Anything But Meds

limestonekid · October 2009

Hey - I have a friend who is living in Brooklyn right now. He's working the the movie industry here in LA, that's how I know him - super nice guy. He's been looking for a job, can't find one like everyone else, of course, and now is dealing with depression. He doesn't want to go on meds, would rather just find a job and move on...do you know of any centers in Brooklyn that deal with depression, or anyone in the area that could point him in the right direction? Not really sure what I'm asking for, but if you can think of anything that would help, that would be great.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

whynot_31 · October 2009

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/state/NY/Brooklyn.html

...but I'd suggest exercise and a healthy diet first.

modsquad · October 2009

whynot_31 wrote:
...but I'd suggest exercise and a healthy diet first.

Funny you should say that whynot. Even before I read your response the first thing that came to my mind was running. It definitely focuses the mind. Helped me stop a lot of bad habits. I even ran a few marathons, I did. Got rid of my first wife after the first one I finished.
It really seemed stupid at first, but I joined a running club which really helped (Warren Street in Central Park). I know there's at least one in Prospect too.

squindar · October 2009

Yes. Serious, regular, ass-kicking, sweat-inducing exercise first. If you're doing that and still having trouble, see a professional.

whyfi · October 2009

Absolutely, all of the above and...

...be out of bed, showered and dressed by 9am. Nothing like seeing a day go by with zero productivity because of little excuses like, "but I have to shower first... oh, it's just not worth it - I'll take care of it tomorrow."

domino · October 2009

I would suggest volunteering for a sense of purpose. I would also suggest adding some herbal supplements (such as St. John Wort) to the healthier diet and exercise regime. Help your friend stay away from caffeine and alcohol since there is a temporary high followed by a crash. Most important of all - friends acting as a true support network. If nothing else, consider prodding him to participate in life to whatever degree he can.

Close friend returned from London and faced a similar situation - happy to say she went with the exercise and herbal supps and has gradually improved and has begun enjoying her life again. Another friend chose the meds route and is STILL (5 years later) on a meds regime that is mind boggling.

carmen · October 2009

Keep in mind that some herbal supplements may effect script meds (IE st. johns wort decreases the effectiveness of birth control! Not a problem for your friend since he's a dude, but justsaying...)

mougar · October 2009

Domino wrote: Help your friend stay away from caffeine

-1

munchkin · October 2009

I'm all for natural solutions, but I have seen meds help out a ton of my friends through rough patches and for the most part they were temporary solutions. Finding the right doctor, right dosage and right meds is key.

If your friend is not into running, maybe yoga would help. There are a lot of postures (especially inversions) designed to alleviate depression.

limestonekid · October 2009

Subject: Your Responses Are Appreciated

Thank you for your responses. They are appreciated. I've passed along the link.

As a person with a background in physical education I'm all in favor of people having QDPE (quality, daily physical education) regimen and I hope it's as simple a solution as that.

chuleta · October 2009

I would ditto what everyone has said about regular exercise. Research has found it is as beneficial as taking medication.

Besides the usual eating healthy advice, tell your friend to pay particular attention to processed sugar. I would suggest s/he cut it out entirely from his diet, with allowances for special occasions only (like birthday cake). No candy bars, no soda, no cake. Yes to fruit and honey though. Also cut out the white bread and white rice: yes to whole grain bread and brown rice, or quinoa or oatmeal. White bread and rice turn to sugar quickly, and crashing from all the sugar in our diets adds to the depressive cycle.

If your friend drinks or smokes pot, also cut that out (since they are depressives).

I strongly encourage your friend to seek therapy as well. Exercise is a good tool, but if the depression is serious it won't be enough.A combination of therapy and exercise is more effective than either alone anyway, even if it's just a moderate case of depression.

Here's some low-cost clinics in NYC:

- Weill Cornell Dept. of Psychiatry clinical services, various locations, 888-694-5700
(Cornell Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, 425 E. 61st St., 212-821-0775)

- American Institute for Cognitive Therapy, 136 E. 57th St., suite 1101, 212-308-2440

- Washington Square Institute, 41 -51 E. 11th St., 212-477-2600

I stole those from the Brokelyn site, which has a very helpful post on lowering therapy bills. This might be good for your friend.
http://www.brokelyn.com/8-ways-to-chop-your-therapy-bill/

Good luck. Your supporting your friend is also a help to them, btw. It's great. Isolation makes it harder for people with depression to get better.

independent mind · October 2009

Your friend should really try a regular regimen of taking fish oil--not just any kind, it has to have the goods stuff in it, and be mercury-free oil. It generally takes a few months to take effect, but can greatly reduce 'dips' and psychological lows by stabilizing serotonin uptake (which is exactly what most ssri antidepressants do, but in a much more extreme way). I'm not at all opposed to mood stabilizers, especially when a person is trying to find their legs, but if your friend is willing to suffer through a few months of exercise and fish oil and st johns etc., he will probably be pursuing a much better long-term solution.

jack krohn · October 2009

All private practitioners and community-based mental health clinics address depression, as it is one of the most common psychiatric issues. All of the above advice is on target - exercise, seeking support from friends and loved ones, getting out of the house and keeping busy with things that make you happy, staying occupied, etc. Reading about depression may also be useful, because once you better understand the symptoms then the condition does not seem so insurmountable.

Therapy is also useful, either individual or group. Most HMOs offer behavioral health coverage and sliding scales are very common. Good luck!

landlord · October 2009

meds used to treat depression treat a chemical imbalance. if someone is clinicaly depressed then he will remain depressed even if he won the lotto.

Your friend is depressed because if the situation he is in now. Medications will not help. He needs a therapist.

doctorj · October 2009

If you're going to use Omega-3 Snakeoil and St John's Warts to treat depression, be wary of the nasty symptoms that sometimes accompany their use, via the nocebo effect.

eggcream · October 2009

landlord wrote: meds used to treat depression treat a chemical imbalance. if someone is clinicaly depressed then he will remain depressed even if he won the lotto.

Your friend is depressed because if the situation he is in now. Medications will not help. He needs a therapist.

What makes you say meds won't help? Why not meds and therapy?

jack krohn · November 2009

Every case is different, but the combination of medication and talk therapy typically yields the best results.

whynot_31 · November 2009

Jack Krohn wrote: Every case is different, but the combination of medication and talk therapy typically yields the best results.

...but none of us went there b/c we were told up front that meds wouldn't be considered.

jack krohn · November 2009

Yea, but I couldn't resist saying it anyway. Sometimes people change their minds.

Anything But Meds

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