Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I’ve got some energy!

The last remnants of a day that was busier than usual.

The other day over lunch, I asked Larry if he had noticed any difference in me over the past two weeks or so.
He laughed.
“You vacuumed,” he said. “And you put away the dishes that were in the dishwasher.”
It’s embarrassing to admit that my doing those things would make seem different. But he was right.
I’ve been doing more just within the last several days. I feel more energetic and motivated.
What gives?
I’m not sure. But I’m hoping it’s a new supplement routine I’m on.
Almost three weeks ago I saw my psychiatrist for a regular visit. I’m on an antidepressant that has worked really well in lifting me out of the depths of depression.
But as I told my doctor, I’ve had a lot of trouble with energy and motivation. It’s hard for me to summon the energy and desire to do much activity beyond what I have to do: go to work, take care of the surface things at home, do some writing, sleep.
I haven’t been doing my share of the housework. I haven’t wanted to do anything extra. I’ve felt blah.
The doctor told me we could try adding another medication, something we’ve tried with two medications already. Or we could change the medication I’m currently on.
Neither of those choices appealed to me. This antidepressant I’m on has worked well. It’s just the stubborn lack of energy that bothers me.
Then the doctor suggested that I try taking a B complex supplement. He said he didn’t know if it would help, but lack of B vitamins could be affecting me.
For over two years, I didn’t eat any meat. Lately I’ve added back some seafood and chicken. But I could still be lacking in vitamins such as B12.
He was almost apologetic in suggesting the supplement. But I was willing to try it.
He ordered some blood work to check my thyroid and my vitamin levels, among other things. But he said wanted me to go ahead and take the B complex.
I still haven’t gotten the results from the blood work yet. (That’s another story. I’m not happy about that.)
I started taking a B complex supplement about two-and-a-half weeks ago.
It contains a large dose of B12, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid.
I also take a multivitamin, per my doctor’s advice, and flax seed oil pills for the omega-3.
I’ve been religious about taking the supplements every day. And by golly, I’m feeling more energy. I take on tasks instead of just looking at things and walking away. I feel better.
If it’s the vitamins that are helping, that’s great. If it’s not—well, what does it matter if I’m feeling better?
Please note that I am not advising anyone else to take supplements of any kind. I am not a medical doctor. I am not an expert. Each person should consult his or her physician and make the decision about what to take, if anything.
All I can report is what I’m doing. I’m happy with the results so far.
Depression can be a stubborn illness. But I’m pleased that a variety of treatments, including in my case an antidepressant, monitored by my doctor, can help.


Do you take any supplements? Do they make a noticeable difference in how you feel?

29 comments:

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  2. Great post, Tina, as always! I am so glad you are feeling energetic! I absolutely love your photo! I do take supplements. Since I found out, on the internet, just before Christmas last year, that Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid is supposed to help boost the effects of antidepressants, I have been taking one of this combination daily. (It is one pill by the pharmaceutical company, Jamieson). It has helped me tremendously, so I have been doing this on a daily basis for almost 7 months now!

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    1. Thank you, Linda. That's great that you've had positive results, too.

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  3. I do not take any supplements, though a cousin who suffers from depression does and she maintains that she wouldn't do as well without them..I am pleased that you are feeling more energetic, lacking energy isn't pleasant as you've described...

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    1. Thank you, Lynn. I never thought something like vitamins could really make me feel better.

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  4. I'm at 'blah' right now, and have also started taking a strong B complex, as well as evening primrose oil as I'm prone to hormonally induced rage! Not sure yet whether it's making a difference, I'm not as good at taking it regularly as I could be ('blah') but I've also had prescribed medication doses changed twice in the last two weeks so I'm sure that's not helping! Glad to hear you're feeling better, long may it last

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    1. Thank you, Fiona. I'm sorry you're "blah." Medication dose changes can be hard on you. I know from experience. I hope you feel better quickly!

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  5. The B complex supplement really could be the root of the increased energy. I have a friend who takes it and she's told me that she feels much more engergetic than she used to. I take a multivitamin daily and it helps me feel more "peppy" as well.

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    1. Thanks, Keith. I've taken a multivitamin off and on, but I never noticed a real difference. But I'm noticing a difference now, a good difference.

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  6. That's so excellent! I hope that they continue to help you feel better!

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    1. Thanks, Lisa. I'm crossing my fingers. :-) And continuing to take the supplements.

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  7. oh, good for you! i only take glucosamine for joints, chromium for metabolism, and fish oil for heart health. i eat fresh berries every day and hope i'm getting enough vitamins from food.

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    1. Thanks, Theresa. Berries are so good for you. And so good tasting, too! I have thought about taking glucosamine for my joints, especially my hip.

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  8. That's super!

    I have been taking daily vitamins for about 3 years. Each day I take a Super B Complex and Vitamin C in addition to a multi vitamin and flax for megas.

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    1. Thanks, Elizabeth. I wish I had started this earlier. I have to say, I was surprised that my doctor suggested the B complex. But I'm glad he did.

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  9. So glad to hear you have some energy! Excellent!

    I've struggled with energy levels over the years. Five years ago I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and taking thyroid hormone has helped a lot. A few years later, I discovered that my Vitamin D levels were low...also a cause of fatigue. I think it's important for anyone suffering from mental illnesses to look at their nutrition and get quality bloodwork done. While supplements or dietary changes may not eliminate the problems, they can certainly relieve symptoms and support the medications.

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    1. Thanks, Nadine. I agree with you. I don't think supplements alone would give me all the help I need, but I believe in using as many tools as possible.

      My husband has low vitamin D, too, and has to take a prescription dose once a week in addition to a daily pill.

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  10. I am soooo glad the fatigue has lifted. For me when fatigue carries on it does strigger depression (hate that).
    Vitamins sound great!
    Also, once you get to gardening (and you'll have to let us know how it goes) the sunshine will help tremendously! at least for me it does.
    Blessings to you Tina!

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    1. Thank you, Deanna. Fatigue triggers the low feelings in me, too. It affects so much of life.

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  11. I just finished antibiotics and I'm starting to feel better. From the antibiotics. Not what I was taking them for. Ha!

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    1. Sharon, I am the same way with antibiotics. They always make me feel a little sick. I'm glad you're feeling better!

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  12. It's great that you're feeling better and your energy levels have improved! :) That's wonderful, Tina.

    I take a multi vitamin supplement only right now in the summer time. But come winter, but doctor has recommended that i also take a vitamin B supplement like the one you take. I get the major blahs and seriously lack energy during the rainy Oregon winters.

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    1. Thanks, Mary. The major blahs are not fun, are they? I hope the B supplement helps you, too.

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  13. i have noticed and i like it ;)

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  14. So glad you're feeling more energetic.........no matter what the reason!

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  15. I learned a lot from your post and readers comments. Some good suggestions here. Thanks Tina.

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  16. Fantastic! I take a B complex, along with a women's daily, calcium, D complex (because I have osteoporosis at the ripe old age of 42 and magnesium (which helps with food cravings). I know it's supposed to be best to get your vitamins from food, but that can be tough in this day and age.

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