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

I have 2 questions. 1) I read about #5 in the Volume 2 – 3rd issue. Though my character is very much like #5, my ruling # is 4. Is this like being on the cusp? 2) Does numerology apply to my dogs as well?

Delores W.

Hi Delores,

1.) Yes it is possible to reach for the freedom of the #5, but I feel it more likely that your “day” number is a 5, or the #5 figures prominently in your name analysis.  If you would like this information, you can connect with me via email for a proper profile.

2.) As far as dogs or any other domestic pets go, I feel they all have the same life purpose and that is to be our “teachers” in all fields relating to compassion, selflessness, patience, play and sensitivity; coming here to offer their love and companionship and we are blessed by their presence in our lives. Thank you for your question Delores and may God bless you and yours.

Namaste’

Shannon Wills

I have been a successful poet in the past. lately it seems my poetry is all not only rejected but somehow erased. I wonder if this is a sign to stop writing or just a sort of fallow time in my writing life.

Tanya K.

True  poetry is 90% inspiration and 10% perspiration. Relax and request direction from those in the realm of spirit that you were in touch with when your writing was at its’ best.
Ask that only the highest and the best qualified be your mentors.
Then, relax and pay attention as you tune in to the infinite poetry of the universe. Strive not to solve the great mysteries, just accept the fact that you play your role accordingly. With both dignity and humility. Always set a time that is convenient for you to spend with your mentors in spirit.
Then allow your soul to fly with the angels, unshackled by human critics.

The Wave Walker

Hello Dorothy and all of our wonderful readers.

As we head into the new year I am reminded of how grateful I feel to each and every one of you for picking up the True Blue Spirit magazine and sharing your comments with us.

I can’t begin to count how many people have thanked me for the articles or how many have said how much they have helped them in one way or another. At times I have doubts that what I am doing is really making a difference and if it weren’t for your comments and the animals gently nudging me to keep expanding and sharing I probably wouldn’t be doing what I am today. So a huge thank you to you all for who you are and what you share.

The animals around us all thank you too!

Many blessings for yet another fabulous year ahead,

Stephanie

It’s great to see so many visitors coming to our site. Thanks to those of you that are completing our survey!

Be sure to submit your numerology questions to Shannon.

Call them what you like, birth date numbers,  destiny  numbers or life path numbers, these can hold the key to opening information that will give you  insight to your life  and perhaps help you take a new direction on the journey. My ruling number is 8…and I’ve  always loved that  number.

Have a look at the title of our magazine, notice how I managed to integrate my  number in the title?

Speaking about the title of our magazine, True Blue Spirit, someone asked me recently to explain the blue part of the title. Blue opens the flow of communication and slows down the human metabolism to produce a calming effect. That fits in perfectly with our magazine, True – authentic, genuine, sincere, Blue – opens communication, calming, Spirit – principle of conscious life, supernatural, soul, consciousness. This really sums up what our magazine is presenting to our readers in their Pursuit of Intuitive Living!

Keep checking the website, we have more special links coming soon.

Keep well.

Dorothy Jeanne Engst