Self medicating in a sensible way

[SweetnessIWasOnlyJoking]

Anyone got any tips? I'm feeling pretty awful. The doc wants to put me on Prozac but for one reason or another I'm not going to do that. Is there anything I can take (besides booze) that will help me to cope? I'm thinking some sort of tip along the lines of 'grate some ginger into a mug of hot milk' grandma's remedy type thing.

What are you self medicating for? If anxiety then rescue remedy helps. Of course the spray is 90% brandy so that may be why...

Self medicating is never sensible. If you don’t want to take Prozac then ask you doctor for a different alternative.

If you are feeling bad enough that the doc has prescribed prozac why don't you just take them? For my anxiety, I find peppermint tea helps relax me as well as camomile, but if you are really suffering with anxiety that won't help.

If you are opted for a natural approach,, , sleep has a huge effect, there is a lot of talk about the link between gut health and mental health, several vits & mins have been proved to have a role too. This time of year getting time outside in natural light is important, I've been using one of those bright SAD lamps, which makes me more allert in the evening.....If you do it for an antidepressant, it will take several weeks, or even months before the levels in your blood get high enough for it to work.

I use exercise as a mood enhancer. That’s how I self medicate a lot of the time- I go for a run, a cycle, a yoga class. Or just for a nice walk somewhere pretty and get lots of fresh air.

St. John's wort really does help but you have to take care. You must wear sunscreen as if increases your skin's photosensitivity. Also if you decide to go on the Prozac, stop taking the St John's wort

Exercise and healthy eating are the only self medicines that are a good idea.

Getting outside and exercise are useful.
I’m on Prozac. What worried you about it?

Thanks all

Don't want to go on Prozac as I actually enjoy being stressed. But I'm too stressed at the moment (relationship breakup.) I don't want to take anything that will make me too nonchalant esp as hopefully my misery is short term.

Interesting info about the SAD lamp... I should start using it again but be more regular this time. I try to get out as much as possible too.

Great tips.

They don’t put you on Prozac for being “stressed”. I’m on it for anxiety and depression.

SweetnessIWasOnlyJoking can I ask if the stress that you enjoyed is the buzzy hyperactive type feeling ?

Weeding, I guess you're pointing towards bipolar, which is not what I have/am. I don't enjoy feeling stressed as such; I enjoy getting stuff done. In order to get stuff done, I need to be stressed. I'm not explaining it very well. I just hate waiting/dithering/underachieving etc etc. I wouldn't call it buzzing - more like constant road rage.

That’s really not healthy. You don’t need to feel “rage” to get stuff done. You need to have a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

1. dry out. Alcohol exacerbates symptoms of anxiety and low mood. Stop drinking.
2. exercise
3. natural daylight
4. talk to people. Family if you can bear them, friends if you can't, join something like MeetUp if you haven't got any friends
5. eat properly. There's a few vitamin deficiencies that can cause low mood - type symptoms. Get on the BBC good food website for free recipes.
6. take a bath. Some recent research indicates that a nice hot bath appears to be have the same mood - bossing effect as a half hour jog.

Call Samaritans if you want to talk and need someone to listen. You don't have to be suicidal.

Oh, and do something kind for someone else. Doesn't have to be big. Help someone who's dropped their shopping, that sort of thing.