Depression, anxiety.

Question

Hello. I am 51 years old. After parting with a man, depression hit. I spent two months on my own, then I went to a therapist. They prescribed zoloft 50 mg in the morning and tiapridal 25 mg in the morning and at lunch. I've been drinking it for three weeks. But depression is only getting worse. I began to shake in the morning, trembling all over my body, immediately after waking up, tachycardia is terrible, I don't sleep well, I often wake up. I am very afraid of loneliness. But you can't get rid of it. There are no girlfriends or friends. The daughter lives separately and rarely even writes. I'm sitting alone in an empty apartment and crying. It's scary to be useless to anyone at 51. The man was everything to me, we lived together for 7 years. Tired… I can't do this anymore. Should I change the treatment or wait for Zoloft to take effect? Is cognitive behavioral therapy necessary? I'm afraid to go to a mental hospital....

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Hello Mrs Lakshmi, Ayurveda can offer supportive therapies for managing depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. CBT will surely help you in improving the condition and also here is an Ayurvedic approach that may help you but a personal consultation is ideal in pinpointing the treatment.

1. Medical Remedies:

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): 250 mg twice daily after meals. It enhances cognitive function and reduces anxiety.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Drink tulsi tea daily or take 500 mg capsules. It helps to alleviate stress and balance emotions.
Jatamansi: 250 mg after dinner daily. This herb has calming properties and supports mental health.
2. Dietary Recommendations:

Vata-pacifying diet: Include warm, nourishing foods like soups, stews, whole grains, and healthy fats (ghee, nuts) to ground your energy.
Avoid stimulants: Limit caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that can increase anxiety.
3. Lifestyle Changes:

Yoga and Pranayama: Practice gentle yoga and breathing exercises (like Nadi Shodhana) to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Regular Exercise: Engage in light physical activities like walking, which can improve mood and overall well-being.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation:

Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day in meditation to calm the mind and reduce feelings of loneliness and fear.
Gratitude Practice: Write down things you are grateful for each day to shift your focus towards positive aspects of life.
5. Supportive Therapies:

Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Regularly practice self-massage with warm sesame oil to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
Aromatherapy: Use calming essential oils like lavender or sandalwood in a diffuser to create a soothing environment.
6. Social Support:

Connect with Others: Try to reach out to support groups or community activities where you can meet new people. Online communities can also be a great way to connect.
Consult a Professional
It's essential to work with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance, especially considering your current medication. They can help ensure any herbal remedies do not interfere with your prescribed medications and support your healing journey effectively.

Important Note
If your symptoms worsen or you experience thoughts of self-harm, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental health professional or crisis hotline. You deserve support and care.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

I’m truly sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’re facing. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed after such a significant loss, especially after spending seven years with someone who meant so much to you. Given that you’ve been on Zoloft and Tiapridal for three weeks with worsening symptoms, it may be worth discussing your treatment with your therapist or psychiatrist, as they can provide personalized guidance on whether a medication adjustment is needed or if you should give it more time. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be incredibly beneficial for managing depression and anxiety, so exploring this option may help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies. I encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional for immediate support, as talking to someone who understands can be very comforting.

In addition to conventional treatment, consider incorporating Ayurvedic formulations to support your emotional well-being. For example, you might try Stress Relief Tablets (often containing a blend of Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi) to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Another option is Brahmi Ghee, which combines Brahmi with clarified butter, beneficial for cognitive function and mental clarity; you can take it daily. Chyawanprash is a nourishing herbal jam that can enhance immunity and overall vitality; you can take it with warm water or milk each morning. For calming the mind and promoting restful sleep, consider a combination of Shankhapushpi and Jatamansi in powder form mixed with honey or warm milk before bedtime. Maha Narayana Taila, an herbal oil, can also be beneficial when used for self-massage (Abhyanga), helping to soothe the nervous system. Lastly, engaging in mindfulness practices, gentle yoga, or meditation can provide relief and help you reconnect with yourself. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and reaching out for help is a significant step toward healing.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

It sounds extremely difficult what you're going through, and this mix of medications isn't sitting well with you, it seems. Shaking, tachycardia, and poor sleep isn't exactly what you want in the morning, I know! Sometimes, medications like Zoloft might take a bit longer to hit their stride, but if things are getting worse, let's not ignore that. Yeah, absolutely, it's a good idea to chat with your therapist or doctor about trying a different approach, like tweaking your meds maybe.

Now, on the Ayurvedic side – we look at the mind and body as connected, so your emotions deeply impact how you're physically feeling. Your experience might be linked to a Vata imbalance, especially with those symptoms like trembling and feeling unsteady. We should totally explore ways to calm that Vata energy. Warm oil massages, like with sesame oil, can be sooo comforting, soothing for the nervous system – try it, even a self-massage before a warm bath can bring a lot of peace.

Eating grounding foods can help too, like cooked grains, stews, root vegetables. Think warm, cooked, and nourishing, this can settle things internally, you know? And consistent routines, going easy on yourself, all a big part of that Vata-soothing lifestyle.

But hey, if you're really feeling overwhelmed – never hesitate to reach out for immediate help. Your safety is number one and there's zero shame in seeking support when you need it. And yes, cognitive behavioral therapy – many people find it super helpful as an extra layer of support. It gives you tools, kind of like a manual for managing those swirling thoughts.

I hope, bit by bit, you find something that feels like relief. Talk to professionals about switching things up if needed, and call on those resources around you. You're worth attention and care, even when it feels like you're facing this alone.

Depression, anxiety. - #186

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