Fish oil for depression...

[Jugs]

After searching some older threads, I want to try high-dose EPA fish oil to help with my depression. I've always stuck with aromatherapy and herbals to ease mild depression, but during pregnancy and early post-partum, I get more severe. Anyway, for those who have successfully helped their depression with fish oil, how long did it take until you started to feel better?

Thank you!

[Rainbow2911]

I find it has a fairly rapid effect for me. Like a day or two. Hope it works well for you!

[Jugs]

Thank you! I've been taking it for about 6 days now, and I definitely feel a difference. One unexpected (but not unwelcome!) side-effect was a boost in libido

[alison77]

how much are you taking?

[greenemami]

I'd be interested in the dosage as well, as well as brand. I'm glad it is working for you!

[Awaken]

Me too. I've been taking smaller amounts for nutrition, not necessarily to treat depression. I'd like to know how much more might make a difference with mood.

[Shenjall]

I'd love to know the dosage as well. As well as your aromatherapy/herbals treatment, if thats okay.

My depression has come back in a big way this time, and I'd like to avoid meds, if possible.

[toastqueen]

I've read about fish oil, too, and your post gives me hope! Dr. Frank Lipman of the book Spent (I think it was renamed Revive) suggests 1-2 grams, but I have yet to try it.
What dose are you taking?

[academama]

I've started taking this (in addition to my antidepressant) after listening to this segment on NPR:

http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2...a-3s-and-brain

Pretty interesting stuff, and more than most radio features, I felt that the experts they interviewed sounded competent.

[kennymevrick]

Yes I also agree that fish oil is really important for depression ,The appropriate depression dosage depends on the amount of omega3 fatty acids that are in each capsule. A good oil dosage will provide both 360mg of EPA and 840mg of DHA. This amount has been used in some clinical studies. But, remember, your body needs complete nutritional support.

[Pariah]

I would love to know a good brand/dose to use to treat depression, too. I'm on two antidepressants and would love to try something natural to see if I could supplement or even replace the antidepressants one day.

[academama]

Well, a few years ago a study showed that the Whole Foods brand had good quality (potency and purity). But I think you will do okay with almost any brand that lists the breakdown between EPA and DHA. I use capsules that I got at Costco; they contain about 750 mg (total) of omega-3 each so I take one in the morning and one at night.

[luckychrm]

I felt the book Instinct to Heal by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber: http://www.instincttoheal.org/ covered this topic pretty comprehensively from a scientific perspective. I can't quote his recommendations because I loaned the book to a friend, but I was taking 2-3 teaspoons a day of Carlsons liquid Omega-3 fish oils (without vitamin A & D) and noticed improvement (reduction in negative attitudes about myself, less irritability) in about 5-10 days. The book (one chapter dedicated to Omega-3s and depression) had a lot of discussion of the EPA to DHA ratios and the impact that other fat soluble vitamins can have on Omega-3 interactions in the brain and body as well as discussion of Omega-6 fatty acids.

At 3 teaspoons a day, I felt ill (reflux/heartburn) and stopped taking the fish oil for a month or more. I'm definitely seeing high levels of self-criticism creeping back in and have started taking it at a lower dose (2 teaspoons) today. I was diagnosed with PTSD 1.5 years ago and severe depression about 1 year ago. Metrically, the PTSD has improved dramatically and the depression somewhat. I use a blend of treatment strategies, but very little prescription-pharmacological in the beginning and none now.

[Surfacing]

Originally Posted by academama

I've started taking this (in addition to my antidepressant) after listening to this segment on NPR:

http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2...a-3s-and-brain

Pretty interesting stuff, and more than most radio features, I felt that the experts they interviewed sounded competent.

I am taking a couple of anti-depressants and have always wondered how to add/stack fish oil to them. Right now I'm taking one Costco fish oil capsule a day... but should probably take more...