The Perennial Sam

So far I have not had a positive relationship with any of the meds I’ve been prescribed for depression.  I realize they are of help to some people, I just haven’t experienced much success so far.  Recently I began searching for alternative forms of treatment…something more natural, less invasive and hopefully more helpful.

Last week someone recommended that I check out a site regarding Therapeutic Lifestyle Change, run by several professors at the University of Kansas.  This person would like to remain nameless but I have a great deal of respect for them and when they told me that this was something they would try if they were my age (mid-twenties), I thought I had better check this out. 

The Therapeutic Lifestyle Change is designed to integrate more healthy day-to-day practices into your life.  Even if you do not suffer from mental health issues, I can imagine doing any or all of the things it suggests would benefit a person.  Conveniently the acronym TLC is appropriate to the nature of the program - it guides you to take better care of yourself.  Comprised of six major components - regular exercise, light exposure, Omega 3 supplements, sleep mindfulness, social supports and anti-rumination strategies - following the tenets set out by TLC are sure to create positive change in your life even if it’s not a cure-all for mental health issues. 

 I am not sure what exactly Omega 3 (fatty acid) supplements do for the body, but the site says it has been shown to improve the health of those with depression.  This is something I would ask my doctor about before taking.  Apparently it has shown no negative interaction with medications, but you never know, and it could be that your body in particular may not need more of it. 

I think I would like to try this program and see how it goes.  I need to start exercising regularly anyhow: 1. It’s not healthy to just sit around all day, and 2. If I don’t, I’ll never lose the all the weight I’ve gained due to antidepressants and the downtime from several surgeries.  I would be concerned if this site advocated these changes instead of medication, or stopping whatever treatment you’re currently in, but it does not.  Instead it says that the program’s designers encourage individuals to make these lifestyle changes in addition to whatever course of treatment they are currently involved in.  So, although it may not help to the extent they’d like it to - I don’t see this program causing any harm.  And of course you should let your health professionals know what you are up to. 

At the moment I’ll be honest and tell you I don’t have the motivation to start an exercise regimen just yet.  But I have been thinking about it, and recently got my roller blades out of my parents’ basement.  If I do decide to follow this program, I’ll document my progress on this site.