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| 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?
