well said

Love Jim Carrey the actor.
Hate what he’s planning to do.
The weird thing is, I don’t think he’s a Scientologist — although I think his ex-Playboy galpal has written a couple of books about natural healing, so maybe she’s/that’s pushing him.

I take vitamins and supplements myself. I am trying to find a solution to my nervous problems. I do feel much better when I take them, compared to when I get lazy and quit taking them. Something usually happens to wake me up, and I realize, one more time, that I would feel so much better if I just take my vitamins.
I used to sell Mary Kay cosmetics, which I love. Mary Kay started to sell vitamins too because she decided that she cannot help women become prettier if they are not healthy inside too. Facials and so on can also make you feel better if you are struggling with depression.
Anyhow, I am interested in seeing Jim Carey’s book. I am just hoping that he is not encouraging people to give up their meds. I am sure that he realizes that people with serious mental health problems need to take meds. Perhaps food supplements can be used in addition to meds.

One has to wonder what form of severe depression Jim Carey struggles with. My guess would be none. Because it is those who have never been in the dark pit, without any hope of of a life-line, that know that “vitamins and supplements” won’t cure or disable depression. I thank God for Cymbalta and Welbutrin every day, not One-A-Day.

He has converted to Scientology. That explains alot.

Hi Therese, long time no see! (too busy here, but always have you in mind and come to read whenever I can, I am amazed to see how much did this space grow and keeps growing!!!)
Now back to the post, the guy said: “I think”, he didn´t affirm it as a matter of fact. On the other hand for all of you who are getting meds for depression, this means you already have a doctor behind your treatment. No doctor I guess will change your meds for supplements because of Carrey´s book (I have the chronic depression problem too, but I have found that omega-3 supplements do a great work on me to balance my mind and mood since more than a year. I don´t take meds, I don´t like the idea).
Jennifer commented: “One has to wonder what form of severe depression Jim Carey struggles with. My guess would be none. Because it is those who have never been in the dark pit, without any hope of of a life-line, that know that “vitamins and supplements” won’t cure or disable depression.” Well, I don´t agree. I hate synthetized meds, so my guess is not that supplements don´t work, it is that we haven´t found yet the correct supplements. Also her words sound like dimissive, like implying that because he is an actor and a comediant he cannot be depressed? What kind of non-sense is that? I believe that if the guy is to write about this, must be because it is an “issue” for him. I am a very funny person, people praise me for my good humor and wit, yet nobody believes when I say I can wake up one morning thinking about suicide, and get this thoughts along the day like a normal thing (not currently that I take my omega 3 every day).
Moreover, the statement: “we are what we eat” is plain true. So, even when many cases might need meds anyway too to keep the illness at bay, always, ALWAYS, revising what we can do with our diet helps, and to many people I believe, who are medicated, just a proper shift in diet and sleep could “heal” their depression.
DEPRESSION is not a one-meaning, one-degree thing… it´s shades of gray, so perhaps many people find Jim´s words useful for their depression level or current state. Not all depressed people need drugs. Some do, some just don´t.
I am sorry, it sounds too a defensive reaction to something you have little solid data about (or do you have more, not displayed here?). I would like to know what he is really talking about, in concrete before opening judgement or expressing concern or a public warning about it.
I am sure he will put some sort of disclaimer in his book that those of him are just “thoughts” and “personal tips”… actually no-one but a doctor can write something on medicine or medicine related without stating that his is not a professional medical advise.
No worry to me. I also thing this guy is very clever and down to earth, beyond his silly faces and his occupation. Big hugs,
Gi

I just love Jim as an actor..He is wonderful,but my depression and my mental issues are mine! And although I read as much as I can on the topic we as a community have to stop pointing our finger and say “oh their scientolgsts or this” we have enough to deal with to find the right method!! We have to remember we are all human and we are all dealing with the same problems.Its funny because my friend cannot take advil for a headache because it knocks her out.point being we are all different and what may work for one, may not work for another. A proper diet and plenty of sleep is just smart.Life is so short and don’t be afraid to try any method that might help!!! Best wishes to all and finding the light at the end of the tunnel….

My main concern when a celebretity writes a book or makes a public statement on something as important as depression, a lot of people assume these people really know what they are talking about. After all a lot of celebretities are idolized in away that if they believe it or said it, then it has to be true.
Most of us who suffer from “true” depression, not an occasional period of sadness, know that one size does not fit all. I do believe that vitamins and supplements have their place in health care so I do not knock anyone who finds them beneficial. But one most also know that our bodies are always changing and our circumstances, so even meds that once worked for me no longer work and therefore I have went through a lot of meds through the years to find what works at that time in my life.
I do hope anyone who reads Jim’s book who is already on meds will certainly talk to their health care provider before going off any. And even someone who isn’t on meds will talk to a health care provider before taking any vitamins and supplements, because even vitamins and supplements can be dangerous if not taken properly.

