Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression
There are several treatment options and counseling also that can help
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HealthcareMagic.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
Depression is very difficult and might be characterized with lack of motivation to start the day and this is a hard feeling to overcome and might interfere with the daily activities.
Most of the times depression is highly responsive to treatment, there are few cases that the usual medications used do not give the desired effect.
I would recommend you to not give up on treatment as there are different options of treatment. I am pretty sure your doctor has tried the medications we call SSRI and these are very effective but in some patients there is a need to combine them with other medications like venlaflaxine or mirtazapine for example.
Psychotherapy is found very effective to help remission of depressive episodes. I would recommend you to consider having sessions 1-2 times a week that will help you with behavior therapy and advises on how to manage thoughts and also the episodes.
Being active and having a healthy life style is very important. Having a daily regimen that you regularly respect. regular meals, sleep well, do not overtime, have good times with friends and family. Go for walks in green areas and parks. Make sure you exercise at least 3 times a week 30 minutes each time- this will increase your energy level and help your mood.
You can also find someone you can share your struggles who you know loves you and can keep secrets and has an ear to hear/ alternatively there are certain groups where frankly speaking is allowed and you can share your thoughts in a both descriptive as well as healing purpose.
If you thoughts against the life, this is due to the depression and not your real thoughts so make sure you do not dwell much in those thoughts but speak with someone and ask for medical help.
Treatment needs some patience especially at the beginning. Till you find the right choice of medications for you and the perfectly suited dose for you. Do meet your doctor more frequently during the initiation of the new medications.
Have the other measures mentioned above at the same time with the medical treatment to augment its affect.
If you have not had thyroid check in the last 2-3 years I would recommend you to check TSH as sometimes thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to depression and treatment of depression in these cases is not effective.
I hope this helps and answers to your questions but please reply in case of anymore clarifications needed.
Kind regards,
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
MDE
Venlaflaxine,congitive behavioral therapy are good options and possible ECT
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thank you for your reply.
Low mood with wakening up is one of the symptoms in depression. SSRI are the main treatment but if they are not effective there are other options available like Venlaflaxine. If you have not tried it it might be a good idea to try it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy combined might be very helpful also.
There is also electric convulsive therapy (ECT) which seems very traumatic but is found to be very effective in resistent depression.
Having a routine daily is helpful- eating and sleeping and waking up regularly at the same time. It helps your body to set a good 24 hour cyrcadian cycle.
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question but please feel free to reply in case any more clarification is needed.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj