Psychiatric Medication?

[Lissa Kristine]

So, here's the deal. 

I've been suffering with depression and anxiety to some degree since I was around 7-11 years old (I am 24, 25 in June). For the most part, I've just lived with it, but I have been on mood stabilizing medication in the past. Over the past year, things have been pretty rough with little to no relief, and these past few weeks have been extremely intense with no obvious triggers.

It's gotten to a point that I am seriously considering talking to my doctor tomorrow (I have an appointment for a work physical) about going back on my medication for the first time in almost 6 years. This is not a decision I am taking lightly by any means. I actually swore I would NEVER try medication again, but it's becoming apparent that I may need that help.

I am also considering starting a Whole30 in the next couple of weeks. My start date is undetermined as there was a delay in my paycheck coming through, so I'm pretty broke until I get paid (and I don't have much of anything compliant in my house). I would love to start by the 28th (I kinda want to start on a random day- like a Wednesday or Thursday just to break up the whole "starting on a Monday" thing), but I'm not completely sure that's going to happen. 

I'm just a little concerned about the idea of starting the Whole30 and starting medication so close together. I don't want to put off either any longer than I HAVE to, but this is making me a little nervous. Would it be better to space them out more, or should I try to just get them both over with at once?

[SugarcubeOD]

Don't delay starting the meds if you feel you need them... and fyi, it's extremely courageous to know you need help... it's not a weakness... just wanted to say that in case no one else has told you that.

I would say that there's no reason why you can't start both things at the same time...

[Karen_Suep]

I think the *only* downside that I can see is being uncertain what is helping more. The fact that you are looking to get help is huge! It's a great first step! And I truly hope that both help you tremendously! If you're truly concerned, maybe talk it over with your dr since you'll be there before you plan to start w30.

FWIW, doctor's orders trump whole30, meaning that if the doctor says meds are a good idea, you follow that advice. I am not a doctor, so please take pretty much everything i say with a grain of salt. Here's hoping for a healthier you!

[jmcbn]

Depression is caused by a little chemical imbalance in the brain, which is contributed to by erratic hormones. Whole30 works at rebalancing hormones, so I agree that there is no reason why the AD meds & Whole30 wouldn't work hand in hand.

Key for you will be eating breakfast within an hour of wakening, eating three template meals, spending time outdoors, and developing a good bedtime routine.

Be sure to include foods rich in serotonin, tryptophan & selenium - known to be mood enhancers - liver, beef, lamb, turkey, seafood (oysters & prawns), oily fish (mackerel & salmon), bananas, mushrooms, sweet potatoes & brazil nuts.

The meds may take a while to kick in so these foods should really help in the meantime. Then when your mood is feeling stable you could speak to your Dr about reducing/removing the meds to see how you go.

Good luck!

 

[Laurie]

Unfortunately, I have lots of experience with this subject. Not everything can be resolved with food.  The moderators will be the first to admit that.  I have done W30's with and without meds.  Antidepressants take time to work, time to get to the correct dosage and time to find the right medicine or combination of medicine that will work for you.  Everyone is different.  Anxiety medication works immediately.  For this W30 and probably for the next few years, I will remain on antidepressants and anxiety medication.  For me and my life circumstances, food alone would do nothing for me.  It is sad to say but without the medication, I don't know how I would even get through each day.

 

My advice - try everything you can to feel good.  If needed, W30 and meds can be a great combination. Therapy, support groups (online and In-person), etc.  - there really are many different avenues and lots of wonderful people out there who care.  Trust me.  I know!

[Karen_Suep]

Unfortunately, I have lots of experience with this subject. Not everything can be resolved with food. The moderators will be the first to admit that. I have done W30's with and without meds. Antidepressants take time to work, time to get to the correct dosage and time to find the right medicine or combination of medicine that will work for you. Everyone is different. Anxiety medication works immediately. For this W30 and probably for the next few years, I will remain on antidepressants and anxiety medication. For me and my life circumstances, food alone would do nothing for me. It is sad to say but without the medication, I don't know how I would even get through each day.

My advice - try everything you can to feel good. If needed, W30 and meds can be a great combination. Therapy, support groups (online and In-person), etc. - there really are many different avenues and lots of wonderful people out there who care. Trust me. I know!

Thanks for pointing that out, and I agree 100%. W30 isn't a cure all but it definitely *can* help. Take care of you, which is basically what w30 teaches.

[SugarcubeOD]

Correct Laurie;

 

Clinical depression is an imbalance in the brain... while eating good food can't hurt, it can't 'fix' depression.  I'm also on meds and when I went on them I was working out every day, eating 100% Whole30, getting the proper sleep and every other 'holistic' thing that a person could do and it was not enough... getting help in the form of medication is not a weakness, it's extremely courageous!

[SpunkyBug]

Here's something to consider: I've been on and off Zoloft twice, and each time there was a period during the first couple weeks where I felt "amplified" -- kind of like the Tiger Blood that often comes with a Whole30, but in a more off-putting way.

 

I think it might be confusing to start both at once, because you might not be sure if it's the meds or the change in diet that is causing certain symptoms, moods, etc. Think about starting the meds first and getting to a place where you feel better balanced before starting a Whole30. Just a thought.

 

Good luck! We're all pulling for you!

[praxisproject]

Keep an eye on eating enough too, as drops in blood sugar can be a symptom trigger for many. Eat to the template where possible, don't skip meals.

If you're feeling a bit off, have some extra sweet potato or something starchy, that'll help with the blood sugar part, but talk to your doctor too.

 

There's also a *lot* of new medications now, some with a lot less (or different) side effects, so if you're unhappy with any medication, it's worth asking about alternatives.