Depression (major depression)

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• December 11, 2011 5:28 p.m.

  I have found that massage is a wonderful way to relieve symptoms of depression. The benefits of the relaxation that it provides and release of anxiety makes therapeutical massage one of many ways to help you cope with your illness- it's normal at times to even cry - as the toxins that you have been storing in your knotted muscles are released - make sure you drink plenty of water afterwards and avoid alcohol all together - try a massage - the benefits are amazing, I love hot stone therapy and an intense deep tissue massage with aromatherapy oils - a good massage therapist will help you decide on your own mix of oils to use - depending on your mood. I love black pepper, citrus & patchouli mix - other ones that work are rose-geranium & rosemary and always good old lavender. Go ahead and spoil yourself - the human touch is crucial to the health & healing of so many illnesses & conditions. Cheers & Merry Christmas to all xx

  - Beth

• August 21, 2011 12:49 p.m.

  According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the massage named TUINA, is not recomended for the treatment of person suffering of Depression, so keep this in mind. A very experienced acupunctor can treat it by inserting needles in specific points of your body/ear. I understand the persons having this kind of problem, because I am one of them. We could also try thecniques such as REIKI,TAI CHI,QUI GONG. Keep the faith...and God bless you. Sincerily....Pedro

  - Pedro

• July 18, 2011 7:11 a.m.

  Exercise increases both seratonin and endorphins.If unable to exercise you might look into other ways of boosting your seratonin and/or endorphins.

  - Jane

• July 18, 2011 7:02 a.m.

  Massaging creates endorphins. Endorphins are needed to ease both physical and emotional pain.

  - Jane

• March 21, 2011 5:13 p.m.

  please assist-need help convincing insurance carrier thrapeutic massage necessary for depression/anxiety/lack of focus/sadness/s.a.d./family history/add/ocd/odd/bi-polar/menopausal/hormonal/migraine/stress headaches/digestive/immune response-eg thrush/shingles/gerd/etc

  - kaye

• March 8, 2011 12:17 p.m.

  Massage Therapy is a great way to boost your happiness naturaly

  - Inner Peace

• December 22, 2010 11:32 a.m.

  Depending on the nature of your depression, you may want to think about which type of massage you would like - if you are needing more energy, maybe one of the more stimulating modalities of massage would be ideal, like deep tissue or thai massage etc.

  -

• October 8, 2010 11:54 p.m.

  Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.

  - alexjohn

• August 3, 2010 8:15 p.m.

  I was referred for massage by my chiropractor and have found it to be essential to my well being. Since I am a single mom of teens, I don't get enough physical touch any more, and the first massage almost made me cry just because I did not realize how much I craved"touch". There was nothing suggestive or sexual about it, but I was overwhelmed. I try to get a few more hugs and back rubs from my kids, but massage is great....and it was covered by my health insurance. When I went to New Orleans for a conference, I found there were small "stores" where foot massage was available. For about $20.00 I got great foot massage that stayed with me for several days. Maybe it is just taking care of yourself, but I am a believer.

  - Marianne

• May 30, 2010 12:22 a.m.

  Truly gifted massage therapists go beyond muscles by a long shot. They are intuitive, empathetic and function on nearly as high if not a higher level than some mental health professionals. Their touch and compassion can bring out emotions that have been locked up for long periods of time for some of us.

  - Dean

• May 11, 2010 4:28 p.m.

  According to the Touch Research Institute at the University of Florida in Miami Medical School, at least three studies has shown massage therapy to reduce symptoms of depression. You can find summaries of these studies at the following site:http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/AdultMassage.html

  - Alice@massage-stlouis.com

• December 8, 2009 3:01 p.m.

  I am on Cymbalta. I am over the middle age group by a large margin.I have a condition at home which is not alterable. Exercise is my outlet. Constant caring for a loved one prevents my exercising enough. I am gaining weight although watching my caloric intake. Between the proverbial rock and hard place. Any suggestions.

  - mala

• November 8, 2009 9:33 p.m.

  Hey there guys! I'm on Paxil (50 mg daily), and I have put on over 40 lbs in a year. My life is more active now that I've started treatment than before I started Paxil. This weight gain is the pits! I eat right, and have started exercizing,... but I know the meds have a lot to do with it. Any Ideas on any meds that don't cause weight gain?? I want to talk to my doc about it.

  - Erica

• June 16, 2009 6:33 a.m.

  I've suffered from depression for a number of years and have become much more aware of the symptoms in others. I recently had to let a valued employee go because of his frequent outbursts of rage in the office. He had also admittd to being a heavy drinker in the evenings. Knowing his background, I am convinced that he is suffering from male depression and even though he no longer works for me, I worry about him. I've tried to think of ways to help him, but I haven't come up with any good solutions. He is in his 60s, lives alone and has no close friends. I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts or suggestions.

  - Jenny

• June 6, 2009 10:27 p.m.

  Robert, I used Lexapro for a while, but then switched to Cymbalta. I take it with Wellbutrin, which I believe helps with energy levels. It seems to be an effective "cocktail" for my dysthymia.

  - Margie

• June 1, 2009 11:02 a.m.

  Louise's comment was correct. Studies have shown that massage therapy is effective in decreasing depression in a number of different scenarios, including chronic fatigue syndrome, adolescent mothers, fibromyalgia and more. The KEY is that recovering from depression is a process not an event. In my experience as a massage therapist, massage therapy sessions that most effectively decrease depression include not only bodywork, but also breathwork and relaxation training over a period of time.

  - Pixie Stevenson

• May 29, 2009 11:38 a.m.

  I take Lexipro 10mg once nightly and also find it very effective, mainly for anxiety, but also mild depresion. My afternoon blahs seem no more profound than when off meds and I have no side-affects at all. I read and hear that the different SSRIs have slightly different affects. I also hear Effexor is different and effective. Good luck and take good care of yourself.

  - Paul

• May 21, 2009 4:34 p.m.

  I don't know if this is a new drug, but I have been taking Effexor Xr 37,5mg for the last one year. It does not have any side effects, but coming off it needs medical attention.

  - cila

• May 20, 2009 4:49 p.m.

  I found that massage therapy to help treat my depression was extremely useful and very much contributes to my overall well being. If my week was very stressful I would be counting down the days until my massage. Give it time, it works best over a period of time and find someone you are comfortable with. If cost is a consideration teaching colleges are very reasonable. Remind yourself of it's health benefits and that you are definitely worth it.

  - Louise

• May 19, 2009 3:36 p.m.

  Are there any new drugs on the horizon for treating depression; drugs that promise to be as effective as the SSRI's but with far fewer side affects? I have been on Lexipro (10mg daily) for more than a year. It has been wonderful in treating my depression. This is my third round of treatment and my doctor is recommending that I just stay on it continually. However, the side affect of having a very depressed libido and a continual feeling of fatigue throughout the day have become burdensome. I'm looking for something new that shows promise with less side affects. I have tried Wellbutrin and zoloft, but Lexipro seems to work best.

  - Robert

• May 19, 2009 3:31 p.m.

  Are there any new drugs on the horizon for treating depression on the horizon; drugs that promise to be as effective as the SSRI's but with far fewer side affects? I have been on Lexipro (10mg daily) for more than a year. It has been wonderful in treating my depression. This is my third round of treatment and my doctor is recommending that I just stay on it continually. However, the side affect of having a very depressed libido and a continual feeling of fatigue throughout the day have become burdensome. I'm looking for something new that shows promise with less side affects. I have tried Wellbutrin and zoloft, but Lexipro seems to work best.

  - Robert