Skparker's Journal, 29 June 2016

Perhaps see a master's level psychiatric nurse practitioner - they can prescribe and often have more availability. 

A psychiatrist will likely prescribe a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which isn't a bad short term solution, but that doesn't help you right now. Neurotransmitters are made in the gut, so any changes you make to your diet will affect that as well. You not only changed your diet, but your sleeping pattern. That's a lot. Carbs help raise serotonin and dopamine briefly, but you want non food solutions. Here are suggestions: Cry if you want to. It helps release stress. Increase your exposure to sunlight. Give and receive physical affection with another person or with a pet. It releases oxytocin. Think pleasant thoughts, reminisce about pleasant memories. It releases serotonin. Video games are good dopamine triggers. I have heard people say St. John's Wort is good, but I have no experience with this. Exercise is a proven antidepressant due to the release of norepinnephrine. A sense of connection with other people is very important, and may be the most important thing. 

*Norepinephrine 

Thank you both for your suggestions. I'm hoping some cuddles with my puppy and my boyfriend will help me feel better too. I will be talking with a doctor soon. 

I'm convinced that my husband had a big hand in helping me out of depression. He is a world champion cuddler. We used to hold hands all of the time. Now that I'm not depressed, I don't seem to need as much physical affection. I did use medication at the time to lift the bottom of those lows, and that helped as well. 

I took a muscle relaxant for a bad case of TMJ for a bit and it made me feel weird, depressed and weepy. Have you looked up the side effects for your pain medication? 

Grains and refined sugars make me that way (even just a little), along with being so irritable that I could just slap myself. Read FatGirlJenny's bio if interested. That was my previous account. Good luck to you on figuring it out. Sending you many (((hugs))) and positive vibes! 

There are online access counselors that I've seen (basically a Skype access I think). Less expensive, can do it from home and may be able to get in quicker...check your HR or insurance to see if it's an available benefit or look online to see what's out there. 

Cat2, I had forgotten about the food part! My mood improved dramatically within six weeks of ditching HFCS and most processed foods. 

@Lady... I had forgotten about HFCS, bc I haven't touched the stuff in so long, I guess. Yes, it takes more than a day or two for that stuff to clear your system. I've come to the conclusion that it causes brain inflammation, as well as body inflammation. 

You guys are great, thank you! I was pleasantly surprised this morning with a bit of a drop and the fact that my swimsuit fits pretty well (we're going to the lake this weekend). Planning on keeping in keto the entire time, and thankfully my SO doesn't mind it one bit. I spoke with my Dr about possible side effects and they're trying me on a different pain killer. I'm looking forward to hearing back about my blood work too. Thanks everyone!