While it is easy to “dis” Carrey and to wage a one-upsman-ship battle (my depression’s worse than your depression) about his book, AND the fact that he’s a Scientologist MAY have a great deal to do with his feelings of pro-supplement/anti-medications, we all have to be so careful of comparing ourselves to or judging anyone else.
A.A. and medications have not only saved, but increased the quality, of my life. I’ve been clean and sober for 28 years. I am an alcoholic and while drinking, masked the disease of depression. I was without drugs of all kinds for about two years into recovery and I went into a mild depression which came and went. I blamed it on “circumstances” (of which there were many). I even had critics who said that I wasn’t “grateful enough!” for my sobriety! (Wow, did THEY ever not “get it!”) Next, I was suicidal and in deep depression.
Thanks to some friends in AA, some loving counselors, and a doctor who “knew” depression AND its prevelance in addicts and alcoholics, I did the following things: I went to treatment for the disease of Co-Dependence (where I learned about my behavioral triggers and lots more);I was prescribed Prozac (and it saved my life), and I started to expand upon my expression of spirituality. I am happy, healthy and well today, twenty-two years later.
In the Program of AA, we believe that the disease of alcoholism is “three-fold:” mental, physical and spiritual. I believe (in my opinion), the disease of depression can be helped by seeing it as three-fold, also.
Many members of my family have varying degrees of depression…we’re Irish. I believe that depression is the “dark sickness” and “black mood” that is talked about in Irish literature. In my opinion there is a gene, or propensity, for those of us of Irish derivation to have alcoholism and/or depression. It is innate. That is my opinion (with a bit of medical literature to back it up).
To each his/her own. Some will “get it,” some will not. Therese, I love your blog and you’re doing a great service for all of us!
Thank you.
Pam

Knowing that God loves you, forgives you and wants you to live forever with him in Heaven is the basis for depression relief. The Holy Bible makes it clear in Matthew 6 that God is in control of everything and that even the birds of the air are provided for and how much more important are we, his creations that we are covered in everything that concerns us. All we have to do is believe in Jesus, his virgin birth, sinless life, his terrible death by suffering, his burial, his ascention to God in Heaven, and that he will return for us some day and that we are are forgiven by his shedding of blood, to be saved and live in Heaven forever. Forever is a long time. All of the worry and concern leads to multiple health problems. Wouldn’t you like to take the best medicine in the world? I believe that Jesus Christ protects you while you are awake and asleep. All you have to do is pray and ask him to come into your heart. This was my prayer when I was nine years old. He has never left me alone. And he will help you through any problem ho matter how bad. Never, never believe that he can not change the worst of circumstances. If he can hang the sun, the moon and name all the stars, he can move any mountain you face. Trusting God with your life is the best medication for sleep that I have found. Putting your full faith and trust in God relieves stress and pain, calms your stomach and heart. This is not false hope. The Word of God, the Holy Bible says in Psalms 23 that he comforts us, he leads us beside still waters and restores us. Trusting God and knowing this chapter got me through the death of my 22 month old daughter in the April 3rd, 1974 tornado, Rochester, Indiana. I was 7 months pregnant and found myself face down in the mud covered with fuel oil. I was in premature labor and was so sad that I could still feel her arms leave my neck in our living room before the front winds hit our home. Before you believe in Christ Jesus, it is like you have mud in your eyes like I did when I finally got the strength to get up off of the ground and tried to get it out, the stinging and burning too.
All I can tell you is that Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. If you suffer from severe depression, get the help of a pastor who preaches the Word of God. He\she can refer you to a Christian doctor or counselor who will find out if you have a medical problem through testing and steer you the right direction. If not, keep trying. God will lead you through the door to hope. After all, Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
It is my prayer that you find Jesus today and that he floods your life with hope. Psalm 23″4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death , I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
My prayer for you is that you will find God and trust him. He loves you so much.

Mom mother suffered from mental disorders: post partum depression and probably bipolar tendencies. Unfortunately, my mother drank to excess and died at the age of 35. My oldest daughter had a myriad of mental disorders as well and was a drug addict and alcoholic. My daughter died at the age of 36.
Both of these beautiful women were intelligent, good and caring. The mental illness and the addictions are the work of the devil. Those of us that mourn the passing of our loved ones must learn everything we can to prevent this from happening to others.
My heart is broken.

