Just recently I have received a solution for my own depression. It is qualified only by the need to consume an easily obtained food derivative, every day, to continue to feel normal. It is such a relief to have this burden of depression removed, so that now I actually feel good (normal) again, like I used to feel.
History: Periods of depression started when I was a teen-ager in high school, and increased with time. When in my early thirties, I started taking Triavil for depression. After being on it for 15 years, the side effects (constipation, especially) became so severe that I had to get off it. I tried two other prescription medications, but found they also interfered with my eliminations. (Most anti-depressive medications can have similar side effects, to those susceptible).
My brother, who happens to be a physician, is also very knowledgeable in alternative medications. He suggested, several years ago, that I take Lecithin. He told me that it should help prevent depression, though I don't remember all the specifics he gave. At that time I had started taking only one pill of 1000 mg per day, but at that small dosage I found no noticeable improvement.
With my recent problems with prescribed medicine and the need to find something to treat depression without side effects, I remembered what he had said about Lecithin, and started taking it in greater quantities. After three days of taking about 6000 mg/day of Soy Lecithin* in gel capsules I began to feel emotionally well again. I continue to take about six capsules of 1200 mg Lecithin per day, making a total of about 7200 mg (7 grams) per day. (Since I weigh only 101 pounds, a heavier person might need more). Now I feel normal emotionally, and so much better all around.
Lecithin is sold in health food stores and many pharmacies and groceries.
Try it for a week or a month, and if it helps, continue. However, if one is currently taking a prescription medicine, one should definitely consider staying under a doctor's supervision, and on the medication as long as there is any need for it. One must be careful about getting off of any prescribed medication. It took three days on these amounts of Lecithin for my mood to begin to be stabilized at a normal level. It might take longer for people with more severe conditions.
Lecithin is like a lifesaver for me. Of course what works for one person cannot be expected to work for everyone. My physical health has not always been too good, and I have been a semi-vegetarian, which may have increased my need for lecithin. Be that as it may, it is still worth trying. Now I feel normal emotionally, and my physical condition also works well, since there have been no side effects. This has been my experience, and I am thankful for it.
Anyone is welcome to reproduce this letter, as it may be very helpful to some. (Please mention my web page address). To date, I have seen no studies done regarding Lecithin and depression. If anyone else is helped by this information, I would love to hear about it. I would like to give credit to my brother Eric Schendel, MD., Ph.D. who told me of the health values of Lecithin. For a comprehensive look at the causes and treatments of depression, see Depression and Fatigue by Eric Schendel, M.D., Ph.D.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Schendel
lionswork@bigplanet.com Originally written August 2000
May 2002: Lecithin still works for me, with no bad effects, after nearly two years. By the way, I have been taking capsules (large gelcaps) of 12mg lecithin each, 6 every day. (Three in the morning, and three in the evening). For me the concentrate variety does not seem to work as well. These are the ones labeled "400 mg CONCENTRATE -provides the same phosphatidylcholine as 1200 mg lecithin". I prefer the regular form, as they seem to work better for me. ---Cynthia
Those for whom Lethicin does not work, might want to try St. John's Wort (herb, in capsules or tablets) for depression. I had to take it several times a day, and did find it very helpful. However, didn't have the sustained effect for me as lecithin. I would advise taking it consistenly to avoid mood swings.
