Are Doctors Getting Tired of Drugs?

I have been seeing my family doctor for quite some time now for treatment for chronic depression. This is more then just a sad feeling or a little of the "blues". Chronic clinical depression is related to chemicals in the brain… whether too much, too little, or just not getting where they need to get, it's definitely a real problem, not a fabrication or just a "mood" one happens to be in today.

Well I've struggled for years on different medications and some of them do seem to work for a while but I always seem to be back in the doctor's office after a few months or even a couple of years. So she referred me to a psychiatrist to see if he could sort me out, or offer some suggestions.

After taking a history he did recommend a regimen of rotating medications. It seems there are actually a sub-class of patients with chronic depressive illness whose brains seem to reset after being on a medication for a while so he recommends switching every few months to avoid this. And THAT is where the traditional advice stopped!

The unexpected non-doctor advice

Now he leaned back in his chair, made a steeple with his fingers and put them under his chin, crossed his ankle up on the knee of the other leg and changed his tone to conversational. He asked me if I was aware of the body of research on light therapy for depressive illness. Of course, I am aware of it, but didn't have any kind of depth of knowledge. He proceeded to tell me about studies and clinical trials, gauging my response, and when he saw I was open, he actually took out a prescription pad and wrote a script for the "Day-Light" light therapy lamp pictured above!

OK so now I am pleasantly surprised but he's not done! We then discuss the research on diet and depression… how consuming fatty fish several times a week for the Omegas 3 and 6 can have benefit, and how flax seed oil, olive oil and avacados would be good as well. He talked about how sweet, fat processed foods are craved by people with depression because they stimulate serotonin release (a feel good chemical) but that it quickly crashes, so no matter how intense the craving do not give in to it, as this kind of carb consumption makes things worse. He talked about how replacing the cravings with slow release carbs like fresh fruits and vegetables would be healthier for the body AND the mind.

Next we're on to the topic of exercise and now I am really liking the guy. He talked about aerobic exercise and how it releases endorphins that elevate mood. He noted that the endorphin release has the ability to lift mood and help you feel better. 

So now I am really shocked. I have never had a doctor talk to me, with any kind of knowledge, about diet. I've never had a doctor recommend exercise as a treatment for depression, and I have certainly never had a doctor write out a prescription for an alternative therapy device. How wonderful. How refreshing. How absolutely delightful…. Maybe we'll get there after all!

Cardio is not enough. Add Weights for Strength.

This statement in obvious to most people. If not obvious then it is certainly something you have heard said before! You probably have already heard how weight resistance exercises can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, increase metabolism, help prevent injuries, and look really great after you lose that weight.

Has anyone told you how you will FEEL though? Has anyone told you that you will stand with a more erect posture after only just a few days because you can actually feel your muscles. Has anyone told you that you will feel physically stronger after only a few days, even if there isn't a measurable increase in actual strength. Psychologically when you can feel your muscles your mind associates that feeling with strength, and when you feel physically stronger you also get a subconscious boost in self confidence.

Not only will your body LOOK better after the fat layers are shed, but you will actually feel stronger inside and out. You will walk faster, your posture will be better, you will hold your head higher and straighter, and long before you see a difference in your clothing you will feel a difference in your body, and people will notice a difference in your carriage. That difference will be the feeling that keeps you going back to your workout until it becomes a habit.

I feel fantastic this morning, and I can actually tell you this is why!

Now I want to share a site I came across last evening. You know, there are a lot of inspiring and motivating stories out there. If you travel the internet enough, you will find SOMETHING or SOMEBODY that will help to keep you on track. Here is the personal story of Buffed Stuff. There was something about reading her blog last night that had me dreaming about being THAT fit. It is a state I never imagined for myself before. I don't know if I am dedicated enough to get a 'lifters' body, but if an over 40 woman can transform herself to that, then I can get to looking good in a bikini again!

Talk about middle age spread I gained over 60 pounds in my early forties.I was overweight, tired, feeling old and having health problems. I could either grow worst or better I am a woman on a mission. The quest is good health and being in the best physical condition possible. I'm not looking for the fountain of youth. I just want to reap what I sow. If I eat healthy life producing foods,at least 90% of the time and I train my body with laser focused intensity at least six days per week…how will I age? Will I simply grow older or will I grow better? If I treat my body as a sacred temple, my mind as control center and my spirit as the source of my very being……How will it effect the way I age. Do I go with conventional foolishness(hey your over forty you might as well neglect yourself that is what aging is all about why bother) or do I go with pure wisdom, totally against the grain and choose life? I think I will choose life and my kind of prosperity, A fit body and a happy heart, a soul that is at peace and mind that is totally in control.

Thanks for the inspiration this morning. When I wonder why my muscles are scraming, I have you bookmarked so I know exactly where to find you! :-)