Studies have shown that antidepressants are among the most difficult drugs to taper from, more so than alcohol and opiates.
Women experience more than 2x’s the rate of depression as men, regardless of race or ethnic background.
1 in 4 women in 40s and 50s use psychiatric drugs.
Depression is a message. It’s an opportunity for us to stop and figure out what’s causing our imbalance.
Wise words indeed! As shared by Kelly Brogan MD in her bold new book. She is a trailblazer, is bold and is not afraid to say it like it is – A Mind of Your Own: The Truth about Depression and How Women Can Heal Their Bodies to Reclaim Their Lives. It is groundbreaking, brave, science-based and offers a truly holistic approach.
Enjoy these excellent quotes from the book! (and the table of contents – see below)
The table of contents:
Introduction: Psych—It’s Not All in Your Head
PART I: THE TRUTH ABOUT DEPRESSION
1. Decoding Depression
It’s Not a Disease: What You Don’t Know About This Syndrome and How It Manifests
2. Truth Serum: Coming Clean About the Serotonin Myth
How You’ve Been Misled, Misdiagnosed, and Mistreated
3. The New Biology of Depression
What Gut Microbes and Silent Inflammation Have to Do with Mental Health
4. The Great Psychiatric Pretenders
Two Common, Resolvable Conditions That Can Lead to a Psychiatric Diagnosis
5. Why Body Lotions, Tap Water, and OTC Pain Relievers Should Come with New Warning Labels
Common Exposures and Drugs That Can Lead to Depression
PART 2: NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR WHOLE-BODY WELLNESS
6. Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Nutritional Recommendations to Heal Your Body and Free YourMind (Without Feeling Like You’re on an Impossible Diet)
7. The Power of Meditation, Sleep, and Exercise
Three Simple Lifestyle Habits That Can Enhance Mental Health
8. Clean House
How to Detoxify Your Environment
9. Testing and Supplementing
Supporting the Healing Process
10. 4 Weeks to a Natural High
A 30-Day Plan of Action
Closing Words: Own Your Body and Free Your Mind
As you know, Dr. Kelly Brogan is one of my heroes in the world of integrative mental health and she truly is:
an ambassador to a new way of experiencing health and well-being. In this model our health is under OUR control.
If you struggle with depression (or anxiety), you’ll find this book dispels common myths, and gives you the knowledge you need to truly heal.
The official release was March 15th. The book is already rated #1 on Amazon for Depression — so don’t miss out! It offers a realistic action plan you can use to heal your body, alleviate inflammation, and feel yourself again without a single prescription!
Get chapter 1 and grab your bonuses here:
http://kellybroganmd.com/amindofyourown/?ref=35
And be sure to sign up for the live Q and A call she’ll be doing (just enter your book receipt).
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Trudy Scott (CN), Certified Nutritionist is the founder of www.everywomanover29.com, a thriving nutrition practice with a focus on food, mood and women’s health. Trudy educates women about the amazing healing powers of food and nutrients and helps them find natural solutions for anxiety and other mood problems. Trudy’s goal for all her clients (and all women): “You can be your healthiest, look your best and feel on-top-of-the-world emotionally!”
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Hi Trudy,
I want to send a special email of my gratitude for your work on the anxiety summit.
This was the first time I had ever heard of anything of its kind and it has changed my complete perception and scope about anxiety and depression.
I have struggled for so many years with this debilitating illness ;this year it was so bad that I had to be out of work for eight weeks. It was my 16th and final year teaching and I had to take off the last two months of school because my anxiety and depression were so awful.
Now, I am on a path to healing, health, vitality and even considering a career as a health coach.
I can’t put into words what your summit has meant to me and the priceless amazing breadth of knowledge with which I am now equipped.
Because of your summit, I am finally beginning to experience life again and I know now, there is hope.
You are one truly magnificent and amazing lady. You are one of my heroes and I don’t know where I would be today,had you not been there for me with this summit.
You are a true pioneer in this battle.
Sincerely,
JA
Joey
This is just wonderful to hear! Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing. I am so happy to hear you are “on a path to healing, health, vitality and even considering a career as a health coach.” Please do stay in touch and let me know you continue to do!
I’d love to also hear what it was about the anxiety summit that changed your perception and what changes you’ve made that have made such a difference for you personally?
