D E P R E S S I O N A N T I D O T E S – Week of 2.11.98 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A unique newsletter to support, inspire, inform and encourage anyone who is recovering/recovered from depression. IN THIS ISSUE: 1. Notes from the CoachWelcome to the first edition of DEPRESSION ANTIDOTES! I must admit, writing this newsletter was a huge challenge for me. I kept saying to myself "maybe I should read some more, think some more, talk some more, before I begin". I soon realised, however, that this is just one of my habits that keeps me trapped and feeds depressive thoughts. Do you every have a dialogue that goes something like this – "when I’m smart enough/know more/have a better personality/ know what I want, etc. etc. – then I’ll be happy"? How do you move on? The problem with this type of thinking is that it puts your life on hold, until you/things improve. Thinking your life is going to be better in the future is guaranteed to make you feel depressed because you have to live this "less than" life until that future arives. 2. Depression Antidote No. 1**See Your Life as Working Right Now**Every night, before you fall asleep, list all the things that work in you life right now - the people you appreciate; the things you love to do; your favourite food; what you like about yourself etc. etc. Instead of thinking about what you’d like to change think of what you don’t want to change; what you’d miss; what would make your life less than it is. Affirmation: I am enough and know enough right now! 3. Alternative ApproachesThe Herb: St John’s WortThis plant has been used as an herbal remedy since the Middle Ages. Historically taken as a nerve tonic, St John’s Wort is now widely used to treat mild-to-moderate depression. Several controlled studies have shown improvements with symptoms of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, headache and exhaustion. In Germany, nearly half of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders are treated with hypericin (one of the active ingredients of St John’s Wort). It works by inhibiting the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain. The herb also inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and works as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI); both are actions similar to drugs prescribed for depression. Although St John’s Wort is freely available, without prescription, it should, none the less, be treated with caution. Some side effects such as upset stomach, dry mouth, dizziness and rashes have been reported. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking anti-depressants like Prozac or planning to get pregnant do not use St John’s Wort without speaking to your doctor first. '7 Steps to a Depression Free Life - A Self Help Guide'. FInd out more: Self Help for Depression eBook 4. Resources**Beat Depression with St. John’s Wort by Steven Bratman** **http://www.Depression.Com** **Depression Alliance** 5. Future EditionsRequestIn future editions of Depression Antidotes I would like to include a section where readers can share experiences, offer their own tips and recommend resources. If you have anything you’d like to contribute to a future edition, please contact me usnig the link below. Have a wonder-filled week Nancy
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