Call for help
Alright, friends… I’m going to get personal here.
I’m struggling. For the past six months, off and on, I’ve been battling with some physical and emotional trials, riding a crazy-making roller coaster. During some periods, I’ve been in what I would label as depression. I have good days, and I have bad days. On the good days I feel full of hope that things will get better. On the bad days I feel full of despair that I’ll ever feel totally myself again. Over the past week I have gone from one end of the spectrum to the other multiple times. Yesterday I was in despair. Today I was mostly OK.
I debated whether or not to disclose all of this to you. In this moment I decided that you’d want to know, you’d want to help, you’d want to lift me up in whatever way you could.
I feel pretty confident that most of my struggles are stemming from being depleted from being pregnant and/or nursing non-stop for the past four years. Add the stress of caring for four children as a full-time mom and chronic sleep-deprivation on top of that and it’s just a recipe for mood swings, depression, anxiety, and health problems.
Ways you can help…
1) Help me find a multi-vitamin I can take. I would like to take a whole food prenatal vitamin, but my body is no longer tolerating the one I had been taking (New Chapter). So my reserves of those important nutrients just aren’t being taken care of through my diet, regardless of how healthy I try to keep our foods. Do you know of any other high-quality whole food vitamins or other high-quality prenatal vitamins you’d recommend that do not contain yeast, soy, fermented products, or mushrooms?
2) Share what natural methods you have used to overcome depression, fatigue, and/or anxiety.
3) Pray for my strength, pray for my physical health to improve, pray that I will be led to the exact solutions my mind/body need, pray that I will be given the aid of angels as I bear these burdens.
4) Offer uplifting thoughts, words of encouragement, thank you’s, stories with happy endings, whatever you feel might lift my spirits and strengthen me to move forward with confidence in my full recovery.
5) Make me laugh out loud. Hilarious, clean humor would be awesome.
Thank you.
UPDATE: Follow-ups to this post…
Call for help (again) (In which the anxiety escalates intensely)
Beautiful crucible (In which I feel much better)
Four centimeters (In which I share the dream I had before the anxiety hit)
Related posts:
We have a class going in our ward right now using the addiction recovery manual as a guide in getting out of bad cycles, even emotional ones. When our bishop was introducing it, one quote he said that stuck out to me was that no matter where our path starts to overcome these things, it will always end with Christ. That is where healing will always come. Will you please let your kids come over here when you need a break? We LOVE playdates!
Thank you for that healing reminder, Linda.
((hugs)) to you sweet mama! I take Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Prenatals. They are amazing. All whole food, good for you ingredients. http://www.gardenoflife.com/ProductsforLife/THEVITAMINCODEsupsup/MultivitaminFormulas/RAWPrenatal/tabid/1823/Default.aspx As far as natural ways to combat depression and anxiety, hot yoga, chiropractic care, and acupuncture have all helped me immensely. Hang in there and know that this season won’t be forever. And you are doing an amazing job.
Thank you, Hannah!
These are the vitamins I was going to suggest, too.
~sheila
Hugs and supportive cups of tea from over this side of the globe. I can recommend a full spectrum light to work under – I have one on my desk instead of/as well as a desk lamp as it’s coming into winter here and I’m feeling a little glum. It helps.
Thank you for the hugs, Emma.
hi, i am sorry you are feeling so low especially with so many demands on your energy. i got very depleted during extended breastfeeding and saw a practitioner of traditional chinese medicine. i had regular acupuncture and moxa, chinese herbs and some supplements she recommended to boost my immune system. so glad i did this for myself. it really turned things around for me. hope you find what you need soon xx
Thank you, Jill!
I take supplements made by Vitanica, they are herb based supplements created by a female herbalist for women. I highly recommend them!
They are made by a company that is local to me but the supplements are available online too.
http://www.vitanica.com/supplements.htm
I’ll have to look into those, Meredith. Thank you!
Omega 3 supplements. Vitamin D supplements. Probiotic supplements. All from Innate Choice.
http://www.innatechoice.com/
Thank you for the link, Jenn!