Therese,
To quote the words of Carolyn Myss, you speak totally in woundology. You have created a whole self-identity, website and community around your depression illness and the advocacy of taking medication for it. There are issues with biochemistry of the brain, there’s a great book about it called Change Your Brain, Change Your Life – I suggest you check it out. Many studies show that what we eat and what other substances we put in our bodies (coffee, aspartame, nicotine, sugar, etc.) greatly affect our moods and ability to focus.
To unabashedly say that someone is writing a Bad Book is so judgmental and it appears that you are doing so with very little to go on – perhaps you simply want to defend yourself for being totally dependent on medication.
Meds can help, of course, because they change your biochemistry. Food and supplements can also change your biochemistry. Thought can also change biochemistry. (check out the Messages From Books, What the Bleep, The Secret) Mind and body are connected, and there are many approaches to depression.
This site is billed as a spiritual journey to mental health, but it looks more like an advertisement for the big drug companies. The people who comment on these stories often seem wiser than the authors of the articles. What would you do if something happened and you could no longer get your medication? How do you know the medication isn’t causing other side effects that may be more dangerous in the long run? Why discount the natural methods – isn’t that what God set up this Earth with?
You only make yourself look like a fool to bash a book before it’s even written. But evidently on this website you’re speaking to your own choir. If he wants to use his celebrity to help other people (which is exactly what you are doing, only you created your celebrity yourself) than more power to him.
Oh, wait. Maybe I’m just having a mood swing! It’s not my fault, right? It’s a dis-ease. Not even sure how I signed up for this newsletter. I usually like it. But stories like this just piss me off.

Excuse me, I meant the Messages From Water books in the above post

Emotional pain can send us searching for a greater understanding of the why and the what that has taken us to where we are in life. But, hurt of loss and the sadness and shock of all the pain and anger has to be dealt with. My prayer is that God dumps blessings on your head for all the suffering you have gone through. Depression brings great suffering but God brings hope and healing. We will never suffer like he did, a Roman soldier’s sword stabbed through his side, spikes were drilled into his hands and feet. He bled and died for us. These words do not necessarily lessen your pain but I want you to know that your future with Jesus is so bright. Depression can lift if we praise and thank God for all he has done for us, our skills, our abilities, our beautiful world and for those we love, even our work. I put on music to fill my home like, Great is Thy Faithfulness. It reminds me that he is always there helping me, guiding me and I can depend on him. The Holy Bible says not to put our faith and trust in man. We will just be disappointed. You have been so disappointed but I believe that only the love of God will heal this pain you feel, so deep. You have every right to be angry at how life has turned out and that loved ones have left you down.
This letter is for Mr. Carrey whose work I love. It is my prayer that he gets this letter and finds that there is relief from severe depression through medication but also through believing that God says in Psalm 139 that he knew us before we were formed. How awesome is our God, the one of Abraham, Issac and Jacob! Only the God of this universe who is still on his throne could ever think up such a wonderful, wonderful, funny, intelligent, loving, sweet spirit like Jim Carrey. You think that all you have done can not be forgiven. If you ask, believing, it says that he will give you the desires of your heart. Try it God’s way for once.

A healthy mind starts with a healthy body, so he is right about helping depression with supplements.
Simple things like sport, friends, goal settings, reading positive thinking books, remodelling your apartment, proper nutrition, listening to specific music etc… can also help against depression.
This said taking medication “as a last resort” is not excluded in curing depression. I must say though there are scary side effects to those medications to be aware of.
Personally I had great times and down times too, and as I realised that my health was strongly related to my happiness I decided to create a new project to help myself and others for their physical and spiritual well being, it starts with proper nutrition to goal settings and visualisation.
Anyone interested can view some of my videos on Youtube with search keyword: Muuip or simply view my webpage Muuip.com. The presentation isn’t professional but the purpose of the project is good. (look for the English link)
Wishing everyone a happy day!

You know they say laugher is the best medicine sometimes. And I can bet Jim Carrey book on Depression just might be funny. He might have some good points in it too.
And I am sure during his time being an actor he has seen many actor and actress with depression too.
So it just might be worth reading.
I do take depression seriously I have it. but a good laugh when your feeling very down sometimes does help.

My son has been on different depression medication for almost10 years and instead of getting better he gets worse. I blame his personal physician because instead of sending him to a proper therapist, he keeps changing his medication for depression every other month, My son is hook
to all this medication and to this unethical doctor,YES I WILL BUY JIM CARREY’S BOOK AND I APPLAUD HIM FOR WRITING A BOOK THAT WILL HELP MANY PEOPLE IN DISTRESS LIKE ME AND HELP MY SON WITH HIS DEPRESSION.
BRAVO JIM THANK YOU FOR CARING.

