling sick and agitated for a lot of the day, can't settle, no focus etc

Haven't had an anxiety issue before, so any tips here would help. I've tried some CBT thinking but doesn't seem to be helping much.

I have used that exact same product and I've tried many different supplements. It made very very sleepy, as in so sleepy I literally couldn't keep my eyes open. It even gave me a hangover if I took it before bed. On the other hand, DP has used it for a short while and he had to take it in the morning otherwise it kept him awake all night. Everyone is different. If you're not on any other meds you could try it out.

If you combine it with regular exercise and a good diet, it could help. None of these pills are cures though.

I tried it & suffer with depression. It had no effect whatsoever. My psychiatrist said there's not enough 'chemical' in it to have a boosting effect on the serotonin. May be try St John's Wort. It's ok for mild depression but you can't take it if on the pull as it interferes with absorption. Also it sensitises the skin in sunlight.

On the pill

It made me really sleepy so I switched to St Johns Wort. Sjw is helping a bit I think but even one day not taking it, I felt down so you need to take it every day without fail for it to work.

Hi better! I just posted a reply to you on my thread. So sorry to hear you're suffering too. It really is shit.

I've got no experience of 5HTP so can't help there but I know some people find st johns wort helpful. It does interact with other drugs though so prob talk it through with a pharmacist or your GP.

My other thought was not to let things get too bad before you consider 'proper' anti-ds. I battled on for a few weeks after first seeing the doctor without taking anything and I do wonder if it made my recovery longer. I understand your reluctance to go back on meds though, as I am exactly the same. Would it be an option to see your therapist again for a short while to see if 'venting' would help?

Much love to you x

Hi, have been away for a night hence the delayed reply. I'm not on the pill and no other meds so I've taken the 5HTP for the last 2 nights. Will continue and report back - I did have an extremely vibrant vivid dream last, but not disturbing so that's not too much of a concern.

I'm reluctant to take St John's Wort because of the sun sensitivity which I already get so I dont want anything that could worsen this reaction ( crazy itchy skin!) :o