Trudy,
There are many aspects of the summit that resonated with me, but the overarching theme was and still is “tapering from the SSRI’s and Benzodiazepenes as well as diet”. I was very skeptical and this was the first I had ever heard of stopping one of these medications. Many healthcare professionals left me with the impression that I would be required to take these medications for the rest of my life. I have been taking effexor xr for the past 16 years and been on a small dose of trazedone for insomnia for the past year. I had also been taking a small dose of alprazolam each night but have managed to taper down to almost nothing. I will be completely of of Xanax very soon. In the next couple weeks, I will begin the taper from the other two. This is all done under a doctor’s supervision.
I had never heard of amino acids. After hearing you speak about them, I ordered some immediately and my sleep is improving.
I can honestly say that each presenter spoke to me and I listen to these speakers many times. Each time I gain a new insight and pick up a useful tool for my growth and healing. I can tell when people love what they do and are genuine and ardent; many speakers brought tears to my eyes and for the first time, I have hope. I have to say that Dr. Kelly Brogan spoke directly to my heart just as you did. The fact that she is a psychiatrist and subscribes to this model of healing opened up my eyes to a whole new mindset. Her passion for this work, the pride and commitment she takes in it and simply hearing her voice changed everything. I even contacted her to have an appointment but unfortunately, she only treats women. However, I have her book and am currently working with a naturopath and regular physician to slowly wean from these meds. Her book has become a precious thing to me.
My partner has seen the change in me and knows to what degree I have suffered. W I are gluten free and all organic now. In my community, there are so many men that deal with anxiety. Chronic anxiety leads to depression and the cycle repeats itself. One of my goals is to reach out to other gay men and let them know there is hope. This issue is huge in my community; I can’t say enough about it.
I can honestly say that EACH of the presenters impacted and influenced me greatly. Some of my favorite talks include Steven Wright, Dr. Drew Ramsey, Dr. Terry Wahls, Professor Liz Lepski, Dr. Peter Bongiourno, Ron Sturtz, Autumn Smith , Dr. Pedram Shogai. These and all of the other speakers have such a depth of understanding; I wish I could spend a day with each of them. This summit is priceless and has been a complete paradigm shift in my healing.
Thanks again,
Joey
Joey
Thanks for taking the time to share all of this. It’s wonderful to hear what is working for you and the practitioners who have inspired you.
I applaud you for wanting to reach out and share the hope! It’s what we do when we find answers for ourselves isn’t it? I love that you’re paying it forward – this is one of the goals of the work I do and it just warms my heart!
It’s so unfortunate that you and other gay men in your community deal with anxiety and depression to this extent. I have been communicating on the blog with a gay man in the UK and he has shared something similar, talking about “anxiety and mental illness caused by psychological abuse and homophobia. There must be a multitude like us out there who are suffering in silence. I know of many who have taken their lives under the stress and strain where there is literally no way out, no pill, no dietary change, no supplement that can truly help… One has to get rid of the root cause, how does one do that in these unique situations?” You can see his comment here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-depression-methylation-pyrrole-copper-zinc-imbalance/
The homophobia is obviously a much bigger issue but targeted nutrient/biochemical/adrenal support for those who are abused is a start to help with resilience and to help end the anxiety/depression. So you sharing this information is a big deal!
I never considered food as a medicine against depression though it’s a widely-known fact that chocolate increases the production of happiness hormones: endorphines.
Keep in mind it can increase anxiety because of the caffeine
I have read that some people get major depression for long exfended times to even bad points for no reason. They don’t know why. How can sucn a thing be possible?
Jack
Like anxiety, depression can have many nutritional root causes and it’s matter of figuring out what your root cause/s are. Stress is often a big trigger
Thanks. It sort of demoralized me when I went online and seen that
There are many with “major” depression and they get depressed beyond circumstance (not stressed out for any reason) Even athletes in good health. Makes no sense.
One article stated that it was from low level neurons in the brain
And that there were drugs for it. In those situations do you really think
It’s these neurons / or what do you find is generally most common in those cases you’ve dealt with if any? Thanks Trudy.
Jack
It can be many factors or just one. Common factors I see are stress, diet, low serotonin, low GABA, poor gut health, blood sugar issues, gluten issues – here is a list of 60+ causes https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/ Anyone can be affected
Where can young men who exhibit symptoms of depression get help in Ontario Canada? Can you recommend someone?
Julie
I’d start with my book “The Antianxiety Food solution” https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ – the info helps with anxiety and depression