I've mentioned in other threads that I've been in counseling for the past 4-5 months or so. 3 Tuesdays ago, my counselor Jerry gave me the hard-sell on taking antidepressant medication, he felt very strongly that I needed it ("You're stuck" he said).
For what are probably irrational reasons I abhor the idea of taking what I call in my mind "brain medicine" or "happy pills". Plus, during my JW days I had tried a couple of different antidepressants (Zoloft and another one that I can't remember what it was). They both gave me a dry mouth and a greatly reduced sexual drive.
So to make a long story short I suggested St. Johns Wort as a compromise. He said to take it every day and we'd see how it went.
So I've been taking it every day for the past 3 1/2 weeks. And I am feeling great. Not a fake happy, just much more relaxed and less paranoid. And - zero side effects.
Anybody else take SJW or have had good experiences with it in the past?
Dan, Not me personally, but my mum swears by it, orders it up by the bottle.
A friend of mine a few years back was in a bad way following an abusive relationship, and her therapist suggested St.Johns Wort, like you say it took about 3 weeks to kick in, but she was like a different person and swore by it. Personally I swear by herbal meds too, Kalms is another good one, don't know if you get that in the States.
It seemed to work for me, back when I was perpetually low. It was very subtle though. What I would notice, if I went for a period of not using it for say, two or three weeks, is that I'd suddenly notice that I felt like killing myself. It was the "noticing" part that was sudden, not the "feel like killing myself" part.
So, I'd jump back on the St Johns wort, and in a couple of weeks, I'd be in much better spirits.
I was able to quit taking it shortly after leaving the borg, and haven't noticed a need for it since.
Thoughts of suicide are a million miles away right now, which is definitely a change from how I've felt in recent months.
The worst thing about having this clarity that I'm experiencing right now is realizing what a cantankerous and narcissistic person I've been most of my life. It's embarrassing really. Blame it on bad genes and low seratonin levels I guess.
Just assure that any "herbal" remedy is listed as a med you are taking. St. Johns Wort for example promotes bleeding and should not be taken a least a week prior to surgery just like asprin. Many people assume because it's natural it can cause no harm. As long as one lists it and any other "natural" cure you should be good. Remember too that some can cause certain reactions when taken in conjuction with other OTC or prescription drugs.
I had been on Wellbutrin SR (100 mg daily) for 5 or 6 years. Recently I've been feeling really good regarding my mood--not much depression (which had manifested itself as a need for much sleep and Lathargy). I began cutting my doses of perscription Wellbutrin and began adding St John's Wort.
It's been about 2 weeks now and I've been on St John's Wort ONLY and am feeling terrific--the same as with Wellbutrin, only less expensive!
It's good stuff! Acted (with me) the same as perscription--not that 'high' feeling some expect, but a steady okay feeling each day.
Well, if it ain't central Ohio's loveliest ex-jw what-now? How ya been? Yes, St. Johns Wort is a most economical alternative to all the designer SSRI's on the market these days.
Six, I thought Gangs of New York was really kind of dumb. Who the heck were the good guys? I didn't get it. Daniel Day Lewis was awesome though, he played his part exceedingly well.
