- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
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Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
Dr. Gabrielle Melin, board certified in general psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, is looking for ways to empower patients and families dealing with chronic mental illness. She encourages patients to commit to working together with their physicians and health care teams.
Dr. Melin completed medical school at the University of Minnesota. She completed both her psychiatry residency and consultation-liaison fellowship at Mayo Clinic before joining the Mayo Clinic staff in 2001. She is medical director of Mayo Clinic Psychiatry Emergency Services in Rochester, Minn. She has special interests in emergency psychiatry, adult psychiatry and addiction psychiatry.
"Instilling hope is one of the most important things we can do for patients and families. Mental illness can be chronic and significantly impacts lives. Our goal is to provide the best treatment and education so that patients can manage their symptoms more effectively," she said.
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Depression blog
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May 19, 2009
Blog: Depression and massage
By Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
We're continuing our series on alternative (complementary) medicine and its relationship with managing depression.
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Massage is just one of many tools that fall into the alternative medicine category. While there are no current studies proving that massage alone or in complement with other proven treatments treats depression, many people report an overall improved sense of well-being and feeling more relaxed.
Some people report a lessening of depression symptoms. As mentioned before, taking time to commit to just you is so important! There are many types of massage available. Massage is professional physical contact and is not for everyone. Get references and make sure your massage therapist is certified and qualified. Ask your health care provider or family and friends who they recommend. And share with the group if you've had any luck using massage as a depression treatment.
9 comments posted
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
9 comments posted