For many people around the world, depression becomes a part of their mental health journey.
While depression is the leading mental illness across the globe, treatment resistant depression affects around 30% of those diagnosed.
Being constantly stuck in a dark hole of depression can feel like there’s no way out. It’s hard to keep up hope that things will get better and trying something new for relief may be overwhelming. The discouragement felt when reaching out for help only to have it fail can be especially heartbreaking.
However, we want to offer some encouragement– if you have tried to relieve yourself from symptoms of depression and so far have been unsuccessful, we want to invite you to continue reading for more information and resources.
How Do You Know If You Have Treatment Resistant Depression?
Treatment resistant depression is a serious condition that can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of regular depression.
Therefore, in order to know definitively if you or someone you care about has treatment resistant depression, it is important to know the criteria that one must meet before being formally diagnosed with this disorder.
Generally, it is determined that an individual has treatment resistant depression when they have had two different antidepressant medications take effect within 8-12 weeks and are still exhibiting symptoms of moderate to severe depressive episodes.
For treatment resistant bipolar disorder, there is no true standard criteria, however, many follow the same guidelines as treatment resistant depression.
Treatment Resistant Depression Symptoms:
Treatment resistant depression criteria can be difficult to identify as symptoms vary from person to person.
Common treatment resistant depression symptoms include:
- A persistent low mood
- Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks
- Changes in sleep or appetite.
In some cases, people may also experience physical discomfort due to depression or thoughts of harming oneself.
If you are noticing any of these symptoms that do not improve even after trying different treatments, you may have treatment resistant depression and should discuss this with your healthcare provider.
How To Live With Treatment Resistant Depression:
Living with treatment resistant depression can be incredibly debilitating, but it’s important to keep exploring possibilities and maintaining hope.
With advances being made in the medical community and science constantly evolving, there may be solutions that weren’t previously available.
One helpful step may be to talk to an array of different doctors or specialists to discover their unique perspectives on treatment-resistant depression and develop a plan tailored for you.
By revealing new options for relief, those who are struggling with depression can continue striving towards a more positive outlook on life.
Stimulants for Treatment Resistant Depression:
Antidepressants are typically the first line of defense in treatment, however, stimulants are increasingly becoming an option for those who don’t show a positive response to antidepressants.
Stimulants for treatment resistant depression appear to be providing effective relief for this resistant form of depression, and many people with this condition are unaware that this alternative is available to them.
With the advancement of new technology and resources, patients have more options than ever before when it comes to managing their mental health conditions. Stimulants are proving to be a vital part of the equation.
Researchers are continuing to study how effective these compounds can be in treating treatment-resistant cases of depression and helping individuals regain control over their lives.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (or TMS Therapy) is slowly becoming renowned as one of the most effective emerging treatments for those suffering from treatment resistant depression.
This form of treatment is non-invasive, and with the help of an electromagnetic coil, focuses magnetic pulses towards certain parts of the outer layer of the brain.
This stimulation is believed to be a game changer for those who haven’t seen relief from traditional treatments such as psychiatric drugs or psychotherapy.
It has been helping sufferers all around the world find respite from their symptoms by stimulating neuron growth, balancing chemical levels in the brain and strengthening neural pathways that are affected in people struggling with depression.
With research backing up that TMS Therapy could be a literal life saver, it only continues to grow as one of the best hopes for those living with this mental illness.
Lifestyle Changes:
With treatment resistant depression on the rise, it is important to consider the role that lifestyle changes could play in giving individuals some relief. While many people ask their doctors for a magic cure, they often don’t take into account how their daily habits may be influencing their moods.
Recent research suggests that our gut health, amount of exposure to sunlight and eating habits can all be linked to depression, and making small changes in each of these areas can create a cumulative effect which could provide significant relief to those suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
It is important to note that these lifestyle changes alone won’t necessarily cure the symptoms of this condition – but they can certainly help by providing enough relief for traditional therapies to have greater effect.
Don’t Let Treatment Resistant Depression Keep You Stuck:
Treatment resistant depression can be a frustrating battle, however there is cause for hope.
In recent years medical science has advanced rapidly and many new treatments are being developed. Stimulants for depression and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are two examples of this; both of which were boundary pushing treatments just a few years back.
Combining these treatments with lifestyle improvements such as diet, exercise, and sleep can result in a greatly improved condition.
Don’t give up hope – doctors and therapists specializing in treatment resistant depression are dedicated to finding solutions for you, so take the steps to seek help today.
Contact us at GeminiTMS.com for further assistance managing your treatment resistant depression.
Resources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-for-depression-2018022313335
https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/advances-treatment-resistant-depression