I love Garden of Life prenatals – awesome! 4000 IU of D, also. Get sunlight every morning – go outside and have your coffee/milk/tea, whatever, on the porch in the sun for 20 minutes. Or take a morning walk (the sun is very important). Exercise, even if it’s just a walk with the kids or gardening. Homeopathic sepia has helped me, also. And good fish oils, like Nordic Naturals. Hang in there, mama – it will get better!
Miss you, Nedra. Thank you for the tips.
You are beautiful, strong, & amazing! I hope you find the answers for changing your vitamin & plans. Long walks always help me, writing my thoughts/feelings, getting a sitter (friend? visiting teacher? family?) regularly to have YOU-TIME. LONG BATHS after everyone is in bed. GET GOOD SLEEP. Call someone when you need to talk. Even a friend to come so you can get a shower without kids barging in.
My biggest piece of advice/thought: Start a gratitude journal. Write down THREE things that are special about your day. A little miracle. A gift. A phone call. A good thought. A beautiful sunset. A delicious bite of food. A favorite song on the radio. Gratitude has a special power to help us look for the little things that can help us make our valleys shorter and our mountains higher.
Sending prayers, and kudos to you for reaching out.
Thank you for the prayers, Shara, and the kind words and suggestions. I definitely need to be focusing more on gratitude. I think I’ll take your challenge to write down three things (at least) every day. Thank you.
Hi Lani. A friend of mine recently challenged me to drink a fruit/veggie smoothie once a day for 30 days. I’ve been struggling with anxiety and panic attacks and did not want to go the prescription route. So she suggested I increase my diet with more fruits and veggies and smoothies are a great way to pack in a bunch at once. I took her challenge and pleased to say that my anxiety and attacks have reached the bare minimum. I would put 1/2 – 1 cup of coconut milk, a handful of fresh organic spinach, one organic carrot, an organic banana, and a variety of frozen organic fruit like blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, apples, oranges, raspberries…whatever struck my fancy. Add ice and water to create the consistency you want. They’re great! I crave these smoothies now because my body loves that extra umph that comes from all those great foods. I also like putting drops of St. John’s wort in my water when my days start to go downhill. It’s a natural seratonin booster. It helps relax my anxious mind so I don’t start worrying to the point of panic. I’ve heard it also helps with depression. Hot baths with bath salts, taking a small portion out of my day for “me” time, and regular exercise have helped me feel better, too. I hope this helps. I’m so sorry you’re feeling blue. Remember, you’re not alone and asking for help is the first step in recovering. We’ll be praying for you :)
I used to drink very similar smoothies every day myself! I just may have to start back up again. Thanks for the prayers and love, Jenni.
Hi Lani, I don’t know you and you don’t know me, but I just wanted to tell you about the profound influence you have had on my life. I came upon Heather’s blog via a Google search for women in the scriptures and stumbled upon yours as a direct result. I am 17 years old, still in high school and you have literally influenced my entire mentality. You are an amazing woman and I strive to one day become the mother I know you are. Thank you for opening my eyes to the beautiful power and grace we as women possess. You have instilled in me a great love and desire to learn more and to be more. I am so sorry for the struggles you are going through. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I know that Heavenly Father would never assign you something you are not equipped for. Thank you for helping shape my life through your passion and unabashed love for our Savior and your children. You have made a difference in my life and I thank you for that. Good luck with all you do, Love Lynette
p.s. “a smile is a curve that sets a lot of things straight” =)
Lynette- I think if I read your comment three times a day I could get through any day. It lifted my spirits so much and sent big fat happy grateful tears down my cheeks. I had no idea it was exactly what I needed to hear right now, but it was. Thank you. Thank you so much.
I just started taking Rainbow Light Prenatal One (http://www.rainbowlight.com/multivitamins-prenatal-one-multivitamin.aspx)
So far I like it. The packaging states that it doesn’t have yeast, but it doesn’t mention the others (soy, etc). I actually chose it based on the recommendation of one of the ladies who posted on FB about a good prenatal. :)
As for natural ways to help emotions, taking walks, working out in the yard, making sure I write in my journal regularly (or at least sporadically often:) ), and expanding my friendships are things that I do to proactively stay out of a slump. And if I’m not proactive enough, the weeds get it taken out on them.
