I have suffered from severe depression & strongly suicidal thoughts for 20+ years. I’m currently in my 30’s and this year it has all changed. Not to the inverse of depression per se, I still have a ways to go there, but to a more neutral mental state where I can actually function, and from which I can build a lasting recovery. How? I’ll tell you, because it’s not like I haven’t been trying for 20+ years, and this is the only thing that i’ve found that has lastingly helped.
I read a book called “The Depression Cure” by Doctor Stephen Ilardi. He admits it isn’t really a universal cure despite the title, but rather a highly effective treatment that often reduces symptoms, and CAN sometimes eliminate them entirely. Super cheap copies can be got used on amazon or eBay.
His steps are very basic, and designed to be gradually implemented by those who are currently suffering from depression until they are eventually doing them all. Two that were very basic but helped me immensely (I’m still implementing others) were taking a certain dosage of a very specific type of omega 3 (this made a HUGE difference), getting regular exercise (can be just a brisk walk a few times a week). He explains the science behind it in the book, and usefully cites many studies to back him up. The omega 3 thing seems so dumb that I never would have tried it without hearing the science, but it probably has helped the most over time. He claims his method even works well for those whom traditional treatment has failed, and his numbers seem to reinforce that. I’d list out all the steps but the book is good, and critically explains the why of the steps in detail. It’s worth the read.
I just wanted to share for those who are as desperate as I was. It helped me, and it might help you. Things can change even after 20+ years of drowning and thinking they can’t. Life can get better. Hopefully, this will help someone not need to suffer as long as I have.
13 comments
I get desperate multi level marketing sales pitch vibes from your post. The kind of deep seated, convoluted issues that have had a lifetime of influence over the mind that cause an illness like depression require a much more complex treatment than taking vitamins and walking. It requires long periods of thoughtful introspection, gradual shift of perspective and actively addressing the sources of external distress. Cute idea though.
No need to be a jerk. Obviously I have no way to profit from this. I didn’t put affiliate links (or any links), and don’t even suggest buying a new copy. Perhaps google it and at least watch the guy’s Tedx before being so quick to judge. There are many independent studies of the antidepressant effects of omega 3s it’s not too crazy.
Our brains are chemical machines made up of roughly “60% fat by dry weight”. The composition of fat in our diets (hence the materials available to our brain, which is made of a lot of fat) has varied drastically over the last 75 years versus all of time before that. This as we began to deep fry a lot, and change what we fed cattle. It is a close to even ratio of omega 3 to omega 6’s that is helpful. Most people are FAR from it.
Here’s a link to his YouTube video lecture on the reasons for omega 3 supplementation.
https://youtu.be/xSKqnjGLX54
I’m not a doctor, do (or don’t do) whatever you want. Might not even work for you if you gave it an honest effort. However I had serious depression for the majority of my life, and now I don’t. It did work for me.
Here’s 43 studies on the matter. Not all supportive as causes of depression may vary, nor are dosages and types of utilized Omega fats consistent across all studies.
https://examine.com/rubric/effects/view/ef6a082662a4ac7b9cff62f222704951/821f28d3c7fa09e434c519e4de576207/all/
It is the EPA rather than DHA type that is mostly helpful.
Sorry I typo’d…it’s only 23 studies.
Meta analysis finds “Supplementation of 1g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) appears to benefit depression most. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is not associated with any significant antidepressive effects. The antidepressant effects of EPA are only significant in severely depressed people.” Note that last sentence…
Here’s a link to the overview of findings from looking at all studies.
https://examine.com/supplements/fish-oil/#summary5-3
You seem abnormally defensive and perisistant about this for someone that has nothing to gain from it. Seems suspicious to me. But whatever floats your boat.
When attacked I do respond with facts. Cute reply by the way.
You’re right I didn’t need to be snarky in my first comment, consider this my apology. You seemed to invalidate the significance of depression to say it can be cured (and yes you did present this as a viable treatment despite your warnings that it “may not work for everyone”) with such basic, rudimentary approaches, that’s what bothered me.
The data itself suggests it is a viable treatment for many people. It can undoubtedly be cured or significantly reduced in some instances. Not everything needs to be complicated. Indeed, the people often reject things simply because they are simple.
Apology accepted. I apologize for my own snark as well.
Depression is significant, as someone who suffered for years in hell I know that well. Things that have helped people should be scientifically explored and not shut down out of hand though. If the data doesn’t support it then shut it down. There is a lot of data in support of Doctor Ilardi’s suggestions though.
I am getting a good deal of natural relief from my depression. I too do omega 3 in a very specific way . Also a few other supplements and several essential oils. I did not begin with this stuff all at once either. Also a walk every other day and a few other things.
I wish none of us had to take countermeasures against depression but I am grateful they exist. What is so nice about these approaches are virtually no side effects, virtually no interaction concerns, no need to see doctors or deal with prescriptions either.
Best of luck to you in your quest for natural relief. Relief plus no regrets is a beautiful thing.
Thanks! Glad things are going well for you as well!