Breathwork, diet changes, other alternate therapies

[Shipsta]

Hey guys,

Following suffering with varying levels of depression and anxiety over the last 7 years and trying conventional methods of 'curing' myself i.e. seeing a number of psychologists, 4 different types of ADs (2 x SSRIs and 2 x SNRIs), exercise etc. I still seem to fight the same battles within myself with little to no change. It's like I am stuck in a pattern of pain / depression / anxiety that I cannot seem to shake.

Whilst I have not given up on exploring conventional methods i.e. trying other medications, I am also keen to start exploring other 'alternative' methods such as big diet changes (keto diet or fasting), breath work or TMS.

Has anyone tried any of the above and can share their experiences? Or alternatively, if anyone has tried any other 'alternative' methods as I am keen to hear!

Thanks in advance.

[MissBenthos]

Hi shipsta,

It’s good that you’re giving things a go. I think alternative therapies are much the same as the conventional ones in that it depends on the individual how effective the method is.

I was doing a lot of martial arts training along with all the doctor recommended strategies when treatment began to feel like it was working for me. It helped with my confidence for sure. I’ve done meditation and yoga before, I can’t say that they cured me but they are relaxing.

There might be others who’ve felt more impact from alternative therapies than myself though.

Hope that helps a little.

[Guest_1643]

hi there -

i use meditation and breath work particularly at the same time of day, like a routine and find it works wanders

i've also used some hypnosis stuff for sleep - quite interesting! i found a benefit to it!

the results aren't instant but i think in a way that's a good thing - it's a gradual increase in self-awareness and self-care which i foster from these practises.

quick-fixes never worked for me - nor arrgant therapists who purpoted to have the "cure" for depression and considered themselves as some kind of deity - it was more gradual trialling of alternative rememdies to find ones that resonated.

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi there Shipsta,

I haven't treated myself for depression but have certainly used this Beyond Blue guide (see link below) to support for people who are on a journey to finding the best recovery strategy outside help manage their depression. https://resources.beyondblue.org.au/prism/file?token=BL/0556

There are so many different strategies and it is about persistence and patience to find the right combination. You are already taking these steps which is great to see.

There are number of threads on the site about TMS (just do a search in the top right had of your screen) as well there has been some recent discussion about funding TMS under Medicare which you can read about here https://medicalrepublic.com.au/tmr-therapy-may-soon-be-available-for-depression/31297

I wish you the best on your journey of exploring new treatments and strategies. Whatever you decide, I always recommend this is done under the supervision of a health professional,

Sending you strength,

Nurse Jenn

[davoid]

Hi Shipsta,

I have mild depression with anxiety, and occasional high anxiety. I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia since 1995. The anxiety first started around 2016.

As there's no medicine for CFS/FM I have tried many alternative therapies and supplements etc.

The CFS/FM was caused by a Giardia infection in 1994. It wasn't treated until 1997. I was lucky to have a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor recommended to me.

Re: fasting
I did fasting for about 18 months but had to stop as it was exacerbating my anxiety. I would not recommend fasting or any low carb diet that can affect the blood sugar for people with depression and/or anxiety. Basically when the blood sugar drops, the adrenal glands release cortisol and other hormones to release sugar into the blood and get the level up. Cortisol spikes are not good for anxiety. I would recommend looking at some of the many books and articles about cortisol and blood sugar. If you can get a normal cortisol cycle happening through sleep, diet, exercise, etc. this can help with a lot of other issues.

From my experience with CFS/FM I am more inclined to the 'body causes anxiety' rather than the 'thinking causes anxiety', so it is worth looking at your physical symptoms and how they relate to your diet, sleep patterns, etc.

I started yoga in 1994 and it is great for overall physical and mental health, so I would recommend that as well.

I also walk 15-20 mins a day. Every 4 days I do a workout comprised of isometric, dumbbells, abs, stretches, etc. that takes about 40 mins.

I've tried naturopathy, osteopathy, and reflexology. All are good.
I hope this helps. Ask me if you need any more info etc.
 

[Guest_1643]

hey daovid, hi shipsta

i tried reflexology about 10 years ago once - and it was very helpful. Maybe i'll revisit that. Did it help you with insomnia? hope you're okay shipsta.