Before knowing how to deal with treatment-resistant depression, it is important to know what depression really is. It is true that every person gets down at a given from time to time, but when the sadness feelings last up to two –or even more –weeks, it may exhibit clinical depression. It’s very important to note that this is a serious and real health condition which affects many.
The following are signs and symptoms of depression:
- Feelings of pessimism and hopelessness
- Persistent empty sad and anxious empty mood
- Feelings of helplessness, guilt and worthlessness
- Lack of sleep, oversleeping or waking up abnormally early in the morning Loss of interest and pleasure in personal enjoyable activities, such as hobbies or even sex
- Poor appetite, weight loss, or weight gain and overeating.
- Difficulties in remembering things, concentration or even making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Irritability or restlessness
Treatment of Depression
Depression is greatly treatable via treatments like medicine, therapy, or even lifestyle changes. However it not necessarily always easy to treated. Depression may persist in spite of treatment. This condition is referred to as Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). This usually happens when happens the treatment measures taken only relieve the symptoms partly but does not entirely help the situation.
How to deal with Treatment-Resistant Depression
If the treatment has not worked yet, It is advised not to give up. Staying hopeful on getting well and recovering is highly encouraged. Choose from the options below and talk to a doctor on the preferred choice.
Medicine is able to ease the symptoms of depression. However, the first medicine that is taken may not be the correct one for the condition. If the symptoms still show even after the first treatment using the antidepressant, one should not lose hope. The medicine may take some time before it starts to work, or it may aid in changing amount taken.
With the help of a doctor it is advised to try other several different types of medicines, it is also a good option to opt for other treatment forms like psychotherapy. Remember that finding the correct medicine or treatment combination for the condition may take some time and thus it needs patience.
A professional for mental health who is trained helps one to talk about their behaviours and moods. Therapy often offers new ways for stress management as well as the avoiding of the negative events which may set off the symptoms of depression.
For those who have tried a range of antidepressants that have not worked well with them Neuro-stimulation has been seen as a much better option. The following are types of neurostimulation
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
This is a type of neurostimulation where electrodes are put on the patient’s head in order to give electrical impulses. The ECT is often convenient for those who have life-threatening or severe depression. It is also convenient for those who cannot take the antidepressant medicines. This type of neurostimulation has improved over the years despite being controversial. It can also be of good help when the antidepressant medicines are not effective enough
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
This is another type of neurostimulation involves a device being put into the depressed person’s chest. The device then sends electric current to the brain. This type of neurostimulation has is approved as a treatment for recurrent depression especially in adults more especially those who have tried four or even more antidepressant medicines.
It is good to talking to other people with depression. It may help an individual not to feel alone. Moreover one may get more information about their illness and the best treatments through listening to other people’s experiences. The local support groups meant for people who have depression are many and it is advisable to join one as well.
Stress may be regarded natural because feelings are natural. Therefore when dealing with depression, it is highly advisable to be highly hopeful on recovery and getting well. Even resistant depression is certainly curable.
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