At My Wits End...

Updated on June 11, 2008
S.L. asks from Lincolnton, GA
29 answers

Hello mommies! In the last few months, my patience level has steadily decreased. I seem to get aggravated so easily nowadays. I know part of my problem is stress. My hubby is an owner operator and is gone Monday-Friday and I have a 4 1/2 yr old and 2 yr old that I stay at home with. My question is...does anyone have any ideas on vitamins or natural supplements that I can take to regulate my hormones/stress? My life/work load is about as light as it can get and my kids have a "power hour" every day in which they either nap or be extremely quiet for an hour. Thanks in advance for any advice and it is much appreciated.

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So What Happened?

Thanks so much to everyone who responded. I think I'm going to start in the vitamin aisle and work my way through other ideas if those don't work. Just a little more info..my kids do go to daycare two days a week, I walk about 3-4 times a week, and am only 28 yrs old (so hopefully not premenopausal). Like I mentioned in my request, my life is about as light as it gets and I do try to reduce stress the conventional way, so I'm hoping maybe one of the supplement ideas work. Thanks again, everyone gave me a bunch of new ideas to try out.

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S.D.

answers from Savannah on

Hi S.. Just another suggestion is exercise. I know that when I am tired, my patience level is pretty low. I just started running and I feel really good. I am not nearly as tired at night time as I am normally and I feel great. I also have two children and bought a double jogging stoller so I don't have to go to the gym because I hate it there. I can do it whenever I want and don't have to pay monthly. Just a thought on something that's free that may help. I hope it gets better for you.

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S.F.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi S.

I swear by these vitamins. I have been taking them for ten years. They gave me my life back. My suggetions are
Double X A4300
Primrose Plus A5985
Siberean Energy A5985
www.sbowe.qhealthbeauty.com
contact me with question

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S.S.

answers from Savannah on

I hope someone comes up with some sugestions for you, Stehanie, but I certainly know where the trouble started. You said O/O and that says it all. This is rally a bad time to be in the business, the most stressful times I can think of for decades. I'll bet you keep the books and do everything for the truck, too. Let my brain work on this as I'll be on the road today (but not in a truck). I do my best thinking at 70 mph. It generally solves problems for me on its own -- I'll get back to you.

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A.A.

answers from Atlanta on

Hey S.:

Try www.womentowomen.com. There's plenty of information on the website about the causes of your hormonal imbalance and how to correct it. I've been on the program for about 3 months and have enjoyed it. If you choose not to get involved with the program, at least pick up "The Schwarzbein Principal" which is quoted extensively on the website.

Good Luck! And if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help.

A.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi, S.!
Years ago I used St. John's Wort. But, then I heard that it might react adversely with birth control. At that time that was a problem for me, so I stopped taking it. But, if birth control isn't an issue for you, you might want to try it. The staff at any health food store or herbal/vitamin shop should also be able to suggest other items that might help you, too. I would also suggest any of the B vitamins. And another thing that I have recently discovered is exercise! That helps relieve a lot of stress, if you can find time in your busy day for this. They say exercise can release endorphins and adrenaline, which helps you all the way around.
Good luck!

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C.D.

answers from Myrtle Beach on

If you're not already taking a good multi-vitamin everyday, start. It will increase your energy. In addition to that, I take a B-12 supplement. Don't forget to give yourself at least five minutes in the mornings to stretch your entire body, you could even pick up a beginner's yoga video to use at home and have the kids do it with you. Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep at night (eight hours). And try to get out of the house once in a while without the kids, even if it's just for a few hours once a week. Hope that helps, good luck to you!

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S.W.

answers from Atlanta on

my husband swears by a product sold at GNC called Liquid Multi Colloidal Minerals. He says calms him down. Also available at Rite Aid, I noticed. Personally, I like the gym. If you can afford it and find one with child care... better yet, one that offers some kind of yoga class!

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S.G.

answers from Savannah on

I started taking a one a day mulit vitamin and a Vit B and that seemed to help perk me up a bit. I also started working out which seems to help shed a bit of stress and tension if not some pounds as well!!! But you might want to check into a Mommy's day out program in your area. They are mostly run by local churches and very inexpensive. You and your hubby need to keep the lines of communication open as well. You both should be able to 'vent' to the other without fear or the other tryingn to 'fix' it. These are rough times we are falling into and this is only the beginning. God bless your husband for staying out there and help keeping America moving!!

Good luck!
S.

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T.B.

answers from Spartanburg on

hi S., i'm sorry you're having a problem with stress. i've been reading a book that was recommended to me by a doula. its A Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Postpartum Health. i found it on www.amazon.com even though you haven't mentioned either one it has a lot of very useful information for women and suggests that our bodies can remain depleted on nutrients for years of we don't replenish what we lost though childbirth, breastfeeding, etc. i hope this helps and i hope you feel better.

