OT: non-drug treatments for anxiety and depression

[49er]

This is going to sound way too simplistic but it seems that eating chocolate with 85% cacoa has greatly helped my mood. Of course, having started a paleo type diet a week ago, it could also be due to simply missing a nutrient I am not getting. So take my advice for what it is worth but obviously, you have nothing to lose my trying this.

49er

You Go, Girl! That is great news! I have never been this thin since highschool.

Thanks Loreena for the encouragement. I am so happy for your success.

I had been meaning to switch to it for weeks and the final motivation was when dentist number one said I needed extensive dental work last week. Hopefully, number two will provide a better report today.

49er

[Loreena]

This is going to sound way too simplistic but it seems that eating chocolate with 85% cacoa has greatly helped my mood. Of course, having started a paleo type diet a week ago, it could also be due to simply missing a nutrient I am not getting. So take my advice for what it is worth but obviously, you have nothing to lose my trying this.

49er

You Go, Girl! That is great news! I have never been this thin since highschool.

Thanks Loreena for the encouragement. I am so happy for your success.

I had been meaning to switch to it for weeks and the final motivation was when dentist number one said I needed extensive dental work last week. Hopefully, number two will provide a better report today.

49er

I still have severe OSA with the terrible problem of a large tongue though so I'm scheduled to see a surgeon for an MMA surgery consult. All I want is that my tongue would have enough room to lay flat in my mouth, and hopefully cease using the tongue restraining device. Even if I still have to use the CPAP--that actually would not be a problem for me at all. When the obstruction (tongue falling back) comes from the front to the back, ain't no amount of air going to blow it out of the way. It's very expensive surgery and it would be contingent on getting a loan. I used to be repulsed by such surgery, now I'm running for it. I envy those of you who do not have the added problem of large tongue and get those beautiful low AHIs without having to use a tongue restraining device.

[49er]

I wish you all the luck in the world with that. You have got to do whatever is necessary.

Ellen, I hope you find something that works for your anxiety and depression.

49er

This is going to sound way too simplistic but it seems that eating chocolate with 85% cacoa has greatly helped my mood. Of course, having started a paleo type diet a week ago, it could also be due to simply missing a nutrient I am not getting. So take my advice for what it is worth but obviously, you have nothing to lose my trying this.

49er

You Go, Girl! That is great news! I have never been this thin since highschool.

Thanks Loreena for the encouragement. I am so happy for your success.

I had been meaning to switch to it for weeks and the final motivation was when dentist number one said I needed extensive dental work last week. Hopefully, number two will provide a better report today.

49er

I still have severe OSA with the terrible problem of a large tongue though so I'm scheduled to see a surgeon for an MMA surgery consult. All I want is that my tongue would have enough room to lay flat in my mouth, and hopefully cease using the tongue restraining device. Even if I still have to use the CPAP--that actually would not be a problem for me at all. When the obstruction (tongue falling back) comes from the front to the back, ain't no amount of air going to blow it out of the way. It's very expensive surgery and it would be contingent on getting a loan. I used to be repulsed by such surgery, now I'm running for it. I envy those of you who do not have the added problem of large tongue and get those beautiful low AHIs without having to use a tongue restraining device.

[avi123]

No chocolate or tropical oil like coconut for me, b/c they trigger herpes and zoster viruses to flare up.

[oak]

hi ellen, i guess I have a question or two. what is it that is keeping you from getting to sleep? is it noise, or mask fit, or air blowing on you, restlessness, worry and anxiety about things, or what? if you can determine it will help figure out what might make the difference. good luck with your appt. keep us posted.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Exercise! Probably the hardest thing to do when you are depressed but the cheapest and effective.

I'd have to agree with this statement. I don't know your general physical condition but I find that I can simply 'blast-out' the anxiety that's building up with a brisk walk, swim or bike ride. I don't necessarily have to get the sweat flowing, but just up to that point is usually adequate. However, sweat is better (I know, many of the gals on this forum are muttering under their breath "Nice ladies don't sweat") Again, start out slow with an exercise program you can manage. However, if your health isn't that great, talk to your doctor first.

[ellen1159]

Saw the sleep doc this am and he was concerned for me,said the anxiety I was experiencing was obvious to him and that I needed to be on something. He's going to work with my therapist (also a prescribing APRN), who I'm seeing tomorrow. She had suggested a low dose of Ativan to take the edge off my anxiety. He said that although Ativan does tend to worsen apnea, right now I'm not getting any use of the machine so I'd be better off taking it. He also said I might try benedryl before bedtime if the Ativan doesn't help me sleep.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Ellen: I just read this quote from you in one of your past posts:
First of all, congratulations on losing 70 lbs. I just lost 11 myself over the past month but it comes off fast for me because I'm so fat. I weighed 265 on a 5' 4" frame, I'm post-menopausal and can't walk more than 15 minutes without my back hurting or getting a pain in my jaw that means my heart is working too hard.

In light of what you said above, my advice on an exercise regimen is NOT RIGHT FOR YOU. You will definitely need to see a doctor before you do anything strenuous, even tho you are in your early fifties. Heart attacks, strokes and possible seizures could be the consequence if you start out without a doctor's help. Sorry to be so blunt but I'd hate to see you have a big problem with your health. Sadly, there are limitations to what one can advise on the internet.

[gary1001]

Everyone is very different and responds to different treatment but for me, the stuff that works for mental stability is:

1st. Fresh cold pressed green juice twice daily. It floods your body with nutrients which help with the building blocks of neurotransmitters. Kales is the best.