I think what is often overlooked is the range of depression people suffer from. Yes, I believe mild depression could be treated with supplements, exercise and nutrition alone. Moderate, maybe-maybe not. Severe, definitely not. I was diagnosed with severe postpartum clinical depression after the birth of my daughter 4 years ago. If not for medication, I would not be here, I can guarantee you that. That being said, medication can only do so much. It takes time, sometimes a LONG time, for someone with severe depression to recover. You have to have patience, especially with drugs, to let them do the best they can for you. You have to celebrate every little step forward and rely on the love and help of others to get through the two steps back. Most definitely seek the help of professional counselors and psychiatrists. Yes, it is expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance. But, isn’t it worth your life?
I hope Jim’s book helps those it can. I also hope he cautions those with severe types of depression to use his advice in combination with other methods of therapy, drug and otherwise.

Please….! Depression is a serious condition. I admire and like Jim Carrey for his creativity and acting skills. If he has a way of dealing with his depression without the use of drugs, I applaud him. I am a counselor by profession, going to school to earn an M.S. in mental health counseling. Some people should not be taking prescription drugs, and this sounds like a reasonable alternative.

I believe anti-depressant medications can be helpful, but I know they can also be quite harmful. The medication prescribed to me boosted my mood initially, but after 15 years of increased dosages and failed effectiveness, I was only able to finally free myself of depression through total surrender to God and admitting that it was not within my power to control. And was only able to come to that realization after taking myself off of all medication. I had to threaten my doctor that I would go cold turkey if he wouldn’t provide directions for me to wean myself off (as recommended). He (and I think most doctors) would have had me increase the dosage yet again and stay on the medication indefinitely.
What I’ve taken away from this is that while they can be helpful on a short-term basis, staying on them for a prolonged period of time (I’d say any more than one to two years), can be detrimental to making real strides in changing your life for the better. I believe the melancholy frame of mind brought on by the drugs kept me from reaching the low point (that I needed to reach) sooner that ultimately brought me to a place of complete healing, possible only through the Greatest Healer.

Dear concerned mother,
as another mother and also one who suffers depression myself, my heart goes out to you. None but a mother can understand the pain it causes when we see our child(ren) facing such daunting obstacles; I know not one who wouldn’t gldly take it on herself it was possible rather than to watch her chil(ren) suffer. Suggestion: Find another doc for your son; it’s been my experience that medications need to be coupled with therapy inorder for progress to occur. (Notice I didn’t say “healing,” because(sadly) there IS of yet no cure for depression. The frequent med changes aren’t unusual, however; it often takes many “trials before the right one is chosen for each individual. Don’t give up hope, though, or da*n medications completely. It’s possible that those meds have literally saved your son’s life. (I know MINE have. You don’t mention your son’s age; if he’s not an adult,several pharmacueticals CAN worsen thedepression of an adolescent or teenager. PLEASE get him to a reputable mental health professional who will use an holistic approach to helping him find some peace. Medications AREN’T a cure all, but neither is anything else( therapydiet, vitamins, exercise, etc) They usually need to be a PART of a many-faceted(holistic) treatment in order to move the individual into recovery.
i THINK tHERESE’S POINT IS WELL TAKEN, HOWEVER: NO ONE who hasn’t experienced the debilitation of a mood disorder has any business attempting to “treat” thise of us who do. Countless suicides have resulted fromthat kind of irresponsible behavior when people go off their meds after reading or hearing what some celebrity has to say about it. A competent mental health team and a combination of treatments are SO important My prayers go out to you and your son

I agree that Jim should preface his book with statements about “his opinion” and the level of severity of the disease. I, too, hope readers of Jim’s upcoming book will realize that there are many things we all do to keep ourselves well including medication. Reading this blog is definitely one of mine.
I know now that medication does change my brain chemistry but the hardest work is the personal, day-to-day changes in old habits and lifestyle. I am a recently-recovered-suicide-attempt, middle-aged woman. After a month’s stay in the hospital to stablize me on 7 medications, I was released to go back to my life. However, I chose not to go back to my previous life but rather to change it radically to keep myself well. My psychiatrist and I have carefully reduced my medications to only 3 from 7 over the last few months, which is a relief to me who doesn’t like to take any regular medications.
Here are the major life changes I have accomplished this year which are working very well to keep me healthy and happy.EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE THINGS I WAS NOT DOING BEFORE MY SUICIDE ATTEMPT!
* 30 minute, vigorous walks 5 days a week.
* Regular meditation practices using several techniques at different times of the day; at least after lunch as I take a short break and before bed at night.
* Fun classes to learn a new hobby such as Japanese flower arranging
* Weekly fun activities planned with friends and family; dinner, movies, dance performances, parties, etc.
* Energy and time to develop my spirituality
* Constantly expressing appreciation for the love and time of others
* Active participation in my weekly NAMI Bipoloar Support Group.
What other things do you folks do differently now to keep yourself in recovery?

