I have heard that a deficiency in vitamin D causes depression.... So perhaps he could get his levels checked and then vitamin D tablets would def help if need be.
A trip to a naturopath/ homeopath could be an idea if he is open to it, as they can tailor something to suit his particular needs, and hopefully to help that pain too!
Sent from my iPhone more than likely while I should be doing something else!
He needs to go to a naturopath/homeopath/TCM etc specialist, because they will need to take into consideration all the medications he is taking. He won't just be able to take any over the counter "cure" because he is running the risk that components in it may contra-indicate whatever drugs he is currently on.
Food-wise, go organic as much as possible, reduce his meat intake (if it isn't grain-fed organic meat), be wary of the fish he is eating (chemical levels etc). If you can, get hold of Paul Purdon's book "Healing with Wholefoods" and start looking at what foods will help boost his system. I don't have my copy with me so I can't even start to suggest foods to help.
For his carb component of his food - go for complex carbs because they help rest the liver and also helps to encourage the brain's "feel good" chemicals which will help with the depression.
Nutrients that might help:
Calcium (milk products, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds) - activates enzymes needed for normal brain cell activity
Folic Acid (dark green leafy vegetables) - promotes production of serotonin
Inositol (brewer's yeast, fruits, vegetables, legumes, eat, milk, whole grains) - helps regulate mood swings
Iron (meat, fish, egg yolks, beans, dark green leafy vegetables) - boosts the production of a range of chemical transmitters in the brain
Magnesium (shellfish, beans, whole grains, dark leafy vegetables, nuts) - promotes normal brain cell activity
Potassium (whole grains, vegetables, fruits esp bananas) - redresses the low levels of this mineral commonly found in depressed people
Zinc (meat, shellfish, egg yolks, peas, beans, whole grains, root vegetables, nuts) - enhances the release of energy from brain cells which may help prevent depression
Vitamin B6 (meat, fish, egg yolks, whole grains, bananas, avocados, nuts, seeds, dark green leafy vegetables) - helps to convert tryptophan to mood lifting serotonin in the brain
Vitamin C (fresh vegetables & fruit, especially citrus) - enhances iron absorption
If they're not contraindicated with what he's already on try the following (also please check with his practitioner that these are ok for him to take):
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) - these fatty acids are also know as Omega 3 - my research (uni text books) says to have about 10 grams a day which equates to about 30 tablets a day - so 10 a meal. (but check the tablets as to the amount of omega 3 in them - it may end up being less), I'd probably try him on 10-15 tablets a day and see how they go, increase if need be - again CHECK WITH HIS PRACTITIONER
St John's wort, this actually works on mild & moderate depression, so this may not work - also it can take up to 6 weeks for it to have full effect. If you decide to go down this path, start at about 300milligrams a day and work up to 900milligrams - this may also help for you Rach - to take the edge off your stress.
Sunshine - 30 mins a day before noon (light is brightest before noon)
Exercise - why don't you ask him to teach you yoga, I found the high from a great yoga class beats any gym class high
Music - try gentle, melodic music with upbeat lyrics, or even Vienna waltzes and Motzart's piano concertos
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