2nd. Paleo diet and exercise. High quality fats and protein. Again , provides the body what is needed. There are clinical studies underway to reverse secondary progressive MS via the Paleo diet and large volume of veggies (hence the juicing) - see http://www.terrywahls.com/.

3rd. Intracranial stimulator. Basically a device that naturally increases the amount of GABA. Here is the research see - http://www.fisherwallace.com/research-published

[49er]

Saw the sleep doc this am and he was concerned for me,said the anxiety I was experiencing was obvious to him and that I needed to be on something. He's going to work with my therapist (also a prescribing APRN), who I'm seeing tomorrow. She had suggested a low dose of Ativan to take the edge off my anxiety. He said that although Ativan does tend to worsen apnea, right now I'm not getting any use of the machine so I'd be better off taking it. He also said I might try benedryl before bedtime if the Ativan doesn't help me sleep.

Hi Ellen,

What did your doctor say about lowering the pressure which would make it easier for you to get used to the machine so you could work your way up to the ideal one. And you might be able to do fine at a lower pressure.

It just seems like this should be explored first before going on a benzo that could be extremely addictive and hard to get off of. By the way, I don't mean this as anti meds post because in my opinion, if lowering the pressure doesn't enable you to stay asleep on the machine, than exploring the issue of meds is a definite option in my opinion.

But when I feel you are experiencing anxiety as an understandable effect of trying to get used to a high pressure that most people would find very difficult, it seems like the doctor is suggesting a bandaid solution. Just my opinion and of course, I realize I don't know the whole story.

49er

[ellen1159]

Saw the sleep doc this am and he was concerned for me,said the anxiety I was experiencing was obvious to him and that I needed to be on something. He's going to work with my therapist (also a prescribing APRN), who I'm seeing tomorrow. She had suggested a low dose of Ativan to take the edge off my anxiety. He said that although Ativan does tend to worsen apnea, right now I'm not getting any use of the machine so I'd be better off taking it. He also said I might try benedryl before bedtime if the Ativan doesn't help me sleep.

Hi Ellen,

What did your doctor say about lowering the pressure which would make it easier for you to get used to the machine so you could work your way up to the ideal one. And you might be able to do fine at a lower pressure.

It just seems like this should be explored first before going on a benzo that could be extremely addictive and hard to get off of. By the way, I don't mean this as anti meds post because in my opinion, if lowering the pressure doesn't enable you to stay asleep on the machine, than exploring the issue of meds is a definite option in my opinion.

But when I feel you are experiencing anxiety as an understandable effect of trying to get used to a high pressure that most people would find very difficult, it seems like the doctor is suggesting a bandaid solution. Just my opinion and of course, I realize I don't know the whole story.

49er

The anxiety was always there, and I've got some significant challenges (unemployment, loss of insurance in a few months, etc.) it's just that since the focus of my life right now is adapting to my machine, the anxiety is worsening as time goes by and I haven't made progress. I feel like I'mon borrowed time with my severe apnea (although the loss of 30 lbs. does help a little). It's getting worse day by day, and the sleep doc could feel it the minute he walked into the examining room. The pressures aren't bothering me so much, it's either the mask not fitting and leaking or my nasal congestion makes it hard to breathe or exhale through my nose and breathing through the mouth feels weird to me, and dries me out too fast. If I could just fall asleep once the leaks are fixed I think I'd be okay, but something prevents me from falling asleep and staying asleep, even when I'm not really uncomfortable.

I"m hoping that the anxiety meds will allow me to function, and perhaps a dose of benadryl if I can't fall asleep after a half hour or so will give me a few hours of rest.

[49er]

Saw the sleep doc this am and he was concerned for me,said the anxiety I was experiencing was obvious to him and that I needed to be on something. He's going to work with my therapist (also a prescribing APRN), who I'm seeing tomorrow. She had suggested a low dose of Ativan to take the edge off my anxiety. He said that although Ativan does tend to worsen apnea, right now I'm not getting any use of the machine so I'd be better off taking it. He also said I might try benedryl before bedtime if the Ativan doesn't help me sleep.

Hi Ellen,

What did your doctor say about lowering the pressure which would make it easier for you to get used to the machine so you could work your way up to the ideal one. And you might be able to do fine at a lower pressure.

It just seems like this should be explored first before going on a benzo that could be extremely addictive and hard to get off of. By the way, I don't mean this as anti meds post because in my opinion, if lowering the pressure doesn't enable you to stay asleep on the machine, than exploring the issue of meds is a definite option in my opinion.

But when I feel you are experiencing anxiety as an understandable effect of trying to get used to a high pressure that most people would find very difficult, it seems like the doctor is suggesting a bandaid solution. Just my opinion and of course, I realize I don't know the whole story.

49er

The anxiety was always there, and I've got some significant challenges (unemployment, loss of insurance in a few months, etc.) it's just that since the focus of my life right now is adapting to my machine, the anxiety is worsening as time goes by and I haven't made progress. I feel like I'mon borrowed time with my severe apnea (although the loss of 30 lbs. does help a little). It's getting worse day by day, and the sleep doc could feel it the minute he walked into the examining room. The pressures aren't bothering me so much, it's either the mask not fitting and leaking or my nasal congestion makes it hard to breathe or exhale through my nose and breathing through the mouth feels weird to me, and dries me out too fast. If I could just fall asleep once the leaks are fixed I think I'd be okay, but something prevents me from falling asleep and staying asleep, even when I'm not really uncomfortable.

I"m hoping that the anxiety meds will allow me to function, and perhaps a dose of benadryl if I can't fall asleep after a half hour or so will give me a few hours of rest.

I totally understand, you gotta do what you have to do.