Does anyone else have severely treatment-resistant depression?

What alternate paths have worked for you as medications always fail?

StrayTom · 41-45, M

Firstly, identify what type of depression you're up against. There are so many medications out there, and finding the right combination can be a painstakingly long process of trial and error. There are many types of depression, and not everybody responds to these medications the same. I've been through the wringer on this one, and I don't respond well to most of the medications. I can only speak from personal experience, but I might be able to recommend some depending on your type of depression.

I know you are asking about non-medication options, for this I would definitely recommend cognitive behavioral therapy. Also, use nature to get your biorhythm healthy. Expose yourself to sunlight first thing in the morning or you can purchase a Verilux or similar daylight to use. Go to bed in the darkness. Exercise and fresh air during the day. Having a strong support system of family and friends.

Your body creates serotonin when it senses light and melatonin when you're in the dark. Reaching out to a community such as this can also be a great resource. Medical marijuana might even be beneficial, though again, everybody reacts differently. Best of luck and I'm sorry you're going through this.

ShaythePanTransMan · 22-25, T

@StrayTom Thank you! I don’t know my depression type though. What are the types?
I do have that already. I also do DBT. Thanks, I already do all of those things (except for the support system).
Oh, hm. What community? I already smoke weed and find it beneficial. It’s okay :( Thank you

StrayTom · 41-45, M

@ShaythePanTransMan Firstly, you'll want to make sure to have a well trained psychiatrist to make the final determination and formulate a treatment plan. Don't settle for a primary care provider handing out antidepressants. They aren't trained in the field and from my experience have been of little help unless they're writing scripts referred by the psychiatrist.

There are many different mood disorders, but we'll limit the scope to depression here. You'll need to identify if it is unipolar or bipolar, to begin with. Do you also experience manic episodes? This is a difficult topic to summarize as there are so many factors but let me give it a shot all the same...

Here are the three most common types of depression, maybe we can figure out which one is most likely the culprit:

Major Depressive Disorder (Unipolar - Only depressive states)
Bipolar I (Bipolar - Depressive and manic episodes about equally)
Bipolar II (Bipolar - Mostly depressive with occasional manic states)

The pharmacological treatment for each of these types varies a great deal. For example, Major Depressive Disorder will typically be treated with antidepressants alone as the first line of attack. This will often be enough for most patients. Both bipolar disorders are typically treated with a combination of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.

You're looking for patterns here. The ups (if bipolar) and the downs (both unipolar and bipolar). Major Depressive Disorder is, in summary, characteraized by constant unipolar depressive states. Bipolar I and II are characterized by a fluctuation between depressive and manic states. Bipolar I generally alternates between depressive and manic about equally and these states are drastic. Bipolar II generally has mostly depressive episodes with occasional mania to a lesser degree.

ShaythePanTransMan · 22-25, T

@StrayTom Right, I know this already though. I’ve been through 4 psychiatrists I think in 4 years.

I have MDD. Some idiot misdiagnosed me with bipolar and forced me on lithium and I suffered hard on that until I did exactly what I’m doing right now—quitting cold turkey because you’re hurting me.

My current psychiatrist loves mood stabilizers and only gave me them for a while. I’ve been forced on Seroquel for around 3 months and I’m finally doing what I need to do and stopping taking it.

lovelywarpedlemon

Nothing stops the negative thoughts and feelings, but I'm working on sending out just as many positive thoughts. Right now I still hold a lot of uncertainty and bad habits due to my indulgence. It's a lifelong work in progress. On the plus side after several attempts of wasabi peas, I can finally enjoy them.