I am going to have Acupuncture for my depression - anyone done this??

I spent a fortune on Transactional Analysis in the early 90's.  Dont regret one penny of it.

I have had a paralysing depression now for about two years.  I cant write, dont enjoy my job anymore, and uninterested generally.Recently  I have even started saying "Jehovah let me die" as I get into bed.

I considered going down the counselling route.  But the  thought Why pay 100 plus per hour to be asked "How does that make you feel? " or "you just have to try thinking more positive" seems a waste.

I looked up acupuncture, as I read a book "Healing without Freud or Prozac."

Has anybody else tried this?

I just dont want to start popping yet more pills.

HB 

Do you have any other health issues like Diabetes or Thyroid problems, not to be personal just in adults they can be underlying causes.

Ds - 

I am diabetic, and have hypertensive disease. This problem has come upon me recently, long after my other problems came to light.

I had acupuncture for postpartum depression, and I thought it gave me more energy. It's worth a try for sure! Sending you a PM.

How is the diabetes, do you have a lot of exhaustion with it.  I had a glycemic problem as a teen and would go from bouncing off the ceiling to sleeping for ten hours.

Haven't tried the acupuncture but I know some poeple who get relief with it, my wife is going to a physical therapist who does the deep tissue pound till you see stars and gets relief.

I am sooo tired all the time - the diabetes of course.

I just want to feel alive....

HB

Try not to take offense when the doctor says 'Just a little prick'

George

Check out transcranial magnetic stimulation. It's pretty new, but seems to be low risk and effective. May not be available everywhere, though. I'd try it if I still had depression. Good luck whatever you end up trying.

Try a low carb diet and cutting out wheat, cured my depression and the weight fell of effortlessly.

Check out diabetes forums, lots of people have cured type 2 with low carb.

All the best.

I've had acupuncture treatments for anxiety/depression.  It was definitely helpful.  I also started exercising 1-2 hrs a day and changed my diet.  Lots of leafy veggies and quality protein.  Few carbs and very little sugar.

I think it's the overall tuning into your body that helps most.  You'll definitely feel better.

I suppose you have probably considered things like st john's wort - a friend of mine had a lot of relief from it, it is herbal but you'd need to check if it was contraindicated with any meds you have and/or your diabetes. I'm sure you'd do that anyway.

I have had great results from acupuncture for some things and not for others. What is there to lose by giving it a go for yourself?

I have 2 friends who used it for Chronic Fatigue -- works!  Another who got some help with lower back.  It is a recognized science, and I would give it a go if I were you.

Transactional analysis is great, and helped me understand how my mind works, and to change my thinking.

Simple things can help, too.  Getting fresh air & natural light every day (15 mins outside), treating yourself once a week to something you enjoy (doesn't have to cost money), and I've found that belonging to a cat lover's group where ppl post funny funny pictures online --- I check in before bedtime, gives me a much needed chuckle/smile to end the day. 

Edit:  Oh, and what cult classic said!!!!!  Greens, greens and more greens.  (PS, I am a type 2 Diabetic as well, no meds - walking has been the key.)

Edit #2:  Also, using beans and lentils has helped a lot - they help with the glycemic index (complex carbs and good protein).

tal

I had it for severe pain. No improvement at all, I tried qi gong and Chinese herbs next. Someonething bizarre happened with the qi gong. My skeleton was measurably stronger after the qi gong application. Also, my surgon drew lines on my face using qi gong. Different substances were different colors.I looked like a Native American decked out for warfare. No, I did not improve. I believe in FDA drugs. The Chinese pharmacist said I was very ill and all the herbs could do was improve my immune system. I feared going into NY Chinatown b/c of the filth. Everything was pristine.

The Chinese herb must be washed and washed b/c of pesticides. YOu cook them forever in a special pot that made my apt stink to high heavens.

The Qi Gong seemed the most beneficial. Altho it was not a miracle cure, I know something exists beyond Western medicine. The face paintings absolutely correlated with my facial pain.

There were a variety of acumpunte types that I tried. One might work and another fail. When I started, acupunture had just been legal in NY state. Later, a more Westernizied version surface. I felt more comfortable b/c people were speaking to me in English and using Western scientific terms.

Good luck. There is no way it can hurt. Many people report results.

Good luck to you! I'm going vegetarian and then vegan and exercising.

Seeing how that does for my health. 

Many non-prescription aids or therapies for depression are given favorable comments by folks who have tried them. This is good. Whether it is St. Johns wort or accupuncture, vegan diet, Qi Gong, etc etc. if it works for you don't knock it.

(The Placebo effect is real and can be very effective, especially with this complaint)   

Hamsterbait, try Vita Logic Mood Formula. In your case, take two capsules when you feel bad. Only two capsules daily. 

good for u.

Taking notes, Mind Blown.

Thanks:)