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D.W.

answers from Atlanta on

S....first let me tell you that its going to be OK! There are always going to be times when you feel a little overwhelmed, its the one part of being a mom (stay at home or not). This too shall pass! I do have a great remedy that's natural...its called Prolief by Arbonne. I would not go a month without it! Its applied topically and I was told once by an OB-GYN Nurse Practisioner that if more women used it, she would have to prescribe less anti-depressants. If you want more information, feel free to email me. If you still cycle, one bottle will last almost 4 months!
Have a great day and God Bless!
D.

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M.J.

answers from Athens on

S., You didn't mention your age but peri-menapause can start as early as 36yrs of age. Flaxseed oil is good to take anytime but it helps with peri-menapause,also. Good Luck

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A.V.

answers from Columbia on

I used to go through the same problems! I would suggest during your "power hour" maybe put on a yoga video or try some meditation practices to try and quiet the mind. Most of us just need some time to shut down our busy minds. I read Judy D said to use valerian. Just to let you know that I have used that in the past and it knocks me out cold. So if you are having trouble sleeping that is a great vit. for you.

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K.F.

answers from Macon on

For me, vitamin B complex is miraculous! It helps me with stress and energy and relaxes me. I am fortunate enough to be able to get a pharmaceutical grade liquid supplement that my parents get from their chiropractor in Seattle and I haven't been able to get a doctor around here to order it for me. But the natural supplements store on Russell sells a couple of different kinds. I think the liquid works betterthan pill form. I notice a big difference when I don't take it. it also squelched helped during my pregnancy for morning sickness, etc. Otherwise, prayer, family, friends, lots of water and sleep are the other things that help me out. I hope you find what you need!
K.

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M.

answers from Atlanta on

Maybe they need 2 power hours! :)

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K.P.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi S.!

Yes! I have something that can help. I stay home with a 3 yo and 5 month old and if I didn't take these vitamins I know I would need help. They give me energy and also mental clarity and balance. I have many women who take them and see excellent results. I also have a natural hormone balancing cream that has been successful for regulating hormones, decreasing stress, improving sleep, decreasing irritability. I have women who love this too.
I would be more than happy to mail you samples of the vitamins if you want to try and information on the hormone cream. Or, let me know if you want more information and you can give me a call. My products are natural and they give excellent results!
I'm an Occupational Therapist and former auditor!
Thanks,
K.

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D.S.

answers from Myrtle Beach on

Honestly there may be more wrong with you than you know. Are you extremely tired? Sometimes there is actually something behind your stress level and unless you take action to find out what it is, you will still remain the same. St John's Wort gives you a sense of well being to help make you happier. :) But I think you need to do a serious self-evaluation.

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M.N.

answers from Charleston on

I dont know of natural medicated way. However after dinner I go for a walk all by my self. It helps me relieve the stress. On the weekends when my husband is home, I go out to the mall or target to look around. It helps me be a better person to my kids who are 4yr and 1.5yr.

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A.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi S., First of all, cut back on your sweets, which can make you depressed and tired. That means real and fake sugar in processed foods. (For more on fake sugar, go to www.mercola.com). Second, you need B vitamins for energy, and the source of your vitamin B is very important. It has to be a food source. Most pharmacy vitamins use an artificial source and your body can't use them. The best source for the B vitamins is liver, the second best is brewer's yeast, which you can find at a health food store. I take brewers yeast every day. Best of luck to you.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

I know exactly were you are!!! I felt the same way until I came back to work. I have a pretty relaxing job and if it weren't for the free time on my job I would have gone crazy!!!! You might need to think about putting them in daycare for a few hours a day just so you can do some of the things you want to.

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B.T.

answers from Charleston on

S.,
I sent you a private message, but I feel so strongly about these products I wanted everyone to know they are available. I am a scientist by trade and I share these products because they are pure, safe, and beneficial, and they work. If you are not 100% satisfied, Arbonne offers a 45 day money back guarantee.

www.gotrbon.myarbonne.com

B.

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H.W.

answers from Atlanta on

I have a friend who SWEARS by a product called "Mood Support" that you can find at most any health food store. She needed to take more than the recommended dose, but that is something you can discuss with someone there. My sister was also very low in her magnesium levels, and took something called "Natural Calm" which is good for that. It helped her a LOT with her stress levels. I know different things work for different people, so just ask around! There are lots of alternatives out there! :)

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J.D.

answers from Columbus on

we can allllll relate some times!! LOL but one suggestion: at a natural food store, you can get something called 'valerian'. it's a natural stress reducer. i've not used it personally, but i have used it on my nervous nelly horse. ;) it worked!

good luck. as someone that deals w/ stress and anxiety, i KNOW the need to bring down the level of stress! it is cathartic to everybody in the house!! LOL

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V.E.

answers from Atlanta on

Loving your children does not mean you have to be the caretaker 24/7. Look into some of the Mother Morning OUt programs in you community. They are usually 3 hours once or twice a week. You really deserve a break and your husband not being home during the week keeps you from having the time for yourself. V.

