Posted by seldomseen on February 3, 2009, at 6:48:07
In reply to Diagnose me (please) - recommendations?, posted by garnet71 on February 2, 2009, at 1:29:57
What if you printed out your post and took it to your Pdoc a couple of days prior to your appointment? It might help him/her to help you the best. How long is your pdoc appointment scheduled for?
In my personal opinion, I think you need help more than a diagnosis. Although having one would give a name to what you are experiencing and sometimes that, in and of itself, can be comforting.
I also get the strong impression from your posts that you want to talk. You've got something to say. A lot of therapists work on a sliding scale for their fees. I think that this is something that your pdoc can definately help you with.
Alternatively, I know this may sound odd, but some VA hospitals offer outstanding psychiatric care. It's hit or miss, but the one in my area is the leading center for PTSD, anxiety etc and they have a thriving set of psychiatric clinics. With your military background - especially if you spent time in country - you may qualify for free care, or care at a dramatically reduced rate. Just be sure you have a copy of your DD214 because they *really* fixate on that in regards to the paperwork. I would look into that.
My regimen? I take 20 mg of Prozac and 1 mg of Klonopin a day for depression/anxiety.
The best diet that I have found for depression is one that is high in anti-oxidants and omega-3s. I used to eat a lot of fish, but now I worry about mercury, so I supplement with omega-3 instead. I keep it in the fridge and take twice the recommended dose on the bottle.
Yogurt, nuts, berries, lots of vegetables, whole grains and plenty of water. I've also noticed that this diet improves my skin significantly. Green tea helps too, but somedays I can't tolerate the caffeine. I'm convinced that anything bleached and processed (flour, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, even some rice and oatmeals) is not good for us.
I'm lucky though, because I live in an area that is practically obsessed by whole foods and organic products. I can literally walk to my local cooperative grocery store for seasonal, fresh vegetables and meats.
I take magnesium as well, first thing in the morning according to the dosing instructions on the bottle. I drink at least two packets of "emergen C" a day.
Of course, I relapse occasionally even with this regimen, (I think it is the nature of the beast)but always manage to rally.
Good luck.
Seldom.
poster:seldomseen
thread:877609
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20081006/msgs/877765.html