robins comments to me on depression

These are the comments that Robin gives to me about my web pages plus her comments in general on the world of Spirit.

Re the young fellow with depression - I have suffered very badly from depression at times - it runs in my father's family (along with cancer). At one time, I too was close to suicide. It was caused, I believe, by a combination of things. I had lost both my parents to cancer within three years, my Public Service career was running into a dead end, I had undiagnosed hypo-thyroid, and I was following the low-fat, high-carb diet to lose weight. I also lived alone, my sister had had a stillborn baby to a man who tried to kill her, and life was pretty stressful.

I felt like I was wading through grey sludge up to my elbows, with a heavy grey cloud pressing down on my head. Pleasant things only made me feel worse - as they showed up how dreadful my state was. I was sleeping excessively, and still waking tired. My appetite went between binging and eating nothing for days.

In those days (the mid to late 80's) the anti-depressants were not much good (Valium, Serepax etc) as they only zonked you out and made it even more impossible to function. Mostly, doctors and others treated you like you were just lazy or stupid - someone who would not get their act together.

I was fortunate to be recommended to a GP who was also interested in "complementary medicine". He ran blood tests - which showed I had a lack of Vitamin B6, Magnesium, and Zinc (very common because of our ancient soils). The tests also showed I had an imbalance in Serotonin - which is a brain hormone which controls such things as appetite, mood, sleep, sexual libido etc etc. He prescribed large doses of vitamins and minerals (around 200mg each per day) - plus L-Tryptophan - which is a precursor for Serotonin. Within half an hour of the first dose of L-tryptophan, the cloud had lifted a little.

It took a long time, but gradually I overcame the problem. I have recently learnt that I have a strong allergic reaction to wheat - so I now follow a gluten-free diet which is also low-carb/high-protein. I also received counseling from a wonderful psychologist who used a form of hypnosis which allowed me to remember events from before I was born - and to accept myself and my "failures". He also helped me get the strength to resign from my job. It needed a many-pronged attack.

The point of all this is that this young man should be checked out thoroughly by a doctor who is trained in the use of supplements and diet for depression. The modern anti-depressants are targeted at the Serotonin and are much more effective than straight L-Tryptophan. He should also continue to have counseling with you - as you have obviously developed a rapport.

There are also certain foods which can help - but there is certainly no "quick fix". It needs a many-pronged attack. This young chap should reduce his carbohydrates - particularly sugar and starchy foods such as bread, flour, potatoes, rice, cereals. Carbohydrates have a calming/depressing effect. Gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats) also has a depressing effect.

He should increase his protein - especially from fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, lentils, nuts, and lean red meats because these help to elevate the mood.

Other things which can help are green and red/orange coloured vegetables, "good oils" (fish, flax, olive, nut) and taking supplements of "digestive enzymes", "digestive bacteria", zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, and Folic Acid. For more information, do a search on http://www.google.com for "serotonin food" and "depression food". There has been a lot of research on the effect of diet on neurological disorders, but it is not widely talked about.

Best wishes...Robin