Thank you for your work and for sharing your life and spirit with us.
I’ve heard good things about Rainbow Light. I’ll have to look into it! Thank you for your kindness, Jenny. I really appreciate your words.
Amino acids can be helpful.
B12 injections are VERY helpful.
Or methyl +B12 first thing in the morning. At least 3000 micrograms.
Vitamin D.
Get your iron levels checked.
I second the recommendation about Rainbow Light prenatals, but double check about the ingredients.
Get your thyroid checked too.
Get checked for Epstein Barr.
You are loved, you are valued. I’m sorry you are battling depression. :/
Thanks for the tips and words of encouragement, Sarah. Everyone is raving about Rainbow Light. I’ll definitely be looking into them.
Lani, it never ceases to amaze me how often I can relate to your posts. This one is no exception. I know the feeling you are describing to a T. I’ve had pp depression before and it felt somewhat similar, minus the good days (or at least very very few of them). I wish we could meet up and chat about this crazy life of mothering and show you that you are not alone in the way you feel. I also wish I could whip up a cheery rosy uplifting post about how everything will magically get better, but at this point I’m in the ‘determining’ stages myself, with the ‘fixing’ stage coming up soon (hopefully).
Being a mother to 4 little kids, I started out looking into it on my own, telling myself that I just don’t have time to see a specialist. But in the end decided to give a naturopath a try. I have some very strong classic hypothyroidism symptoms, and reading about how common thyroid issues are, and how few people are aware of that, I decided it’s time to get mine checked. I hope that once the blood tests are done and the results are in, there will be some definite answers. If not, we’ll see what the naturopath has to say. I’ve read about lots of different supplements for boosting and balancing the brain activity (GABA, Methyl B12, MDG, TMG, L-Tyrosine, etc.), and I’d probably try those if hormones are not to blame. I also want to do a really good detox (GAPS) when I am done nursing.
I will be praying for you and hope you’ll find some answers and solution that will help you feel better. I know the feeling too well, and it’s not a good place to be in, so lets escape it as quickly as we can :)
p.s. have you heard about LDS holistic living conference? I attended it last year and really enjoyed it. I mostly stuck to Dr. Gibson’s classes after I attended his first class :) If you go to http://ldsholisticliving.com/store/audio/2011-audio , you can buy separate talks or themed bundles. Maybe there’s something that would help you. I kind of forgot about it, but now want to get thyroid/hormone related talks…
Olya- Thank you for sharing your experiences and words of encouragement. Thank you for the prayers. I will be hoping both of us can recover soon. I am actually planning to attend the LDS Holistic Living Conference this year because Heather, one of my collaborators in The Gift of Giving Life project, will be speaking. Maybe we can meet up there? Thanks again for your love and encouragement. I appreciate it so much.
St. John’s Wort is used to treat mild to moderate depression, and is gaining more popularity in the USA. In my experience you need to find a reputable brand, like Nature’s Way Perika, New Chapter, or HBC Protocols and give four to six weeks for it to start working, as w/ an SSRI. Sometimes it may be necessary to experiment to find which formula works best for you (e.g. one highly reputable brand worked well for me, while another one did not).
Also, as others have stated, you need to exercise and eat well. Surround yourself with positive people and seek out the help of a therapist.
I remember my dad telling me about St. John’s Wort a long time ago. I don’t think it’s safe for breastfeeding though, is it? I’ll have to check. Thanks, Iris.
I could have written much of what you wrote, so big, commiserating hugs to you. For me, it often manifests as rage. At my children. Which is absolutely terrible and I hate it so, so much because that is just not the sort of parent I am in my heart.
I’ve started seeing a naturopath, who has adjusted my diet (so far I’ve eliminated gluten, beef and raw vegetables) and has me eating a snack or meal with protein and healthy fat every 2-3 hours. She’s also recommended using Rescue Remedy (Bach Flower) to try and stave off the swings in mood.
