Your Low-Stress Guide to Leveling-Up Your Bedtime Routine
Are You Burnt Out or Depressed?
Still, I havent found the exact right regimen yet.
Thats because I havetreatment-resistant depression (TRD), which isnt a DSM diagnosis but is very much real.
Dr. Juli Fraga is a licensed psychologist.
The symptoms are the same, but for various reasons, it may need a different approach to treatment.
The symptoms can be the same as regular depression but the response to treatment is worse.
psychiatrist and founder ofBrooklyn Minds
Why is depression resistant to treatment for some people?
What helps one person may do very little for another, says Douglas.
This can take months.
Talk therapy can be life-changing, but again, it sometimes isnt the right solution for some people.
Again, that takes time.
TRD can also occur because of an incorrect diagnosisand therefore, the wrong meds.
Also, depression often does not exist in a vacuum.
Personal history and lifestyle factors, such as alcohol use and sleep hygiene, also can contribute to TRD.
Just having depression can exacerbate problems with sleep, and so forth.
psychiatrist and founder ofBrooklyn Minds
I have seen patients with unresolved trauma, hormonal issues, maladaptive stress coping, and life circumstances.
When [those issues are] addressed appropriately, they do resolve fully or partially.
What can you do for TRD?
Removing simple sugars/carbohydrates, caffeine and alcohol can also be helpful.
Walking or more vigorous regular exercise has been demonstrated to assist in mood and blood sugar regulation.
For therapy, Fraga recommends psychodynamic or trauma-informed psychotherapy.
Theres alsoOptionsMD, a service to help connect people with treatment-resistant depression to appropriate treatments and programs.
Here, again, patience is necessary.
Naturopathic doctors recognize that depression is a symptom.
[Its] the bodys way of letting us know there is an imbalance somewhere.
There are some fundamentals to helping our minds and bodies stay balanced.
Each one of these therapies may be helpful on their own or together.
Depression is a medical illness and can be unpredictable and frustrating for all involved, says Dr. MacMillan.
If someone you care about is struggling with depression, give a shot to have patience, says Douglas.
A person may have depression for months, even yearsbut that doesnt mean they arent trying to get better.
Accept that they still may be struggling, even with treatment, she says.
The more you are involved, the more it’s possible for you to help them stay on track.
Be a team at all times, she says.
Friends and family of depressed people should know that they dont have to go it alone, either.
Although it may take time, which can feel utterly uncomfortable, I know I canand willget better.
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