Q&A Brian Lewis MFT, ATR

Marriage, Family and Art Therapist

I have a 17 year old son who is battling depression and working on recovery from using. he is also on wellbutrin. this just is not working for him. i’m wondering if there are any natural remedies that you might have heard of? he has taken melatonin and st. johns wort with no help. also, he is seeing a counselor and a pediatrican, but no one is really monitoring his medication professionallly.

Thank You

Dear L,

Sounds like you have been trying several different approaches, which is great. All successful treatment plans need to be tailor fit. The most recommended treatment for depression is medication combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. However, an alternative to medications is the Alpha-Stim Stress Control System. I use this micro-current cranio-stimulation device in my practice with a wide variety of success. I find it effective and safe to be used at home, as needed. Check out my web page for more information.

Sincerely,

Brian Lewis, MFT, ATR

I beat up on my self!

Staying focused, detail, remembering detail info. Any kind of test is hard to get right.I feel like crying when doing things or a test with speed, can’t think fast enough! I beat up on my self. I feel scared & embarassed, dumb! What is the hell wrong with me?

Dear I,

I wish I had more information. The problems you describe could be explained as a learning disability, such as a visual proccessing disorder, but could also be symtoms of depression or perfomance anxiety. In any event, some relaxation techniques used prior to test taking should help. Try counting your fingers, up and down with your thumb, (1234, 4321, 1234, 4321). Breath in, 1234, and out, 4321. With each cycle try to slow your breath. This calming technique can be used anywhere, anytime. In the mean time, find a counselor or psychologist who can help you assess the specific cause of you difficulties. Good Luck!

Sincerely,

Brian Lewis, MFT, ATR