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K.W.

answers from Macon on

St. John's Wart(wort?) is supposed to help with stress and relaxation as well as stabilize your mood. Have you ever thought that maybe it might help you to get the kids in daycare for 1-2 days a week and maybe do something outside of the house (even volunteer work)? As mothers our lives revolve around our children(as they should), but we can very easily lose ourselves. Maybe you could use some time to remember who you are as a person and not just as a wife and mother. Good luck and know that it will be ok!

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E.C.

answers from Charleston on

Hi S.,

Many kudos to you for looking for help in improving your mood. That's the first step, which is the biggest, and you've taken it. I'm sure you will achieve your goal!

I sell a breakthrough, all-natural supplement that has been awarded a compositional patent because it has been clinically proven to raise the master antioxidant in our bodies, glutathione 100% of the time. It has lowered my stress level by giving me more energy and helping me feel better. I had more energy the first day I took it. (Obviously, not everyone has that immediate effects). You can go to MaxGXL.com/E. to find out more about it and buy it. Contact me at ____@____.com or ###-###-#### to speak with me directly.

Another great supplement are omega 3 fatty acids. They are a mood stabilizer. I recommend the pharmaceutical grade brands, like Coromega and Nordic naturals. You can get Coromega at a discount at the supplement store right by the Palmetto Grande movie theatre in Mt Pleasant.

Also, practice breathing. When you are stressed and you stop and breath long meditative breaths you slow down your heart rate which lowers your stress level instantly. While doing this try to think of something you are grateful for. Best yet, is to think about something about that very moment and incident that you feel grateful about. Yes your kids are screaming or you are changing a gross diaper. yes, it can make you feel stressed. But, you can choose to shift and remember that in that moment you can remember that your children are miracles and so are you and so is life and how blessed you all are to be together and have each other.

Also, smile. Believe it or not but the simple act of smiling releases hormones that make you feel better. Best yet try to laugh. Force it at first. But, if you can push it it will become real, you will lighten your feelings and probably start to see the humor in the situation.

You're Doing A Great Job Mom!

Warmest regards,

E.

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R.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi.
Two things that I have found very helpful, after going through the gammot to find something for constant exhaustion and stress are Natural Calm, the magnesium supplement mentioned before and Juice Plus. Juice Plus is a whole food based supplement. It contains only fruits and vegetables and is amazing in the results. Check out the website at http://www.juiceplus.com/+rh05162. There is some very helpful information. If you would like to order or just try it out for a few days, just let me know and I will be glad to help you.

Good luck!

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S.T.

answers from Atlanta on

I know it's probably a little late in the day to get in on this discussion but hey, I'm ok with that :) LOL

I don't sell the product I'm about to recommend. As a matter of fact, I don't sell any nutritional products because I had never found one to work for me.

A bit of recent history. I haven't been around much lately because I was diagnosed last month with degenerative arthritis in my spine, neck, shoulders and, as the doctor said, all over my body. I hurt. I cry every morning when I wake up. I have water therapy going on and am scheduled for physical therapy soon. The MRI was very revealing and discussion was made to replace some discs in my spine from my neck to my behind.

No energy whatsoever and I slept, stressed, cried and then did it all over again. Nothing helped including a cervical epidural last week. Still in pain and the doctor's saying "Well, we'll try something else" but were vague at best.

I've been on my job 14+ years. I work alongside a woman who has never endorsed or sold anything at all because, like me, she's cynical and skeptical of "miracle" cures.

But last Friday night, things changed and I mean dramatically. I started taking a 7-day trial pack from Total Wellness International. It's a chocolate shake in the morning, 2 daytime pills, a cleansing product added to the shake (which tastes surprisingly good), a couple of fizzy drinks that you mix which tastes like sweet-tarts and a nighttime drink that tastes like peach nectar.

The "miracle" for me was that since Friday night, I have lost 10 pounds, gained a boatload of natural energy (absolutely NO crashing and burning or jitters), my thinking is clearer and my sugar levels have been normal (I'm diabetic).

I don't endorse anything out there that makes a lot of claims to get you healthy because I've "been there - done that" with most of them and, while many worked for a while, they didn't take me beyond the plateau. I believe this will. If interested, send me a PM and I'll give you my phone number. I am not a sales rep and have no products here but can put you in contact with the people who can. You can view the video at http://www.twinow.com/carol

K.B.

answers from Spartanburg on

Well I see you already have loads of suggestions but...
I have used St. Johns Wort and found it to be helpful. Also there is a stress relief complex that the same company makes...Shaklee. I have used these supplements for about 25 years and now sell them I trust them so much. I have raised my 11 children who are now starting to marry and continue to use the products. If you want to look into Shaklee and the products I mentioned you can go to www.shaklee.net/takecontrol and I am happy to answer any questions if you have any. I hope you can weed through all these great responces and find some relief! I will be praying for you!!

K.

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J.A.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi S.,
First of all you are not alone! I too have teh same issues...aggravated all the time, stress, anxiety. I recently saw a Naturopathic Dr who is helping me with my issues. It could be a number of things your body is going through. But as a supplment I take Natural Calm (magnesium supplement). It is a powder you mix with warm water and drink it like tea. It is really good and seems to calm me down a lot. Hope that helps!

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