Flower remedies: any thoughts?

[sleepyowl]

Not a flower remedy I know but mandarin oil is good for depression especially if it is seasonal related, if it isn't I'd go with bergamot mix it with geranium & sandalwwod or patchouli if funds are a little tighter.

Do be careful with St Johns Wort it doesn't agree with everyone

[bryony]

Well, i've got my SAD lamp, although I've not had it very long, i've not had the urge to nap on my laptop while i work which is progress! It's certainly helping with feeling groggy and apathetic, and i think it'll be worth the cost seeing as i'm not likely to see much sun any time soon.

Thanks for the aromatherapy advice- I'll give it a go. (I've been given a really thorough aromatherapy book by a friend and am fascinated.) I'll definitely give your suggested mix a try Green Aura- I love the smell of clary sage, plus I already have some lavender oil for its many uses. I hadn't thought of seeing an aromatherapist, I didn't even realise how many aromatherapy qualifications there are (I've been doing a bit of research...) and it's more affordable than i'd have thought. I might just give it a go.

One thing that really has helped noticeably is early morning exercise! Just so hard to prise my self out of bed to do it...

[ocailleagh]

I'm currently suffering with clinical depression myself, and every winter I get seasonally affected too :-s and for the first winter ever, I think I've finally sorted out my herbication (new word :-p). As well as St. John's Wort extract or tincture (btw, I'm extremely fair, blonde and blue-eyed, the only problem I get is a slight sensitivity light, I find it hard to see when its too bright) for the depression itself, I use a variety of uplifting essential oils-patchouli and frankincense are my favourites though the citrus oils* are great too- as well as taking rhodiola rosea, also known as Siberian root. Its an adaptogenic herb and works in a similar way to ginseng in that its uplifting and reduces the effects of stress on the body (including the ageing effects :-D), though if you take it when you're already stressed out it'll make things worse :-s
So for stress, anxiety and panic attacks I use Dr Stuart's Tranquillity tea (I know 'tranquillity' is spelled wrong, but thats how it is on the box) which works almost instantly to calm me back down.
I've never tried a light box, they're well out of my price range, but even if its not so sunny, a good walk outdoors can do the world of good. As well as some sunlight, you'll be getting fresh air and exercise, so endorphin-y goodness. I also find that I'm better able to think any worries over when I'm having a walk.
Another thing that can help is changing one's diet. Peaks and troughs in one's bloodsugar levels can be responsible for depressive feelings and mood swings, so its best to keep them even by eating little and often, trying to avoid refined carbs, especially sugar, and including a lot of variety, with brightly coloured fruit and veg playing a large part. The exception to the added sugar rule is, of course, chocolate. A few squares of a good quality dark chocolate (organic and fairtrade if you can) can work wonders. Also, oats are a good choice as not only do they help to keep bloodsugars even, they also have constituents with an anti-depressant effect.
Oh, and Flower Remedies...I personally don't use them that often but when I have done, I've found they helped. The Bach (pronounced 'batch') range is the most well known but there are other ranges too, which are equally as effective. Of course, some of this will depend upon whether your depression is chemical or reactive, or both.

*Citrus essential oils can also increase photosensitivity. If the area of skin you've used it on is exposed to sunlight, it can cause irritation and even blistering. So using them in conjunction with St. John's Wort can be tricky. I'd advise just using them in a burner, or having some on a tissue or hanky if you're out and about.