I agree that Jim should preface his book with statements about “his opinion” and the level of severity of the disease. I, too, hope readers of Jim’s upcoming book will realize that there are many things we all do to keep ourselves well including medication. Reading this blog is definitely one of mine.
I know now that medication does change my brain chemistry but the hardest work is the personal, day-to-day changes in old habits and lifestyle. I am a recently-recovered-suicide-attempt, middle-aged woman. After a month’s stay in the hospital to stablize me on 7 medications, I was released to go back to my life. However, I chose not to go back to my previous life but rather to change it radically to keep myself well. My psychiatrist and I have carefully reduced my medications to only 3 from 7 over the last few months, which is a relief to me who doesn’t like to take any regular medications.
Here are the major life changes I have accomplished this year which are working very well to keep me healthy and happy.EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE THINGS I WAS NOT DOING BEFORE MY SUICIDE ATTEMPT!
* 30 minute, vigorous walks 5 days a week.
* Regular meditation practices using several techniques at different times of the day; at least after lunch as I take a short break and before bed at night.
* Fun classes to learn a new hobby such as Japanese flower arranging
* Weekly fun activities planned with friends and family; dinner, movies, dance performances, parties, etc.
* Energy and time to develop my spirituality
* Constantly expressing appreciation for the love and time of others
* Active participation in my weekly NAMI Bipoloar Support Group.
What other things do you folks do differently now to keep yourself in recovery?

I believe that Mr.Jim Carey has the right to write a book as anyone else… he is allowed to his opinions,,,however I have been fortunate enough to have survived depression and major chemical imbalances so severe that the first time the only way to bring me back to reality was to be the receiver of 9 electric shock treatments during the 2 months stay in a hospital ward.I have to tell you it was quite a trip as I know today that it was for me an awakening to life and God…god and life are one and the same..I,, now ,,today am medication free and find myself with two beautiful sons ,,, both teens ,,,one is very depressed and has anxiety which has kept him out of school ,,he is 17…academically he averages 80% while he attended only half his classes,, I know he needs cognitive therapy and his meds are incorrect,, we are in the works of decreasing his meds and hope to find something that will make him feel better about life,,, I wish all of you the best that Life has to offer
GOD BLESS

Is there a number, a tally, or even an idea about how many people in anti-depressant medications commit suicide? Some don’t need to be medicated, their depression could be seasonal, situational or the result of a less than healthy diet.
I think that to put people on anti-depressants from the way go isn’t a good idea, until we find out what the real cause of the depression is.
I read posts around from people who ‘wear’ their medications as a badge of honor and who have never really faced the issues but medicated them.
My husband is a good example of that.

I wrote my other comment before reading the replies here. I think that Jim Carrey has the right to do whatever his heart desires, he’s writing about his life. I suppose he’s not writing a medical book or treatise about DEPRESSION.
To criticize the man before anyone has read his book is ridiculous and very narrow minded. Just because the readership here suffers from depression and is under medication it doesn’t an expert makes, just like in Carrey’s case.
Seems that every time someone even suggest treating depression with other than drugs there’s a revolt in the chicken coup.

I am glad that a celebrity like Jim Carrey has realized that there are alternatives to treat depression besides drugs, which always have side effects that later are found to be worse than the illness itself. So I am waiting to read this book, and hope will help many lives to get back to their normal state without having to take medication. Many people including myself have found that supplements, a healthy diet and regular exercise can really heal many, many conditions, including depression. Drugs may help, but they also damage other areas with their side effects; unfortunately, is a huge money business that benefits the Pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and related parties that get profits from selling the mediciations.

I just posted my comment, and I must also mention that individuals already on meds should not replace them with supplements right away, but gradually, to prevent chemical imbalance. As you gradually decrease your med dose, you start taking the supplments also in a low dose until you no longer take the medication, then you take the supplements fully, and within some time (it’s all different for each individual) you will no longer even have to take the supplements. Beleive me it works!!

Catherine Brooks:
Your self-care regimen sounds similar (actually better than) mine. I just lost 45 pounds in the last few months, and it’s greatly helped my own mental health. But of course, good for you.
Janet:
“The Secret” is basically the equivalent of Dr. Kevorkian to anyone who has more than a mild situational depression, and a number of folks throughout Beliefnet (not just Beyond Blue, on the entire Web site) have documented this, most notably Patton Dodd, one of Beliefnet’s top editors. It blames people for their own depression — the worst possible response to someone already struggling with mood instability.
Cosima:
I would never say that therapy alone, or perhaps in combination with some herbals and vitamins (Omega-3, kava kava, St. John’s wort) wouldn’t help some people with mild to moderate unipolar depression — though keep in mind the kava kava and St. John’s wort need to be monitored just like medication.
The problem is, there are some times of depression (like my own, bipolar disorder) where it is outright dangerous to one’s own life, and potentially the lives of friends and loved ones, NOT to take medication.
And I say this as someone who was wrongly diagnosed and took medication (SSRI’s) that made me worse for years. For all that, medication STILL saved my life and continues to do so every day.

