AboutPatricia A. Schafer, PCC-S, NCC, LICDC Expertise I am a Licensed Professional Clinical
Counselor in Cleveland, Ohio and a National Certified Counselor. I am presently working on my PhD at Kent State. I specialize in Seasonal Affective Disorder, and other depression problems. Also, I counsel families of alcoholics/drug addictions; social phobia; stress; anxieties; women`s issues and a variety of other issues. If I can help, let me know. Thank you.
Question I have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and since it has almost been a year from the event as a chronic patient. My doctor has offered me antidepressents but i would rather try something more natural. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer Hi Sarah:
PTSD brings with it depression and anxiety together - it is so common. Many doctors believe antidepressants will help both conditions, yet many patients feel afraid to get on antidepressants. Antidepressants are NOT addictive.
However, others, like you want to try alternative therapies first. St. John's Wort has been good for "mild" depression. This may help you if your depression is mild. You could also check at the health food store what they have to say about other natural remedies for depression.
To educate yourself about depression - go to the web site of Dr. Ivan Goldberg - just type his name in and a few sites will pop up. He is a NY psychiatrist that specializes in depression. You can even e-mail him about natural remedies and see what he suggests.
I would not eliminate prescription antidepressants because they do help tremendously. You may have to try 2 or 3 to get the one that works for you, but when they work you will notice the positive difference in your thinking, easier to make decisions, feel motivated, etc.