I haven’t read all the comments so maybe this was already suggested, but have you tried Epresat liquid multivitamin, made by Salus, the people who make Floradix?
I’m hoping to write up an update post on my own blog about my progress. When (whenever) I manage to get that done, I’ll come back here and post a link. In the meantime, know that you are loved and appreciated and that I’ll be praying for you, as you asked. FWIW, here’s my original post outing myself back in the fall: http://knit-me.blogspot.ca/2011/11/coming-up-for-air.html
Darlene- I’m sorry you’re struggling too. It’s a hard battle, but nice to know I’m not alone in it. I think seeing a naturopath would probably really help me in a lot of ways. And I’ve heard other people mention Rescue Remedy. I’ll have to look into that more. Thanks for the tips!
A scripture that God has used to encourage my heart as of late is: “And as for you, brothers (and sisters), never tire of doing what is is right (some versions say good).” II Thes 3:13
He gently reminds me that if I don’t do what is right and good that whatever it is that He has called me to do won’t get done, will stay broken, or may fall into disrepair (depending on the circumstance). I, also, have the great pleasure of showing my children His power at work in me to do what is right and good. And that He has provided me enough strength and/or help (ie the many others in my life to help) to accomplish the tasks He sets before me.
There have been many times and will likely be many more ahead when I did grow weary of doing what was/is right and good and even times when I failed to do that which He had set before me. I pray for you and myself that we will find those times fewer and father apart. Take time to soak up His truths daily. To hide His word in your heart (Ps 119:11) and you cannot go wrong. *hugs*
Cindy- Thank you for the reminder to soak up the good word of God every day. I definitely need it.
I have suffered with severe bouts of depression and one of the most helpful things I have done is kept an I love me/gratitude journal. Daily I would write down 5 things that day tht I was grateful for and the I would write I am proud of myself when . . . I enjoy . . . I am happy when . . . I am good at . . . And finally, I am . . .
Doing this regularly really helped me. I hope it can you as well.
Good luck mama. You will be in my prayers.
I do think a gratitude journal would really help me. Thank you, Sonja. Thank you for the prayers as well.
Although I don’t know you, I saw this post through a mutual friend of ours. I am in the midst of the same struggle right now, it’s like looking in a mirror, so I had to respond.
1) I take Rainbow Light Prenatal 1. It’s a whole food vitamin that’s wheat/gluten, soy, dairy free.
2) I’ve been through depression before, which is slightly different than the depression that I experience during this postpartum period. A lot of prayer and talking openly about it got me through that. Also finding some time away from home to do a hobby for yourself, I know, near impossible with kids especially if nursing.
3) I would get your adrenals checked. My problem is I have adrenal fatigue and it’s very common for mothers to have this. Pregnancy, lack of sleep,and chronic stress all deplete the adrenal glands and will make you agitated, fatigued, and depressed when low. I’m seeing a naturopath for it and she treats me with herbs. I had it once before a few years back and had good success getting rid of it quickly, but that was before I had children. This time around, it’s taking longer. Hang in there, try to get as much rest as you can as that will help, and let me know if you’d like the contact for my doctor.
Thank you for sharing your tips and experiences, Jean. I’ve heard lots of great things about Rainbow Light prenatals. I’ll definitely have to look into them.
I will definitely pray for you! You are an amazing woman, and you’re such a trooper for keeping on against this challenge. :)
Thank you, Diana. The prayers mean so much to me!
Lani, I’m so sorry. I hope things will get better soon! (And I believe that they WILL get better with time.) Have you been able to get a lot of sleep? Or at least enough sleep? You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Want to be in my house too? :-) You can bring the kids and come hang out this summer. We’ll yell at the golfers and watch my fat dog loll around the porch.
Christy- Thank you. Sleep would definitely do me some good. I actually went to bed at 8:30 a couple of nights ago and I felt loads better that next day. I should probably go bed right now, in fact. Hope to see you this summer. Hugs.
You need a ticked to Nor Cal and we can HANG OUT! I am serious. Do you have any extra dough?
Thinking of you.