“Types,” not “times” in the last entry (though I suppose “times” could fit as well …).

Ms. Borchard,
While you are entitled to your opinions, I think saying Jim Carrey is writing a bad book is premature. You have no idea what he is going to say except that he has found something that works for him and may work for others.
I have Bipolar Disorder, and have had times in my life when I could manage very well on nutrition, supplements, and most importantly, exercise. The thing is, one has to get well enough to be able to get to that point in the continuum of treatment to explore other treatment options. Still, there is no promise that it will continue to work.
I cared for my mother while she was terminally ill and did not have to take medication at all because I was exercising daily and using supplements. After she died, I spiraled down and stopped exercising and had to go back on meds as a result. I expect to be able to discontinue them again when I get well enough to stay on my self-care regimen. It has been a year and a half. My point is, we have to do what works for us where we are at the moment in our individual journey.
If we know anything at all about these illnesses of unipolar and bipolar depression, it is there is no one thing that works for everyone. I believe Jim Carrey is intelligent enough to know that, will put a warning in his book and hopefully will tell his story. He could help lots of people without hurting anyone. To pass judgment on his book before you have read it comes across with a combination of ignorance and defensiveness.
While it is very frustrating for others to assume people with mental health issues can just pull themselves up by their bootstraps, so to speak, I do not think that warrants criticizing someone for writing what works for him or her.
Those of us who have dealt with our mental health issues over so many years know that various situations can change our health status. For example, when I was on meds previously, one simply stopped working after a relatively minor discussion with my brother about financial issues. Financial issues are a huge trigger point for me, but I never expected the medication to simply stop working. Raising the dosage didn’t help; my doctor and I had to try other medications. That is yet another point of frustration, the medications may just stop working and seem to have to be tweaked on a fairly regular basis for many people.
The best book I have read is Bipolar Disorder Demystified by Lana Castle. She actually has charts with symptoms and the vitamins and minerals that help alleviate symptoms, but she does not discourage anyone to discontinue their medications at any time. She also addresses other mental health conditions including unipolar depression.
Each of us is unique and in a unique situation. Each person requires his/her own comprehensive plan of care and the plan of care changes as our conditions fluctuate. It is important for people to have that understanding.
You seem to get irritated with others for passing judgment on our conditions, yet you also seem quick to pass judgment on those who do not see all things as you see them.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl

Cheryl:
In my experience, trying to battle bipolar disorder without medication is a bit like the guy who (when they existed) walked between the Twin Towers 1,300 feet in the air on a tightrope.
He proved it can be done. But oh my G-d, is it risky to the point of reckless disregard for one’s own (and potentially others’) lives …

I find it SO offensive and inappropriate when celebrities–or anybody, for that matter–not trained in medicine tell others how to treat their illnesses. If they don’t give a d*mn about their readers, then maybe this will give them pause: it’s possible that any of these individuals could sue them for malpractice should they be harmed by taking their advice.
The fact is that Carrey, via his own disastrous personal life, has proven beyond question that he was probably mentally unbalanced when he wrote this book. Consider the source, folks.

When my son was diagnosed bipolar and refused meds, we took him in for a blood analysis. Found a few things that the psychiatrist agreed were contributing to his condition that could indeed be addressed with supplements. The major finding was that his cholesterol was only 101 (too low for good neuro function) and another marker indicated his endocrine system wasn’t functioning quite as it should.
Bipolar patients often refuse meds, as my son did, but he did agree to take the HANDFULL (14) of different supplements and is making progress.
This leads me to believe ALL of us should have a blood analysis before adding a prescription to the mix. After all, our blood is our basic chemistry and adding meds alters that chemistry. Knowing what’s going on before the med would give our docs better information about which one to prescribe. Psych meds are hard to regulate in the first place and this could cut the learning curve, IMHO.

Supplements and herbs are chemicals, just as drugs are chemicals. Chemicals are chemicals, be they vitamins, prescription medications, herbal supplements, whatever. Each person is effected a little bit differently than the next person. What works for one person may not work for another.
Then there is the placebo effect–should a person be able to believe they can control their thoughts enough, well, maybe they can. If it was my loved one, however, I wouldn’t leave them alone until I was ABSOLUTELY SURE that they could manage without prescription drugs.
Also, many people have one major episode of depression during their life and that’s it. Period. Never again do they descend into the blackness.
Must be nice. I’ve had chronic depression for over 20 years. It’s hard. I wouldn’t say it has ruined my life, but it sure hasn’t helped it any.
Also, I would like everyone to note that getting my Cymbalta every month is one of my highest priorities. Right up there with the Singulair (so I can breath) and the Lisinopril (blood pressure). I can’t make it without those medications. That’s my personal story.

