Anyone had success with a naturopath?

[jd44]

I have suffered from depression since I was 13. I have seen many doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, specialists, counsellors. I was on anti-depressants for many years, then was able to wean off of them. I went several years without them, but then had to start taking them again. I have been on them for another 4 years or so now. I have tried tons of medications, but always go back to the one that semi-works even though it has side effects. I am sick of being on anti-depressants; sick of the weight gain; sick of the dizziness; sick of the sweating; sick of the low *** drive. I am considering going to a naturopathic doctor to see if I can find another solution.

However, I am worried about how beneficial it will be (because I have no insurance coverage for it). I am worried they will treat depression as if I am just "not feeling very happy" or that a certain situation has upset. My life is great - but there is something in my body that tells me I can't get out of bed, that it is reasonable to cry because someone gave me a strange look, that it is "normal" to get angry over nothing.

Has anyone who suffers from clinical, long-term depression had any success with seeing a naturopath? Or any other treatment that doesn't involve taking anti-depressants for the rest of my life?

Thank you in advance!

[AJ]

I don't have any experience with seeing a naturopath but wanted to welcome you to the forums jd44.

[paul m]

Hello jd44 and welcome. My experience's with naturopaths in general and specifically mental health issues isn't good. So my feeling are coloured.

To become a naturopath, requires 8 yrs of study and that includes studying in all fields of medicine. To become a psychologist takes 10-11 yrs and there only field of study is about mental health. (a psychiatrist is 11-12 yrs)


If I was looking for a more natural way to get better, I would try a good cognitive behavioural therapy(CBT) program ($800-1200) or go and talk to a psychologist( $100-150 per hr). Naturopaths cost about the same. A psychologist cannot prescribe medicine, so they have to work with alternative methods to get better.

You can also go on line and learn some about CBT https://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome . It's a free program developed in Australia.

Please feel free to ask more questions, answer other people's questions and/or use the forum to vent out some of life's frustrations. Take Care. paul m

[billymackes09]

Like any other natural medicine that can help cure the body naturally. Some even have North York doula services to hire for pregnancy to avoid problems of women during pregnancy.

[uni]

I just want to say welcome to the forum billymackes09

[AJ]

Welcome to the forum Billymakes09.

[Quito]

Out of desperation I went to a naturopath in 2013 and the only thing that got lighter was my wallet, certainly not my mood. Each of us is so unique ... so it might work for some.But it didn't for me.
I completely understand your feelings about wanting to get off anti-depressants. I made that decision after several years of being on them. But I respect anyone who stays on anti-depressants if they need them. I just have never found something like my beloved Serzone that was taken off market in 2013. Good luck in your search and let us know if you do go to a naturopath and find relief!

[uni]

Just want to say it's good to hear from you Quito!

[Prycejosh1987]

I have suffered from depression since I was 13. I have seen many doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, specialists, counsellors. I was on anti-depressants for many years, then was able to wean off of them. I went several years without them, but then had to start taking them again. I have been on them for another 4 years or so now. I have tried tons of medications, but always go back to the one that semi-works even though it has side effects. I am sick of being on anti-depressants; sick of the weight gain; sick of the dizziness; sick of the sweating; sick of the low *** drive. I am considering going to a naturopathic doctor to see if I can find another solution.

However, I am worried about how beneficial it will be (because I have no insurance coverage for it). I am worried they will treat depression as if I am just "not feeling very happy" or that a certain situation has upset. My life is great - but there is something in my body that tells me I can't get out of bed, that it is reasonable to cry because someone gave me a strange look, that it is "normal" to get angry over nothing.

Has anyone who suffers from clinical, long-term depression had any success with seeing a naturopath? Or any other treatment that doesn't involve taking anti-depressants for the rest of my life?

Thank you in advance!

Try a specialist. Counsellor or therapist. You could try different ones because everyone is different. Counsellors are not as good as therapists in details but they have wider knowledge and bigger scope when it comes to personal issues. Medication can help the brain physically speaking but the mentality is changed by you, and you alone.