A True Story
Today I met with a patient whose 17-year old son had been diagnosed with depression. When we’d last met, his son had been seen by a psychiatrist who determined from a short visit that he required treatment with an antidepressant. As none of the SSRI drugs ultimately worked, it was next decided to give tricyclics a try.
They were unsatisfactory as well and so atypical antipsychotics were begun.
On that regime, the son rapidly gained 45 pounds! These are very toxic drugs! And to make matters worse, he didn’t improve! And on that note, I happened to meet with my friend, the Dad.
I informed him that much data exists that depression can greatly be improved with the implementation of a healthy, plant-based diet and lifestyle changes. I recommended that his life activities be scheduled and adhered to every day.
The boy was sent to a wilderness camp for 2 months and he was weaned off the meds. He lost over 40 pounds and began to feel energy and joy again. He ate “real” food and hiked miles each day, in beautiful nature.
Back home again, he has continued to exercise daily and avoids all processed foods and sugars. He watches little television and isn’t on the computer too much. He’s doing well in school, has lost another 5 pounds, and has a fabulous relationship with his dad.
Yes … the brain needs proper care and nurturing!! Give it sunlight, proper nourishment, exercise, a loving environment with purpose … and it will thrive!! The epidemic of psychiatric illness is greatly impacted by our awful lifestyles, chemical food devoid of nutrients, sedentary existences, lack of human contact, a world of electrical devices, and poor sleep! These are modifiable factors and once things are placed in the right … the brain can recover!
This story so resonated with me that I felt the need to share it with you! This applies to children and adults with ADHD as well. Mental health isn’t an option to having a good life – it is life itself!
