However, it does not mean that you willneverfind a treatment that worksyou just havent found it yet.
A diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression may actually open up more doors for you as far as treatment.
It’s the depression that’s resistant, not you.
Justin Paget/DigitalVision/Getty
This is an exciting time in depression research, with manytypes of treatmentsbeyond theSSRIsyou have probably tried.
A helpful way to cope with the diagnosis is to recognize that you are not depressed, youhavedepression.
Another way to cope with treatment-resistant depression is through mindfulness.
Research shows thatMindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapymay prevent depression relapses by decreasing rumination, enhancing self-compassion, and increasing self-acceptance.
You may have low energy and wonder how you could possibly spare any of that energy.
Paradoxically, being active can create more energy.
Self-efficacyrelates to an individual’s belief in their capacity to do specific behavior necessary to produce performance goals.
Either way, physical therapy has been shown to help reduce both pain and depression concurrently.
Additionally, a diet lower in nutritious foods may increaseinflammation, which is linked with depression.
Thegood newsis that being mindful about how you eat may also influence your mental health for the positive.
Coping With Treatment-Resistant Depression Socially
Social support is a protective factor against depression.
Many are online, which can be a bonus if you’re having a hard time leaving your house.
Additionally, in person, you gain the verbal cues that are harder to discern online.
Below are several ways to find groups in your area.
The depression subreddit has nearly one million members discussing depression, so you’re never alone.
Here’s a few ways you could help.
Sometimes even the smallest taskslike brushing teeth or taking a showercan feel insurmountable to someone dealing with treatment-resistant depression.
It can be helpful to offer assistance with household tasks like doing the dishes or grocery shopping.
Using person-centered/person-first languagesuch as a person with depression rather than a depressed person helps remove depression as their identity.
It often takes patience and persistence to improve with treatment resistant depression.
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