I find that giving up on perfection is helpful. And sun. And yerba matte.
Oh I wish I could. I wish there was extra dough to be had. Alas… not in the budget. But someday we will meet. I’m determined that we will. Thank you for sharing my post on your fb page and for all your love and encouragement now and in the past. It means so much to me.
TICKET!
I found your blog while pregnant with my second son and planning my first home birth. I’ve found many of your posts incredibly informative, but it wasn’t until after my son was born, surprise frank breech, needing breathing assistance followed by an ambulance ride to the hospital, that I really found your posts hugely beneficial – particularly the ones about your own recent birth experience and one you shared about your brother and sister in law that passed away.
I just need to thank you for your honesty, for sharing your sense of spirituality and how you’ve coped with grief. It was hugely healing for me as I worked through the grief I felt over my son’s arrival and how far it was from the peaceful birth experience I was picturing. I hope you also stumble upon the guidance you need to get you through what you’re battling. You’re due the love! You’ve dished it out in spades from my perspective.
Christine- It warms my heart and lifts me so much to hear your words. There is nothing quite like hearing how you have impacted another person’s life in a positive way. It gives me so much joy to know that my words have helped you. Thank you for giving me that joy. It means so much to me. Thank you.
I was ging to suggest Gratitude Journaling as well. My Mom used to teach classes to chiropractors and their teams, and I remember her telling me that she has them put the journal on the toilet if necessary! Recommend under your pillow (or on top of it) so you can jot down something in the morning AND in the evening. Studies have shown that those who journal about the things they are grateful for versus those who just journal about their day tend to be much happier. Very cool.
That said, I have found a site called blend it and mend it,and Jane is a woman wh Justin’s in LOVE withher greens. She talks of beauty waters… Check it out. Parsley is extremely high in iron, and I always feel amazing when drinking my beauty water. It is refreshing, gives energy without the crash or inability to rest at night, and just makes me feel like a better version of myself.
You really already took the biggest step, which is asking for a lifeline. I am very sweaty eyeballed reading all the kind hands being held out to you to help pull you back up again. I know that is how I feel sometimes, anyway, like I am in a hole and if I don’t ask for help or talk about it I’ll just go deeper into it.
I also advocate chiropractic, etc. if you haven’t been seeing someone, getting sunlight in the morning, and MAKING at least enough time for you to sit down and have a cup of tea with another adult or a good book.
Church… Whether you are religious or not… Church is the ONE thing that kept me going when I was at my most depressed state ever. I walked with my infant and 3 year old son when my now ex didn’t come home with the car. It gave me hope, and most importantly… Strength to get through it all.
Much love to you and your family!
Thank you, Melanie. There really are so many wonderful people lifting me up. Including you. Thank you so much.
I’ve found nettles (prepared as tea/infusion or make a tincture) to help a lot. It is like the multivitamin of herbs! Great for my anemia which causes lethargia which seems to lead me towards depression (amongst other triggers of course). Know that you are not alone <3 I like to write. Pouring it all out on paper (sometimes I type but writing with pen/paper seems to help me more)helps get it out of my head. Get some sunshine and fresh air, take a nice walk and fit in some 'me' time. Reach out to others locally as well as your family. Even your children. They are so full of empathy naturally! My preschool age son is such a gentle soul with me when he knows I am truly feeling down. While sometimes they're a source of our struggles they can help us heal and fill us full with their unconditional love :) sharing this here on your blog is the first step! Take each step one at a time! Even just a minute at a time. Like in labor with contractions, each lasts just a minute. You can do anything for a minute! Take each as it comes.
Ashley, It’s funny you compared it to labor… I’ve been doing that myself for the past week! In fact, I had a dream a week ago that was symbolic and presented my situation as though I was in labor. Thank you for your support and encouragement!
Have you thought about JuicePlus? It’s not a vitamin but a collection of whole foods in the powder. We’re getting some next month, just a thought since so many vitamins are not made with solely whole foods, some just have whole foods in them.
I’m so sorry you’re feeling so badly. I have had hard, debilitating depression, especially postpartum. I don’t handle lack of sleep well either.
I used vitamin D3, cod liver oil, and natural iodine supplementation for my depression. They did wonders for me and built me back up to even better than my old normal. My anxiety so much better now I can actually drink coffee, couldn’t do that for years without feeling like I was having a heart attack! lol
Anyway, I’m thinking about having more kids but I dread the depression, lack of sleep, and anxiety. I don’t want to revisit that! I’m hoping all that I’m doing will help so I don’t sink so low next time around. I’m also exercising an hour a day now, but I understand that’s hard to do when sleep deprived. I couldn’t do it until my kids started sleeping more.
It can get better, so much better! Don’t give up hope!! Look into D3, cod liver oil (fermented is even better), iodine, and JuicePlus.
I actually used to take JuicePlus capsules when I was a kid! My mom was really into them for a while. I would probably benefit from something like that. Thank you, Amanda. I think I might also be low on iodine, so I’m glad to hear your experience getting back to even better than normal. That gives me hope. And hope is definitely something I need!
I would definitely recommend giving up on the multivitamin and replacing it with nettles infusions. That’s what I did and I feel much better than I did when I was taking New Chapter Prenatal. We buy our nettles from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AYEHJS/ref=rcxsubs_mys2_product_title
Here’s some more info on nettles infusions. I hope it helps! http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nettles-leaf-herbal-infusion
Thank you for the tip, Elizabeth. I am definitely very interested in trying out nettles infusions. Just wish I could have some right this very moment!
This is a familiar feeling for me as well. I am trying to keep my head above water, and some days I feel pretty unsuccessful. Things that have helped in the past are, SAM-e, Cod liver oil, and finding and exercise buddy to keep me responsible and get me out of the house each day.
There are also a LOT of really good conference talks about mothers. I think I need to read one every day. I haven’t started that yet, but you have inspired me to do so.
Thank you, Rochelle. Though I’m sorry you struggle too, it is nice to know I’m not alone. Hugs and prayers to you too.
Loving thoughts to you and yours in these challenging moments. Nourishing your whole body is important! Infusions of herbs such as Nettle, Dandelion, Violet, Red Raspberry, Licorice Root, Lemon Balm, Mint, Chamomile and Valerian will all support your liver, your adrenals and your reproductive system. Check with your Doctor/Midwife/Personal Resources to make sure things like the Dandelion and Licorice are safe Pre-Natal (all my references are packed at the moment, we move tomorrow! I do however believe these are all safe in reasonable doses).
Warm baths by candle light or bright sunlight with a good book and music you love. This will help relax you both mentally and physically, and it helps get things like lymph moving which holds the emotions.
A lot of people find it “out there” but find an affirming phrase or two that resonates with you and pin them to your mirror, your walls… wherever you look. One of the affirmations on my bedroom mirror reads “Cover me with Care”.
The company of other, like minded women is not to be underestimated! An hour for coffee outside of the home, away from the partner/other children is so worth it. Give yourself time to breath and remember yourself.
Believe in yourself. This WILL heal, you WILL grow through this,and you DO have so many people who love and care for you.
Love and Light to you <3
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. This was especially helpful: “Believe in yourself. This WILL heal, you WILL grow through this,and you DO have so many people who love and care for you.” Thank you, thank you.
Exercise. It gives me some time away from the kids (enjoyed best when done with friends), a dose of much-needed endorphins and balances my hormones. If I go too many days without exercise I get moody and anxious. This has nothing to do with weight loss, although that can be a benefit. Talk to a friend/family on the phone or face-to-face is best. Great book called “Women’s Moods” that explains how your hormones and life experiences shape you. A great NURSE program is outlined in the book…nutrition, understanding, relaxation, spirituality, exercise. Give it a read, it has helped many women I’ve recommended it to, including myself. God bless.
