what types on nonmedication thing have you done for your anxiety? counseling? programs like attacking anxiety and depression? multi spectrum lights in the winter time? What all thinks have you done for anxiety and how much or little has it helped?

do a net search on cognitive behavior therapy and rational emotive therapy; they have been very helpful. Meditation is also helpful. When I stay with it, exercise helps a lot, but I don't do it regularly enough.

Has anyone here ever tried those multispectrum lights? If so, how do you like it?

hey again grey,

you know, i find that whenever i'm involved in something that i'm very, very interested in and i like very much, i get totally absorbed in that task/activity, and it takes my mind off of other things, including my depression, anxiety, and other negative things that are happening in my life (and there have been quite a lot lately). also, it makes me happy, as infrequently as i feel this emotion, it's actually there...it exists.

sometimes i may read a book and the ideas will resonate the 'truth' so much, that i have to stop and think in awe; sometimes a paragraph will strike me as being so deep and so perfect, that i go over it again, just for the simple fact that it sounds and it is so true/beautiful/real. other times i may listen to a piece of music that will make me feel as if my soul is soaring. and if i actually let myself go and "float" on the waves of the song, i feel it so much that i get goose-bumps from it.

but yes, counseling is helping a lot (besides the meds). i've actually been missing going to my appts. since my dr. was on vacation until recently. but i will see him on monday, hopefully. it's a great place to vent there--like nowhere else on earth, or with anyone else. i completely let go in that office!!

yoga and meditation are two other things that help calm the mind and the body. it takes a while to get into them, but it's worth it, and it's fun in the end.

i'm sure you have some ways of dealing with anxiety w/out meds!!!!?
all the best, :angel:

yes, my boyfriend has bought me a SAD lamp for my birthday, last october. it's called HappyLite (Sunshine Simulator) from Verilux. the booklet that came along with it recommended that the person stay not more than two feet away from it, for a period of 15-20 min. per day. i've been using it, but i admit that not consistently. in my opinion it's ok--that is, it basically it lights up the whole room because of the power of its lights (it's meant to simulate the sunlight), but i'm sorry to say that i've seen only slight improvement in my mood after using this device. maybe it's bec. i haven't used it on a daily basis, i don't know. actually, i think that's the reason. it should be used everyday, especially in the morning, and at that time i'm usually busy getting ready for work.

are you thinking of buying one?

The program you mentioned in your post- Attacking Anxiety and Depression, is what I do. I do the workbook and listen to the tapes and go in for therapy once a week. My only problem is sticking with it religiously. I'm chaotic and irresponsible and I cancel therapy a lot or don't do my "homework". But what I have managed to digest has helped me immensely. I have learned a ton of other tips and tricks but most of them have come from Attacking Anxiety and Depression. I would highly recommend this program.

I've had reflexology which really helps, but I find that I would need to go regularly to have lasting effects and it's too expensive! Exercise and a low-sugar, low-carb diet have helped as well. Also, I've taken valerian root at times, and I can't say for sure it helped or not, but it did make me feel a little more relaxed. Also, just having one close family member or friend to talk to once a week about life in general helps a lot! And letting out some good cries when needed can help too. These are just things that help me a little. Nothing is magical and everything needs work. Sometimes I just wish we had a little spot on our head that could open and then we just turn a little piece of our brain to make the anxiety go away. But we aren't robots, so we need to rely on meds sometimes to make that little turn happen.

Hi reading books on anxiety is a help,cognitive therapy was the best thing for me and worked for a few years but eventually my anxiety came back and ive never felt as well again.its also expensive.Bach flower remedies are good and you can mix them together to make a remedy that suits you also theres rescue remedy thats can be taken as often as you need and does take the edge off your anxiety.ive got one of the lights but i have to say i can use it for 5 days upto an hour each time but ive not noticed any improvement in energy or my depression.i do alot of writing if i feel anxious i just write how i feel,try and rationalise my thoughts and symptoms and get my frustration out on paper even if i do it for an hour i find it eases my thoughts and fears.i agree with dakota that if i can distract myself and really get engrossed in something eg gardening,tv,reading then my anxiety goes and i become calm.Hope this helps.

The only thing I have to add is lifestyle changes by removing harmful foods and chemical from your diet. Definitely eliminate the big ones, cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine, but also look into eating more vegetables or foods with few or no preservatives. Less sugar is better, but a little every once and awhile won't hurt you.

I also want to reiterate on meditation and exercise. Those have both helped me. Force yourself to practice both because in the long run it will help you.

I have never tried the sun lamp, but I know that I go tanning and that is 20 minutes in a UV chamber and that usually makes me feel good.

Later,
OE

I take a good multivitamin, sometimes we are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals which can cause or exacerbate depression/anxiety. Also, certain medications can also cause anxiety/depression, and deplete you also of nutrients. Another possibility, your hormones, thyroid can worsen depression/anxiety as well. There are many possibilites, but the first thing doctors want to do is put people on antidepressants.
I do not drink, smoke, and try to get some exercise in , even if's only a brief walk, or playing with the dogs, get ouside, if you can, when the sun is out. Drink plenty of water. I'm not perfect, but it's working so far for me. I took antidepressants, but had bad reactions, and did not like the way they made me feel. I'd rather try the natural approach if I can, and deal with the ups and downs in a natural safe way. If your depression is severe enough,and you've checked out the items above, that could be causing depression, and then tried the more natural approach, and you are still suffering major depression, then therapy, and as a last resort medication.

I'm with you cvoor. Try multi vitamins - make sure you get enough calcium, magnesium and zinc. All are good for anxiety/depression. A bit of sun and fresh air and a bit of exercise. And a bit of self pampering always goes down well!!

If you're interested in researching nutrition and mental health read Patrick Holford's books. Especially 'Optimum Nutrition for the Mind.' Honestly, he should give me a cut of his royalties i've said this so many times...but his books are very helpful.

I try to take multivitimans every day. I also bought the attacking anxiety and depression program several years ago, and it did help but i had a hard time sticking with the program.

I excercise, meditate when possible, socialize even if not in the mood and also try herbs. I have tried some Tibetan Herbs that seems to be helping :)

has anyone here ever taken any GABA supplements?

i use a full spectrum light that was prescribed to me by me pdoc and i think it works fairly well but must be used on a regular basis...another thing i found that helps even more is to go to a tanning bed.. if you are afraid of the UV rays just keep your clothes on, or whatever you are comfortable with...i noticed a real improvement in just a couple weeks and i went about 3 times a week.....i wish you luck...at least in a way to help without drugs.'
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peace

I have been med free for six months since going through a cbt group. I highly recommend cbt and the tea form exercise. It's surprisingly simple yet useful.