Ask Abby: "What are my options if I don't want to take a prescription for my depression symptoms"

Depression is a complex mental health condition that can present in different forms. How you choose to treat the symptoms you are feeling is a decision you should make with a provider who understands and agrees with the types of treatment you are comfortable receiving. In some cases, a prescription medication may be indicated, but there are non-prescription choices including vitamin and herbal therapy available to you. 

Here are eight types of depression:

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Also known as clinical depression, MDD is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that last for at least two weeks. It affects daily functioning and often includes symptoms like fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating. 

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Also called dysthymia, PDD is a chronic form of depression lasting for two years or more. Symptoms are generally less severe than MDD but are long-lasting and can affect quality of life and functioning over time. 

3. Bipolar Disorder: While not solely a depressive disorder, bipolar disorder includes depressive episodes along with episodes of mania or hypomania. Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are similar to MDD and can include symptoms like low mood, loss of interest in activities, and fatigue. 

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that typically occurs during certain seasons, most commonly in winter when daylight is reduced. It's often linked to disruptions in circadian rhythms and lower levels of sunlight exposure. 

5. Postpartum Depression (PPD): This form of depression affects some people after childbirth, triggered by hormonal changes, stress, and other factors. Symptoms are similar to MDD but specifically arise after giving birth and can impact both the individual and the parent-child bond. 

6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), PMDD involves intense mood-related symptoms in the days leading up to menstruation. It can cause severe mood swings, irritability, and depression, disrupting daily life and relationships. 

7. Situational Depression (Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood): This type of depression arises from a specific event or situation, such as loss, stress, or trauma. While less severe than MDD, it can still significantly affect functioning and typically resolves once the situation improves or with brief treatment.

8. Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Some people experience depression that doesn't respond to traditional treatments, like antidepressant medications or psychotherapy.

Herbal/Vitamin therapy for depression: 

Vitamin D: Known as the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D is crucial for mood regulation. Sun exposure is one of the best sources, but supplements or vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy can also help, especially in winter. 

B Vitamins (B6, B9, B12): These vitamins support neurotransmitter production, like serotonin and dopamine, which are vital for mood regulation. Foods like leafy greens, whole grains, eggs, and lean meats are great sources. 

Magnesium: Magnesium is essential for brain function and helps to manage stress. Deficiencies have been linked to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3s support brain health and can help reduce symptoms of depression. Fish oil supplements can also be beneficial. 

Zinc: Zinc has been shown to play a role in mood regulation. Oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, and nuts are good sources of zinc.

Staint John's Wort, saffron, and SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) are sometimes used for mild to moderate depression.

Other Treatment Options: 

Genesight testing (offered in the clinic) is a helpful tool to help guide appropriate treatment.  Other treatment options for treatment resistant depression, when standard treatments like antidepressants and psychotherapy are not effective, include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electro convulsive therapy (ECT), Ketamine and esketamine, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), psychedelic therapy (psilocybin-assisted therapy), acupuncture and mindfulness based cognitive therapy. 

Not every human is the same.  Treatment options for every patient will be different.  If depression is something that you feel is effecting your life, make an appointment to get personalized care that will fit you. 

Let's do this together-

Abby