Hello Hamsterbait, thanks for letting us know of your condition, we're all here for you
Every once in a while this condition digs it's claws in me as well, but haven't tried Acupuncture. Some cities have Acupuncture Clinics, where they dedicate one day out of the week, on a donation basis. Check it out.
I'm kinda a health nut and have done tons of research on this. Sometimes other causes can also trigger depression. If you're drinking at all. Stop. Alcohol is a depressent. Lighten up on your coffee, using half the measurements then you would normally. Caffeine lifts your energy and mood then drops it even lower then before or use decafe
CornSyrup, it's as bad as Sugar and Sugar is toxic. Check your food labels. I used to drink soy milk & almond milk thinking It was good, however, it's loaded down with CornSyrups. I now drink regular milk. If you need to sweeten things use Coconut Sugar/Palm sugar/Agave syrup (very low 35 on the glycemic index) or other doctor recommended sweetners. Avoid some fruits, you can research which ones are the sweeter one.
Wheat or gluten allergies (Celiac desease) also causes depression. Lots of gluten free products on the market (lemme know if you need help with this)
Avoid like the pleage white breads, fake wheat breads (only eating once in a great while) Best breads are whole sprouted grain breads.
Keep hydrated with water. Get sun (vitamine D) sunshne does wonders 5 to 10 mins. Take walks.
You don't have to cut out meats & chicken, however, eat less of it or cut your portions. Have more veggies, beans, eggs, noodles/pastas, oatmeal, grains.
Vitamine B "complex" is awesome for taking the edge of depression.
Vitamine D
Theanine is a amino acid derivative which is awesome! Good for depression, relaxation and brain activity!
Homeopathic remedies are also awesome!
Azenda is (s-adenosylmethionine) productin and activation of of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopanimes.
Milk thistles is a good liver clease as well. Good to get built up toxins out.
Mulit Vitamine.
Also a book on body reflexology is handy...I have one called Healing At Your Finger Tips. (if you give yourself foot and hand messages on a reg basis this does wonders.
I would start with your diet first, as well as hydration, sun, messaging your hands and feet first (great energy booster) . Then do reasearch on suggestions and pick from there.
If your female going through the dreaded change, then that will mess with your head and mood for sure. suicidal even. If it gets too bad, Atenenol is a beta blocker good for your mood, heart rhythm and blood pressure.
If you need more help give a shout out......