Someone mentioned one a day vitamins. The one a day type vitamins are not going to help with a serious depression. A food supplement and vitamin regimen would be a lot more complicated than that. Of course you should not give up your meds.
Suzanne Somers has written a couple of books about health related issues. She mentioned that she has a box full of different vitamins, herbs, and supplements. She is constantly changing what she takes according to her current needs. That is kind of what I had been doing, before I had read her book. L lysine for instance, can help with dry mouth that you might experience after taking certain meds.

Therese,
Whoa! How do you know that Jim Carrey isn’t the most well-researched person on depression? What proof do you have that he hasn’t read “squat”? I have no idea what Jim Carrey knows and doesn’t know — neither do you! Let’s see, you are criticizing someone who is not an expert for writing on depression based soley on his experience? Doesn’t that sound like someone else you know? Hint: she is not an expert, but she writes a blog about her experience.
It seems that anyone who brings up the legitmate questioning of psychiatric medication is vehemently dismissed here. Would you want someone totally dismissing you without hearing you out first?

Although a big fan of Jim Carrey I believe this book could be dangerous. There are many contributing factors to depression. As both an RN and a person who has suffered from depression for a number of years I’ve tried it all. Depression is a chemical imbalance, the causes of this is varies. For myself a combo of heridity and and an illness that cost me my career. A must for depression, which I hope is mentioned in the book is counsuling. Also, please Mr. Carrey, starting a herbal regiment for anything needs to be discussed with the primary care physision. Many “herbal remadies” can prove deadly when mixed with other meds. Espeacially meds for blood pressure and heart disease. Any treatment plan needs to be medically monitored. Depression is an illness just like any other, It’s not something you can choose to get over. Many people without the help of phych meds would be dead. Keep in mind the outcome for depression not treated properly is alcholism, drug use and suicide. The book needs to mention these thing, or Mr. Carrey will be doing a gave injustice to his many devouted fans.

I am 74 years old and have been burdened by bipolar for a life time. I was diagnosed finally in 1980. I don’t think I would be alive if it weren’t for meds prescribed by physchiatrists. I saw Jim Carrey on Larry King Live when he talked about supplements. I won’t ever think again about getting off my prescribed meds,which I have done a few times. Thank goodness I got back on meds. I like JIm Carrey, but if he is the only one in the world that has discovered this idea of supplements, and if they work, it’s a miracle.

What supplement did Jim and Larry King talk about???What is the name? i can’t find it anywhere…i saw it on the live interview but the name of the supplement is off youtube and cnn.com can’t find it anywhere…..weird….it started with a T…

Jim mentioned the supplements Tyrosine and hydroxytryptophan.

Um, hello? What you wrote is very rude and offensive.
I’m only 21, but I’ve been on every kind of med for depression there is. Not ONE has worked for me. You know why? Because for many people, the root of the problem is with their neurotransmitters having been damaged (or not working properly.) Neurotransmitters go deeper to the root of the problem then seratonin. They are RESPONSIBLE for seratonin, as well as TONS of other vital workings in the mind. What he is talking about are very high-tech, specified “vitamins” that work to actually FIX you. This is not my information, this is information that has been explained to me by my doctor, who is a licensed Neurologist and Psychiatrist.
I’m taking what Jim is taking now – THEY ARE CALLED NEUROREPLETE AND CYSREPLETE. They are only given by licensed doctors. Jim is not just pulling things off the shelves of Walgreens and making a conconction here, he’s being responsible. These are the only things that have made ANY impact on me in over 12 years of my suffering, and I started noticing this in 5 days.
So get off your high horse and see that people need different things, and Jim may very well be SAVING lives with writing a book that’s aimed at helping people.

I agree with Holly! I too am on the same regime that Holly and Jim Carrey are on. I have spent most of my adult life (49 yrs old now) trying every med on the market for severe depression and anxiety, that my un-informed Dr.’s prescribed. Nothing but side effects and more pills to counteract side effects. Weight gain, lethargy, sleepiness, body aches, tremors, tics…….and the list goes on!!! I Started on the NeuroResearch protocol 3 months ago. And I started feeling better within one week. I am on no prescription medications at all!! I have never felt better. My moods are stable and I am completely happy for the first time in years. We have an imbalance of neurotransmitters, people!!! Do your research! And quit believing Dr.’s who only know how to pop you a fixit pill that will eventually just mess you up even further. Amen to Jim and you too, Holly!

July 11, 2009 I was released after an 11 day stay in a Mental Health Hospital. I have been struggling with bi polar/depression since 1999. I have tried virually every medicine available and they will work for a few years and then stop, or not work at all, or im allergic, or have side effects. I would like to ask where one can find this regimen that Holly and Annette take. I really want to try it. Thankyou Annette for sharing.

