austbobbie

I completely understand your situation.  I did not feel Wellbutrin worked.  Yet, now that I have excluded it from my daily Rx protocol.  On lamictal 400mg as well as I am bipolar.  I feel horrible, still stressed and feel so sensitive.  So maybe Wellbutrin was working.  I am talking to my psychiatrist soon and will revisit this situation with her.
 

I have been on and off meds since I began antidepressants 18 years ago.  I know my life is better on medication, currently on a mood stabilizer and antidepressant.  I hate relying on it and I hate being mentally ill - bipolar II.
Acupuncture worked great for me years ago.  It addressed stress, irritation and perimenopause.  What is great about acupuncture is it works on several parts of your body and also physical and mental issues.  I never took the herbs suggested, just the treatments.
My mom just began acupuncture  and I have noticed a huge difference in her behavior. She seems less stressed and  less irritable.  At the beginning of treatments she was a little more irritable since acupuncture, at least for me, released a lot of emotions and brings things up.  This subsided after a few treatments, and has done the same for my mom.
I was lucky and our acupuncturist is well respected in our city and has had a long career in acupuncture.  Sometimes it can be hard finding a good acupuncturist , just like therapists, doctors, etc.  There are good ones and not so good ones.
I take several vitamins a day.  The B complex is essential for me.  I rely on a  local pharmacy that specializes in alternative medicine to help alleviate physical and mental conditions.  GABA supplements help me relax in the evening.
This is my journey and how I have had success with acupuncture and supplements.  Best wishes on your wellness journey.
 
      

I have depression because I feel it is genetic and then I have a life situation that causes me chronic stress.  Chronic stress leads me to depression.  I will be mentally ill (bipolar, mainly depressive side) for the rest of my life.  I don't like that fact yet it is just the way it is.  Medication helps me immensely and I will be on it the rest of my life.  I am lucky to have found a great psychiatrist.  
As for natural remedies for depression, acupuncture has helped me immensely in the past.  It helps me with stress, therefore depression.
So this is my story.  I hope you find peace and feel better.  Depression is not a a good place to be in.  I have surrendered to the fact I will probably be depressed, not all the time, just frequently. Surrendering allows me to come to some sort of peace with it.  And staying on my meds is totally the answer, for me.
Best wishes on your journey.  Everyone is different,  I am just sharing my story.
   

I was extremely irritable for the first 7-10 days upon onset of taking Wellbutrin.  Then one morning felt great and I have more energy, just feeling lots better with a better outlook on life.  I have a lot of stress due to pandemic (who isn't?), taking care of older parents and a handicapped brother.  This stress is not going away, it is my reality.  I just hope the Wellbutrin continues and my psychiatrist will let me increase my dose if needed.  I am on 150 mg now.
 

It has worked for me.  I noticed a difference within four days, but I always can tell something new is working, since I usually feel so horrible before taking the "new" med.  Zoloft seemed to have fizzled out.  So, been on 10mg. for several weeks and now will begin 20 mg., probably within the next few days.  The 10mg. does not seem to be working as well... as in the beginning.  And that is fine.  I will still take 200 mg. of Lamotrigine and probably will never get off that.  
 

My cousin and I have similar depression and similar constitutions esp. since we both have PTSD due to our siblings being handicapped and father's alcoholism.
 So..... our journey continues and we both seek peace, ie  better living through pharmaceuticals !!!!! LOL
Good luck on your journey.  as always, sometimes it is trial and error when seeking Rx help !
  

My cousin swears by it.  Her insurance stopped paying for it.  I found her a cheaper alternative where I live.  She lives in a small town that has limited shopping.  Please check with your local "natural" pharmacy or search online.  I took it for several weeks.  Hard to tell if I had improvement.  I was able to take a lower dose of meds and survive the holidays and early winter (my most challenging timeframe) I have decided to wait and take the test that checks your need for it.  Apparently the test tells your Dr. what certain meds (antis) will work for you and what you are deficient in.  This is the test my cousin took, she started Cymbalta and began methylfolate, she is able to take the lowest does of Cymbalta.  yes, my dream, to take the lowest dose of any medication!   My psychiatrist recommended we wait another two months to take the test.  We have upped my Lamotrigine and ceased my booster of additional anti-depressant.  I would rather take Lamo and NO antis.  the drying side effects of antis are horrible.  I can look into this info more but hope these limited deets explain something.