I have tried prozac, but I do not like the side effects not to mention that I had a very bad allergic reaction. I am looking to try the natural approach first, but cannot afford to see a homeopathic doctor. Does anyone have any suggestions where I could find information or who I should ask about this. My therapist suggested a pharmacist but the pharmacist told me that the only solution is medication.

Thanks in advance

Your only solution is NOT medication. Of course a pharmacist would tell you that, so they can sell more medication to you.

I am 38 years old and from the time I was 10 years old until 2 years ago when I changed my diet, I also suffered with OCD, depression and anxiety.

The OCD was fairly mild, things like checking the iron was off 15 times before I left the house. I managed to get this under control by touching the iron once and saying loudly “I am checking the iron now and it is definitely off” and then when I had another urge to check it, I would just repeat my earlier wording in my head and be 100% sure that I had definitely turned it off. It is a long slog but after a while you can re-pattern your thoughts.

Hypnosis would probably help with OCD too.

My depression and anxiety were quite severe and at one stage 15 years ago, I went through an intense suicidal period.

My doctor kept trying to get me onto different medications but I resisted as I wanted to find a more natural way. I have seen many people trying to come off anti-depressants and it is not a pretty sight believe me.

So in the last 5 years I did the following:

I found things like reducing or completely abstaining from alcohol to be very useful, since alcohol is a depressant.

I found daily chakra meditation to be very helpful.

I found daily relaxation meditation to be very helpful.

I found bach flower remedies to be very helpful - the rescue remedy was very good for my anxiety

I found gentle exercise (yoga, swimming) to be very helpful.

I found reiki treatments to be very helpful.

All of the above did not cure me, but they certainly helped me to live a normal life and avoid medications.

However, the main saving grace for me was 2 years ago when I changed my diet.

I went from a SAD (standard american diet) to a Raw Vegan diet and my depression and anxiety completely disappeared.

It is quite amazing really. Sometimes I lose the plot and start eating cooked foods (i.e. - over the holiday season) and my depression and anxiety both return.

And when I eat Raw Vegan foods again, my depression and anxiety disappear.

Apparently this is quite common and many people have found their life-long depression vanishes once they change to a Raw Vegan diet, especially if you also consume certified organic produce.

There are lots of books, DVDs and websites dedicated to the Raw Vegan lifestyle, so maybe you should read up on it and seriously consider making the change.

Good Luck

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