Does it constantly seem like sadness is coming back?
Recovery from all or the majority of the symptoms of depression is referred to as “remission” by some mental health practitioners. You’ll find this phrase in the “DSM-5.” Some mental health professionals are opposed to using this word since it gives the impression that depression will recur at some point.
Although there is a significant chance that depression may return, this does not mean that it will do so for everyone. According to studies done in 2018,
- Some one-third of persons with depression in non-clinical samples will have recurrent depression.
- More than seventy-five percent of depressed persons in clinical samples will have several bouts of their condition.
- Over time, at least half of those who suffer from depression will have further episodes.
- After two episodes, 80% of individuals will have more.
To summarize, depression may come back for many individuals, but having one episode does not always guarantee you will have another one in the future. Your odds of experiencing a relapse may be reduced by the use of treatment, self-care practices, and coping strategies. But maybe even more critically, the use of these tactics can make it simpler to deal with symptoms even if they do reappear.
The therapies used currently
If a psychiatrist or psychologist has given you a major depressive disorder diagnosis, you will likely be prescribed one or more of the following therapies:
Therapy
Therapy with a qualified mental health practitioner is often the initial step in the treatment process for depression. Depression treatment may take many different forms, including the following:
CBT stands for cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Click here for more on cognitive behavior therapy. CBT is sometimes referred to as the “gold standard” therapy for depression because it teaches patients how to recognize problematic thinking and behavior patterns and how to reframe them. You might be taught methods like “directed exploration and inquiry,” “cognitive restructuring,” “positive self-talk,” and “behavioral activation.”
Interpersonal counseling and treatment (IPT). This kind of treatment assists you in recognizing and addressing difficulties in your personal connections, which may have a role in the symptoms of depression, which you may be experiencing. You’ll gain the ability to better communicate with others, handle challenging emotions, and engage in social activities as you develop these abilities.
Cognitive treatment with a focus on mindfulness (MBCT). This strategy, which integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concepts with mindfulness practices (such as meditation and focusing on the here-and-now), demonstrates promise as a potential method for not only alleviating the symptoms of depression but also lowering the likelihood that depression will recur.
Your particular symptoms, as well as the ways in which depression disrupts your day-to-day life and the connections you have with others, are important factors that should be considered when determining the kind of treatment that would be most beneficial for you. If you find that one method isn’t having much of an impact, talk to your therapist about exploring different treatment options.
Medication
If you are interested in trying medication for depression, the vast majority of mental health doctors will suggest that you combine medication with treatment. This is due to the fact that depression medication only treats the symptoms of the disorder and not the underlying reasons or triggers.
Among the several medications available for the treatment of depression are:
- SSRIs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_serotonin), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are often used as the first step in the therapeutic process.
- inhibitors of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake (SNRIs) may be useful for those who suffer from both depression and chronic pain.
- Antidepressants known as tricyclics have the potential to alleviate symptoms that do not respond to other types of antidepressants.
- antidepressants that are not normally used, known as atypical antidepressants, which may reduce sexual adverse effects caused by other antidepressants
- medications that regulate mood, such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizers, may help your antidepressant work more effectively.
When children or adolescents show significant symptoms of depression, including the following, psychiatrists may suggest antidepressant medication for them.
- greatly impact both day-to-day activities and overall health and well-being
- make it harder to go to school or to excel while attending there.
- might not respond well to other therapy
Remember that taking medicine may not have to be an ongoing commitment for the rest of your life. Medication may provide sufficient symptom relief to make it feasible for you to participate in other treatment options, such as therapy, if your symptoms prevent you from meeting the fundamental day-to-day demands you have.
It is possible that you will no longer need to take medication after you have found a method of therapy that is successful for you. Never stop taking your antidepressant without first consulting your physician. Medical professionals with Genesight can assist you with your medication regimen. If you suddenly stop taking the drug without the assistance of a medical practitioner, you run the risk of making your symptoms worse.
If, after taking the antidepressant given to you for a few weeks, you do not see any improvement in your condition, or if you have undesired side effects, it is in your best interest to speak with the doctor or psychiatrist who prescribed the medication in order to learn about other treatment options.