Exercise has definitely been helping me too, Florence. I’m so glad to have tools to meet this challenge and so many online friends cheering for me. Thank you.
hello! know that this is temporary and a time of growth – you are learning and resting right now, and taking a break. it is totally ok and normal and happens to so many of us at times.
tips to help you get out of the funk more quickly: make sure you are getting at least 10 minutes of bright sunshine on your face and skin every day. walk briskly or exercise vigorously at least 30 minutes a day. sleep at least 7 hours a night straight through. do not take sleeping pills. try yoga and meditation daily. and above all, see a therapist weekly. or try a support group. reflect on your life – are you in an unhappy job? bad relationship? overbearing family member or friend? therapy is great to dig through these kinds of feelings.
you will get through this, stronger and wiser!!!!
Britt- Thank you for the love and encouragement. I appreciate it so much.
I am in my early thirties, never been married, and don’t have children of my own (with no prospects on the horizon) yet I LOVE reading each and every one of your blog entries. Your writing reaches the mother in me that is still waiting to blossom. You are a champion and a nurturer of women everywhere no matter what their circumstances. I appreciate so much what you have shared and who you are. Your words have often given me hope so I will be praying that God will return the favor.
I have struggled with anxiety and depression off and on through out my life and one thing that always seems to help is a connection with the earth which always leads my heart to God. Going for a walk, hearing the song of a bird, noting the colors of the sunrise, even the weeds in my front yard with their little purple flowers do something for my soul. A year ago I jotted down one of these experiences (http://nasiegirl.blogspot.com/2010/11/desert-musings.html). I don’t mean to promote my own words on your site but I thought it might resonate with you. Oh, and one more article that always gives me hope can be found here: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/660192372/Winter-turns-to-spring–eventually.html Love and hugs!
Janae- Your words sliced through all the darkness and fear overwhelming my heart, lifted me up, and filled me with warmth and love. And the Deseret News article about the coming of spring brought big, huge tears to my eyes. It was exactly, exactly what I needed in this moment. Thank you. Thank you so much.
It sounds like you have many great ideas and lots of support here ~ praising God with you for that. I forgot to mention that essential oils (EO) might also have some benefits… I really like citrus bliss by doTerra and some others. Let me know if I can help you learn more about essentials oils (I know we have several friends in common that can also help with this knowledge). Blessings to you and you are most definitely not alone.
Yes, so much support and love. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you, Cindy.
I saw your request on The Birth Interview Project’s facebook page. Here is something to help you laugh out loud. My husband sent it to me today, and it’s hilarious, especially if you have a cat: http://youtu.be/Q34z5dCmC4M
Just when I was feeling sorry for myself, I’ve been reminded that everyone else is suffering deeply in their own ways. I’m so sorry you’ve been struggling with this. I’ve been there myself. I know that nothing ever stays the same, and the Lord is capable of healing anything. I hope the end of this trial is coming soon for you, but if it’s still yet to come I know you can find strength from the Savior to keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time. We’re all human and have trials, and I know you’re strong enough to endure and grow from this. You are amazing, and I admire you deeply. The Savior suffered for our pains as well as our sins. He knows your pain as no one else does, because He’s experienced it. Lean on Him, and you’ll make it through anything.
SuperFood and Female Formula from herbdoc.com
Also, make sure you get some sunlight every day! Even if it is only for a few minutes thru a window… Get your Vitamin D.
Praying for you and want to let you know about dr schultzes superfood plus. They have a monthly program that will automatically send you a jar and I think it’s a bit cheaper that way. Or you can order by case if you decide you like it. You just mix it with some juice. A friend mixes hers with water and honey. I do have fresh juice and half water.
Hi,
in your case I would get a general blood count, the thyroid, your hormone levels and the vitamin status checked out via blood samples. And THEN decide what you need to take. Oversupply of certain vitamins can be physically damaging, you also should take small portions of vitamins more often a day, because the body can’t process one/two big intakes of vitamins a day.
You can go through this! We all know you can!
