Is there an alternative to anti-depressants?

[AnotherHit]

I’m feeling particularly stressed (home, kids, work) and teary and wonder if there’s an alternative I can take as opposed to going to my GP and taking ADs?

I’ve tried CBT in the past, not my thing at all. I practice yoga, mindfulness which is ok at the time, but I feel I need more to get me through life.

Speak with your GP for alternatives?

Therapy?

Vitamin D
Go to GP and ask for a blood test to check your levels of folates, iron and Vitamin D. Also your thyroid.
That is what was causing my depression/anxiety/exhaustion

Start with a visit to GP and don't assume anti depressants will be their first step. Usually they SHOULD check your bloods for any underlying issue.
Also work life balance is an underrated issue. People do sometimes do too much and there might be some things that can be tweaked. I know that sounds patronising but that's where therapy comes in - to look at the picture overall - what you want from life, how to approach difficult situations etc.

You might not want to hear it, but the truth is you will need everything in this list. No one thing will make you feel better totally but they all build the foundations of good mental health.

quick wins:

• vit d
• water
• day light / getting outside everyday
• watching good tv programmes / podcasts especially ones that make you laugh

longer term

• good diet
• good quality sleep
• reducing stress at work
• doing hobbies you love
• regular exercise
• learning about your emotions and emotional responses through books / podcasts
• setl reflection / journaling
• attending to your hormonal cycle and getting what you need from it
• building and maintain friendships and getting support from them
• talking therapy

I did CBT, , yoga and mindfulness I also found hypnotherapy really helpful

Swimming, yoga, walking in the woods or up hills, sunshine.

If you don't sleep well, try the antihistamines over the counter in the chemist.

How old are you? Could it be perimenopause?

Often when there are lots of demands from work home kids, "kind" people telling you to find time for hobbies and exercise and sunshine make you feel like crying...
But a little bit squeezed in, makes a difference. Not training for marathons but sitting outside for five minutes in sun. Listening to a piece of music.