True Blue Spirit Magazine Blog

I have been dealing with depression (possibly bipolar) for years. Is there anything you can recommend?

Rob M.

Hi Rob,

First, let me be clear that since I am not your physician, I cannot legally – nor ethically – give you specific recommendations without seeing you as a patient first. However, here are some general guidelines that may help point you in the right direction. Before self-prescribing anything, I would always recommend a consultation with your Naturopathic Doctor.

St. John’s wort has been extensively studied in Europe over the last two decades, with more recent research in the United States. Short-term studies (one to three months) suggest that St. John’s wort is more effective than placebo (sugar pill), and equally effective as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depressive disorder. Comparisons to the more commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), are more limited. However, other data suggest that St. John’s wort may be just as effective as SSRIs with fewer side effects. Since numerous adverse drug interactions are possible, caution is advised, when taking St. John’s wort.

Another one is 5-HTP, which may help balance serotonin in the body. Serotonin is the brain chemical associated with sleep, mood, movement, eating and nervousness. While cells outside the brain, such as platelets in the blood and some cells in the intestine, produce and utilize serotonin, all serotonin used by brain cells must be made within the neurons themselves. When serotonin is not properly constructed within the brain, the result can be irritability, aggression, impatience, anxiety and depression. The results of numerous studies in humans suggest that 5-HTP may aid in the treatment of depression. Again, numerous drug interations are possible, so exercise caution.

Music has been referred to as an ancient tool of healing. Many different forms of music intervention have been used to reduce depression and anxiety in a variety of medical conditions and medical procedures. There is evidence that music therapy may increase responsiveness to antidepressant medication. In elderly adults with depression, a home-based program of music therapy may have long-lasting effects for mood enhancement. In depressed adult women, music therapy may lead to reductions in heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and depressed mood. Music therapy is generally known to be safe.

While the above are geared to the depressive phase, for the manic phase, you can try things like GABA, which can be found alone or in products like Inno-Beauty Sleep. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and while it hasn’t been extensively studied for the manic phase of bipolar disorder, theoretically, it makes a lot of sense. It’s great for calming the mind without being a sedative, and therefore, used in cases of insomnia, stress, and even to assist in meditation.

Dr. Lee Know

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