Holly and Annette. You are both rude and insensitive. You sound like ignorant Tom Cruise. Even he apoloigzed. What works for some people may not work for others. I was on the same regiment that Jim Carrey is on, prescribed and suggested by my doctor, a licensed mental health doctor. I was weened of my anti depressant and started this regiment. After about 5 weeks, I felt no improvment in my moods, actually sick to my stomach and had to stop. I tried many different anti depressants, I suffer from dystimia, and finally found a cocktail that finally makes me feel alive. That, and a good therapist. While I am glad that he is speaking about his method, and more people are being honest about depression, he is not a doctor, nor are you. Nor am I for that matter. But, what works for some, is not necessarily good for others. And for you to riducule those of us that take medication for depression is inconsiderate. You both need a good therapist to get to the root of the problem and then whatever works for you. Keep your opinions to yourself.

Vitamins do work go to truehope.com

I think this could help some folks with mild depression.

I was happy to hear about Jim Carrey’s progress and look forward to the book. I think people have to keep in mind that one treatment does not fit all. Medication doesn’t work for everyone and neither do supplements.
When I was diagnosed with clinical depression, I tried many supplements like St. John’s Wort and SAM-E with no success whatsoever. So I took meds for 20 years. I was never satisifed with the results of the meds. It did help the condition, but the situation was not optimal. I always had a sense of not being quite myself.
Several months ago I began a plan that combined eating only fresh foods and free range (meats), gluten free, sugar free, salt free as well as an intense exercise program. I also incorporated the six steps from the book ‘The Depression Cure’ which advocates fish oil, exercise, adequate sleep, meaningful activities, and light therapy. On my own, I added a vitamin D supplement.
No St. John’s Wort or Ginseng or any of that stuff. Since I started this regimen, so to speak, I have had NO symptoms whatsoever, not even PMS. I feel like myself for the first time in my life. I am still on a very low dose of anti-depressants, but I intend to wean off that in a few months if my results continue to be so wonderful. I have never felt this good – concentration, focus, outlook, clarity of thought.
Jim’s thoughts and recommendations may not work for everyone, but someone, like me, needs to hear it because it may work for them. Part of having depression/bipolar is taking responsibility for your disease and your treatment. Be informed and be aware of what works for you and what doesn’t. Have a good support system and start small changes that lead to big ones.

Jim Carry is in love, no surprise or miracle, what can be better for cure of depression, everybody would feel better.

I was diagnosed with bipolar NOS about 4 months ago. After learning of this I became severely depressed. I am only 24 years old and I simply thought I had a drinking and frug problem. After I gave these up my moods were not better at all. I began taking seroquel wiht no postitve effects, but I was super exhausted all of the time. The doctor then started me on Lamictal and I still didn’t see any side effects. I started taking online classes and focusing on paying of my accured debt and making plans for my future. Once I started focusing on me and who I really was, my fear of being bipolar and my social anxiety began to disapate. I think that Jim Carrey has a wonderful idea and good for him for making his ideas public. Not many people would have the courage to do so. Let people live and speak their own minds. How could someone seriously get upset for someone sharing their own ideas??? COME ON PEOPLE!!!

It seems to me that you are maybe feeling convicted for taking medications if you have to bash Jim Carrey for expressing his thoughts on Natural healthcare, if you want to make pharmaceutical companies richer go ahead. Although you might feel better mentally taking a pharmaceutical pill, it is taking a toll on your other organs. Research that!

You know, it always amazes me when I read about someone who will quickly and readily take a pharmaceutical pill, with all its warnings and side effects, and which comes from sources, that are twisted, heated, and chemicalized, and yet will not be open to taking a pill which comes from the natural source untainted, unheated, untwisted, and non-chemicalized. Hmmm.

I just don’t understand your negative comment about natural supplements and vitamins for depression. Thousands upon thousands of people have overcome depression, anxiety, ‘Bipolar’ and other ‘mental illnesses’ by natural means, and it is not the placebo effect, not their ‘opinion’ and not making them addicts. I used to have severe anxiety and panic attacks and refused the meds, but am completely, perfectly whole and well and have been for about 18 years now because of vitamins, the elimination of all caffeine (yes, that includes chocolate), and other natural supplements – and I don’t have side effects, am not killing my liver, and have *not* been having a placebo effect for 18 years. This is not my opinion, but a visible fact.

Research Germany’s protocol for depression. Why is it that 80 percent of depression patients are treated successfully with B vitamins and natural supplements with great success?

Ahh. I am sorry. I digress. I just don’t understand the lack of desire to try natural supplements, and the critique of them as being ‘opinion’. If Jim Carrey is well…is that opinion – or fact? Hmmm. Something to think about.