One of the most common questions our psychiatric nurse practitioners are asked during an initial visit is “are there natural alternatives I can try first?” It is no secret that medications for mental illness come with a long list of potential side effects and adverse effects. Most carry what is called a “Black Box Warning” label for suicidality. It can be overwhelming to have depression, with or without suicidal thoughts, and have to entertain the idea of taking a medication that could potentially make you feel worse. For that reason and many others, people like to explore alternatives. One such alternative is supplements.
Irene Voss, MSN, PMHNP-BC, regularly discusses the use of supplements with her patients at Still Waters.
Here’s what she has to say about it:
The supplements I use are high quality and evidence based, but are best used as complimentary. Studies
have been done that show improvements in mental health with amino acids, vitamins and minerals when compared to placebo, but the studies in general are not strong enough to suggest them as alternatives to medication when someone has moderate to severe symptoms.
So, what does this mean?
If you have some very mild depression or anxiety and would like to try something in addition to therapy, it is worth exploring supplements before moving onto medication. Moderate to severe symptoms usually respond better to therapy and medication, but you can still use supplements as complimentary to boost effectiveness.
How do supplements boost effectiveness of medications?
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that regulate mood, memory, the sleep cycle and daily stress. Adequate neurotransmitter production depends on an adequate supply of amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the diet. High levels of stress, dietary deficiencies, genetics, medications and toxins all play a role in neurotransmitter depletion. When you are battling depression and/or anxiety, it is best to make sure you have the nutrients required to help optimize neurotransmitter production. If you are not producing adequate levels of neurotransmitters, the medications may be less effective.
When interviewing a client, I explore their history for reasons they may have nutrient depletion and then base my recommendations on what supplements may be supportive for their individualized list of symptoms.
To make an appointment with either of our psychiatric nurse practitioners, please contact us at (734) 944-3446. We take many insurances and we are booking only 1-2 weeks out.
