My Updated Vitamin Closet | deathkettle's Blog

(I take these primarily to deal with anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, irritability)

B-Vitamin Complex
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Oil
Multivitamin
Niacin
Passionflower tincture
Rhodiola
St. John's Wort

I've been supplementing for about 3-4 weeks now. The most recent additions are the SJW, Niacin supplement and Rhodiola. I've read that these herbs need time to build up in my system before they actually work to full effect. So far I have felt more capable of dealing with stressful situations, better concentration, decreased anxiety- less racing thoughts and better social performance. My thought process is beginning to make more sense to me. I feel more comfortable in the presence of other people.. Still very far from 'at ease' though.

I was having a rough day at work today and I took some Passionflower with my coffee and in maybe just 20 minutes I felt calm and playful.

SJW is said to help with depression and lately I have been feeling pretty depressed- not wanting to do much, crying on and off for no real reason. I started taking it today and I'm hopeful about it. I've been blaming PMS for two weeks now but I know I've been depressed and I need to do something about it.

I read today that in high doses (as I take it) Rhodiola can lead to sedation due to overstimulation. It will take some time to get used to such a high dose, I may consider taking it only a few days a week. I did feel a bit hyper but also heavy with tiredness after taking it and having a cup of coffee- and going through a somewhat awkward social ordeal in the nail salon.

I drank some yerba and drove to work and felt ok. Until the irritability kicked in high gear, and I had to knock it out with the passionflower. 

My energy levels are fine. I have been running into some insomnia- another side effect of Rhodiola, but it's mostly my own doing... watching TV, snacking and worrying before I try and sleep isn't a great idea and I know that. I might try out those blue-blocking shades again... i've been avoiding them though. It's kind of annoying to wear them over my glasses.

trying to become a well adjusted fukhead takes time and money but it's worth it. the best part about all of this is that i'm cutting back on cigarettes and not feeling like i need to drink to get tipsy every night or sneak out to smoke weed. i feel more in touch with good things and i only hope it continues. I have also cut back significantly on red bull and soda!!!!

i need to realize a couple things though: bad days are part of the territory. i should be diligent about finding out which supplements work and how often i should take them. i don't need to waste money. they can't fix everything. healthy diet and exercise are just as important as these supplements. Today has been especially bad:  sausage biscuits and fried chicken make up the bulk of what i ate today. haha.

Much more to improve and the improvements so far are nothing but inspiring!