Dealing with Treatment Resistant Depression
“I first started seeing Dr. Brown in September of 2012 for severe depression. I have to say I was a total train-wreck! Today I feel (like) absolutely a different person. He has taught me how to control my mood swings and how to cope with everyday situations. I look forward to coming in and talking with him, and having a therapy dog has made me a happy person. I pray that I can see Dr. Brown for many more years." - L.M.
If you've been treated for your depression, but your symptoms don't seem to be improving, or perhaps they improve for a time, and yet the depression inevitably returns, you may have Treatment-Resistant Depression.
Though there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to tackling Treatment-Resistant Depression, the right combination of medication and counseling can rid you of your symptoms, help you achieve stability, and get you moving forward.
Medication
It can be discouraging to try medication after medication and see no real improvement, but don't lose hope; it's possible you and your doctor simply haven't found the right medication, combination of medications, or dosage yet.
Counseling/Psychotherapy
A trained professional can help you analyze patterns of moods and behaviors to help you better cope with the challenges life presents.
Generally with the right combination of medications and the right professional, Treatment-Resistant Depression can, in fact, be treated.
Though there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to tackling Treatment-Resistant Depression, the right combination of medication and counseling can rid you of your symptoms, help you achieve stability, and get you moving forward.
Medication
It can be discouraging to try medication after medication and see no real improvement, but don't lose hope; it's possible you and your doctor simply haven't found the right medication, combination of medications, or dosage yet.
Counseling/Psychotherapy
A trained professional can help you analyze patterns of moods and behaviors to help you better cope with the challenges life presents.
Generally with the right combination of medications and the right professional, Treatment-Resistant Depression can, in fact, be treated.
Recognizing Signs & Symptoms
What separates Treatment-Resistant Depression from other depressive disorders is that medication may partially relieve symptoms, or symptoms may recede temporarily, only to return in full force. The following are general symptoms of depression and indicators that you should seek professional treatment.
Symptoms of depression may include:
Source: Mayo Clinic
Symptoms of depression may include:
- Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or emptiness.
- Extreme irritability and frustration.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in one's normal hobbies & activities.
- Sleeping either too much, or too little.
- Tiredness and fatigue; the slightest task requires a great deal of effort.
- Changes in appetite — resulting either in weight loss or weight gain.
- Anxiety, feelings of restlessness.
- Feelings of worthlessness or failure.
- Feelings of guilt or shame.
- Difficulty concentrating, or making decisions.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Getting Help
You can overcome your Treatment-Resistant Depression with the right combination of medications and counseling. Call our offices today to schedule an appointment to take the first step toward treating your Treatment-Resistant Depression.