depression question

i've never tried it, but i have 2 friends who use st john's wort. it's over the counter & is supposed to help boost the happy chemicals in your head or something like that. i suggest you research it since i clearly don't know what it is all about, but i do know that it's supposed to work. also exercise, as silly as that sounds boosts the happy endorphins in your body & also is a great way to beat stress. i babysit 40 hours a week on top of going to school full time, so when i'm babysitting (my 9 year old cousin) i'll make him do my wii zumba with me or wait till he is in bed for the night to work out & it helps me wind down. i'll be praying for you. sometimes things get really tough, but you should be proud you got out of that situation & know things can't go much worse than they are, so it's about time they start getting better )

See if you can't incorporate your soon into your exercises -- I know the weather sucks right now, but a little extra mommy-son bonding couldn't hurt. Depression is hard, and your circumstances are definitely trying. But you are obviously strong to have done what you've done.
Also, try and talk to your friends daily if you can. It's not the same, but when I firs tmoved away from home I had some major homesickness for my friends. They were all on the east coast, and here I was in frigid Minnesota. It was being able to call my best friend each night for even just five minutes and venting that kept me sane and got me through the worst of it.
otherwise, just keep reaching out here when you can / when you need to and people will help you to the best of their abilities, whether it's weight related or not!
Stay strong, and keep remembering what an amazing woman you are! You've done what so many can't, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for you!

I'm a vegetarian so I don't eat turkey, but this might help you. I wish you much luck. Feel free to write me, I've been there.
http://www.quality-nutritional-supplements.com/natural-serotonin.html

Serotonin and Weight Loss

Sorry to keep repeating this but drinking whey protein is a very easy, natural way to get serotonin in your system. This daily diet will also help with weightloss. Being in a good mood helps with weightloss too. Many people eat when they are anxious. If you have been finding it difficult to lose weight, try the serotonin diet of whey protein shakes and turkey sandwiches. Many have lost weight and felt great on this diet and you probably can too.

One of our editors recommends going to Subway sandwich shop and ordering a six inch turkey sandwich with extra meat. Skip the soda and instead bring along a small carton of Myoplex whey protein shake to drink along with the sandwich. This carton is smaller than a can of soda.

The Editors of this website drink whey protein shakes every day and so get a good supply of all of the essential amino acids, including tryptophan. We also take a high quality daily multi-vitamin, a fish oil capsule and some green chlorella or spirulina along with the protein shakes.

We have noticed that we are always in a better mood when we follow this health regimen. We believe it is due in part to the natural serotonin produced by the body from the whey protein. And also from the positive effect fish oil has on the brain and mood, and how super green foods seem to make the body feel more energized, etc.

If you want your body to produce natural serotonin, drink a delicious whey protein shake once or twice a day. It is such an easy and enjoyable thing to do.

If you need even more serotonin, you may want to take tryptophan supplements. Talk to your doctor.

I can definitely relate to this - I struggle with depression too, and I know that even exercise and endorphins sometimes don't make a difference when you're really in a bad place. I agree with what someone said before this, talking to someone can truly help. When I went to see a counselor, it made all the difference. But even just finding someone who you trust to talk to can take a huge weight off your shoulders. (and I know that sometimes counseling isn't cheap)
I think it takes courage to even be this honest about it, so you're already taking positive steps. I'm sending positive vibes your way, and I hope things improve!

Hi,

It sounds like you are going through some really difficult times and it's NORMAL to feel stressed and unbalanced and depressed when faced with all those things happening at once. It's even more difficult when you have to try to handle it for yourself and then smooth things for your little boy. I think that it's wonderful that you are venting instead of eating. You're trying to handle things in a different and better way. You've taken huge, huge steps in the last month and now your feelings are probably catching up with you.
Now is the time to be very gentle and forgiving to yourself. Imagine what you would tell your best friend if she or he was going through the same stuff and then tell yourself the very same things. Especially the part about how proud you should be to have gotten your son out of a toxic situation.

The first thing I would recommend is to contact Social Services and see what they have to offer for you and your son. Counseling would be helpful and being a single mom with a very young child would probably qualify you for some benefits. The school may also offer something, especially for your boy. Talk to them.

Don't be shy about accepting help!! If you have a hard time accepting it for yourself, think about how much it may help your son.

It's easy to say, but try to pay no mind to the people that want nothing to do with you--it's totally their loss. Not having the support of your usual crew is also tough, but you have friends here (as corny as that sounds)--people who really care even though they haven't met you (like me--so feel free to friend me!).

Keep on believing in yourself, your ability to survive and thrive, keep exercising. If you're feeling very stuck, just write down 1 thing that needs to be done that day, try to do it and let that be good enough.

Write back if you want to. I am sending good wishes your way.

If you lost your job then maybe you would be within the income guidelines for some free counseling for you and your son. Considering what he (and you) have been through I would think you could both benefit from that. Children have a tendency to internalize everything so he may think it's his fault that your family broke up.

Other than that if you could find a place to make a friend, library? maybe a mother of one of your son's classmates? church?

Hang in there, you have been through so much, remember to be thankful for what you have, You and your son are both safe and you luckily have your family that has helped you out. Good luck. Patti