“Acetylcholine Excess and Depression: A Connection that Suggests Safely Testable Hypotheses for Lessening Depression”

Depression deserves the same approach and treatment as non-brain-related chronic problems such as arthritis or a bad back.

A study found that a few weeks after receiving botox treatment for wrinkles, around 1/2 of patients found relief from depression. See
Why did botox help?

Ideas:

#1 – Botox works by suppressing the release of acetylcholine.
High levels of acetylcholine are now being looked at as a potential root cause of depression. e
Acetylcholine is synthesized from choline, which is high in animal products, wheat germ, peanuts, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, etc.
#2 – Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) respond to acetylcholine.
#3 – nAChRs in the brain can become desensitized after repeated exposure to stimulants.
#4 – Recent drug research on new antidepressants has been targeting nAChRs:

So here’s my basic hypothesis: Many of us eat a large amount of choline-rich food, so we can easily synthesize lots of acetylcholine. The constant exposure to plentiful acetylcholine in conjunction with other internal and external stimulators of nAChRs can result in desensitization of the nAChRs in our brains, dysfunction of which receptors is associated with depression. Botox allows a “reboot” of the system by cutting the acetylcholine supply for a while, allowing the nAChRs to become more sensitive again.

And here’s how to test it (beside getting botox treatments): Go on a low-choline diet (unless you’re pregnant or otherwise unable to) for 3-4 days, during which it would probably be good to also avoid anything that would mess with nAChRs (esp. nicotine, alcohol, and recreational drugs). See if you feel different a couple weeks later. Don’t do the low-choline diet for an extended period, though. We need choline, just maybe not quite as constantly as we get it.
Also, try gardening. Soil often contains botox in very small amounts. Therapeutic horticulture has been repeatedly observed to help lessen clinical depression.

Caution: Take care not to have too much acid in your mouth on a regular basis in order to avoid inactivating an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. Study: “pH-dependent hydrolysis of acetylcholine: Consequences for non-neuronal acetylcholine”
“Both esterases are pH-dependent with an optimum at pH above 7, whereas at pH values below 6 particularly the specific acetylcholinesterase is more or less inactive. Thus, acetylcholine is prevented from hydrolysis at such low pH values.”

The brain is right next to the oral/nasal cavity. “University of Iowa neuroscientist John Wemmie, M.D., Ph.D., is interested in the effect of acid in the brain. His studies suggest that increased acidity or low pH, in the brain is linked to panic disorders, anxiety, and depression. But his work also suggests that changes in acidity are important for normal brain activity too.”

Many common soft drinks and beverages have a pH under 4. (There is an error on one PPT slide where I wrote coffee has a pH under 4, but that is incorrect, for coffee has a pH range of 4.5-7; I was probably thinking of lemony iced tea instead.)

Suggestions on helping the mouth not be too acidic: Drink slightly alkaline (pH just over 7) water between meals if you know your mouth environment is unusually acidic. There are filter pitchers that will increase the pH of your drinking water while it sits in the refrigerator.
After drinking soda pop or other highly acidic drinks, rinse your mouth with a mixture of water and a little baking soda. Spit it out afterward.
Watch your use of fresh lemon juice and vinegar, which are highly acidic.

How to Help Someone With Depression

Talking with someone you love about depression is the first step. A trusted friend is the best person to talk to. If you’re worried about something, be calm but not aggressive. Instead, bring the subject back to your emotional state and attempt to steer it in a positive direction. If the person becomes hostile, you can end the conversation.

What are the signs of Depression?

There are a variety of signs of depression. There are many different signs of depression. If you notice changes in your mood, it’s important to seek professional help. Depression can be a problem for all ages, and is a frequent mental health problem. Statistics show that about one in six of us will experience depression at some point in our lives.

One of the most frequent symptoms of depression is feeling demotivated or energy. Although this could be a temporary state however, it can hinder functioning. People suffering from depression will have difficulty completing even the simplest tasks. They may feel inadequate or blame themselves for everything that goes wrong in their life. They might feel isolated from their family and friends, and may even contemplate suicide.

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression

There are many symptoms of depression, and every person will experience a distinct set of symptoms. People suffering from depression are down, depressed, and lose interest in the things they used to enjoy. These symptoms last for several weeks or months, and they can interfere with everyday activities and work. The symptoms may show up in a gradual or sudden manner, and some people may try to hide them to avoid getting help. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your family or a friend to have them checked out.

Depression symptoms may include despair, sadness and anger. Many people suffering from depression experience extreme feelings of sadness and hopelessness. They may also experience changes in their sleeping patterns as well as eating habits. In addition, people who suffer from depression may feel physical pains and aches. In extreme cases, someone may attempt suicide.

How To Support Somone With Depression

It can be difficult for someone who is suffering from depression to figure out how to help them. However, there are some key ways you can be supportive and helpful. Ask them what they require and how they feel. This can help ease any obstacles to treatment. Another method of showing compassion is to be gentle and attentive, as well as showing concern. It is also beneficial to speak to someone face-to-face whenever possible. Many people don’t know they are suffering from depression and don’t know how to get help.

Depression is a very personal experience. Depression can be caused by a variety of aspects, including genetic predisposition or substance abuse or family history, personal issues or major life changes and even a physical condition. If someone is diagnosed with depression for the first time or has been struggling with depression for years it is important to know that you’re not alone.

How to talk about depression with someone

Helping someone who is depressed is a great way to encourage them. Sometimes, people who are depressed aren’t willing to talk about their struggles. You might feel they’re making them feel worse, or even judging them. However acknowledging their struggles and feelings is very comforting for them, and it may be exactly what they need.

The first step is to understand what depressed people think. For instance, they may have a hard time imagining the future Try to remind them that you’re not judging their thoughts. This way, you can help them to keep on doing what they’re doing. Asking them about their treatment will help them feel valued and heard. Ultimately, this can cause them to seek professional assistance.

Encouraging the person to get help for depression

As a family member Your job is to encourage the person with depression to get help. You can encourage them to keep appointments and search for treatment options. You can also encourage them to follow through on the treatments they’ve been prescribed. It’s crucial to be patient and not pressure them to make a decision right away. It’s also important not to make them feel embarrassed or guilt about seeking assistance. Some people have little faith that treatment will actually work and they may require assurance.

A structured routine can make someone with depression more relaxed. People who suffer from depression may find it difficult to make healthy choices on their own. It is crucial to establish an action plan and stick to it. Making a schedule for medication, physical activity as well as sleep and household chores can help the person feel more in control of their life. Although treatment for mental health issues can seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that it is beneficial. You might be able to offer other resources for the patient to use.

https://adhdadulttreatment.com/how-to-help-someone-with-depression-326/

When testing for adult ADD, a professional needs to get a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of behaviors that mimic problems associated with attention. This video on adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder explains why a thorough history is necessary to test an individual for ADD.