Wow, I really had to scroll to get down here!! I agree with the full spectrum light bulbs. They make a huge difference. I think I heard from someone you can get them at Home Depot or Lowes. Also for sleeping at night if you don’t take a melatonin, you should start because they really help me go to sleep first of all, but also help me stay asleep. Add to the melatonin, passion flower extract. Put 40 drops in with some juice, it’s kind of a weird sweet flavor, so you want to dilute it. You need to take it 2 hours before you go to bed, which is really hard to remember, but it really does improve the quality of the sleep you do get. Hope that helps. Next time, I’ll just email you. ;-)
Liver is the best multi-vitamin in my opinion, and I would suggest taking some natural progesterone. Progest-E is a great brand by Kenogen. I am so sorry you are going through this!
Thank you for being honest and sharing this part of yourself. I bet you have countless women just by virtue of this post because they can see that they are not alone. We all have times in our life where we feel weak. It’s how we are reminded that we ARE strong. From what I have read over time, you are a very strong woman and you will certainly get through this.
I have been struggling with anxiety, rage and depression for a few years. If you want to read a little of my story you can do so here http://funkylittleearthchild.blogspot.com/2012/01/somewhere-around-rainbow.html For me, things get worse when I haven’t had enough consistent sleep or when I’m not taking care of my nutrition. I spend so much time making sure everyone else in my family eats well and I end up neglecting me. I’m a big believer in Vitamin Sunshine. If you can’t get out in the sun for a while during the day, then a quality D3 supplement would be good (I think Nordic Naturals makes a good one). The only prenatal I have been able to take is Pure Essence Labs Two ‘n’ Only. I’d also recommend supporting your thyroid. Hypothyroidism causes a host of issues and it definitely affects your mood. Believe it or not, it also alters your progesterone (decreases it), which can make depression worse. Everything is connected. Anyway, coconut oil is a good support for your thyroid. As is sea salt (which also counters excess estrogen —- take a peek at Estrogen Dominance if you have the time. Google should come up with some good links). I put coconut oil into smoothies and I also use it to cook veggies on the stovetop. It’s also good to use on your skin and absorbs into your body.
I love Bach Flower remedies. Also, you may have luck with chiropractic and/or acupuncture.
I have found that exercise is always helpful for moods. My preferences are yoga and belly dance. Belly dance has a way with really connecting you to your body and is a great esteem booster.
Saying lots of prayers for you.
What did one math book say to the other?
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Boy, do I have problems.
lol
I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles, but thank you for sharing with us! I will definitely be praying for you. While it’s so hard to struggle, it can lead to so many beautiful things… think of the redwoods, that can’t grow until there’s a fire that rages through the woods.
As far as vitamins, I just wanted to quickly recommend trying LifeSource Vitamins (www.LifeSource4Life.com) and see if they have anything that might be helpful. Their website is a little busy, so you’d probably just do better to call and ask them the questions you have, and what you’re looking for. Better yet, sometimes the founder, Bruce Brightman, will be around and answer your questions for you regarding what your symptoms are, and what he might recommend- ask for him (and tell him I sent you)! :) Their supplements are free of a lot of allergens, and high quality. (My husband used to work with Bruce in another business- Bruce is a great guy and loves the Lord).
Even in the darkest times, the Lord wants to hold your hand and walk with you through the valleys. Praying Isaiah 40:28-31 for you, that you would be strengthened by the Lord alone!
Funky Little EarthChild’s joke was great… here’s mine:
What do you call a baby sheep that gets stuck in a doorway?
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A lamb jamb! :D
Lani,
Hugs! I will keep praying for you. You have gotten a lot of great advice. Just thought I would offer up a Body Code session if you want (If Felice hasn’t already done one for you.) Just let me know!
Here is a joke.
Why did the Easter Egg Hide?
He was a little chicken.
There is a wonderful book called The Mood Cure. You take a quiz to determine which false mood you have and then it recommends supplements to help your body be able to make the hormones it needs to to prevent those false moods. Cut down on caffeine, sugar and alcohol and up your animal protein significantly. <3 Lots of love.
Read the book, ‘The Power of Now’. Even just one chapter every few days, and reflect on what you’ve read! Also the parents Tao Te Ching is powerful too and very uplifting. And then find 10 minutes or 15 minutes (or more if you want) to meditate. Clear your mind and just breath. Remember, you have everything you need right here right now!
xoxo.