Depression is a disease that does not follow one-size-fits-all patterns. It affects millions of people across the globe in ways that can be mild or severe, physical and mental.
A depression treatment that helps one person does not necessarily help another. And even when a specific treatment does seem to be helpful, it may not help for a lifetime.
But that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up hope. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! There are things to try and do when your depression treatment isn’t working.
Here are a few ideas.
Be Open and Honest With Your Doctor
Having an open dialogue with your physician about your depression is essential.
For example, you should tell your doctor:
● How you feel about any new medication you may be taking
● Any changes in your lifestyle that may affect treatments
● If you notice any changes in your thinking or behaviors
It’s not always easy to be so open and honest with doctors.
And let’s face it: it’s also challenging to put into words how you feel.
But avoiding discussing the things that bother you and how you feel only hurts you in the long run. And always having the ability to ask for help is one of life’s greatest blessings.
Try Antidepressant Alternatives and Boosters
Having to ingest a series of pills every day is never a party. You may naturally feel from time to time that there may be other methods to try.
Never completely stop taking your medication without your doctor’s approval, of course. But be sure to know about alternatives and add-ons you can try that may boost your mental wellbeing.
A lot of people who have depression use medical marijuana to tame some of their depression symptoms. This is because medical marijuana can help with anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
St. John’s Wort is a dietary supplement that may help alleviate mild to moderate depression symptoms, especially when taken with prescription medication.
Practicing meditation is another way to help with depression symptoms. It allows you to become more aware of your mind and body, lowering stress levels in the process.
Get Physical
Being more physical is a wonderful way to feel better when your depression treatment isn’t working.
Sure, an exercise routine can help you maintain a healthy weight and tone your muscles, but it also has undeniable mental health benefits. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that make you feel naturally euphoric.
Tinker With Your Diet
What you put in your body affects you from head to toe.
This is why, especially when your depression treatment isn’t working, what you eat matters. If you consume a diet rich in healthy whole foods, you’ll benefit from an array of vitamins and minerals that help you feel incredible.
If you start to feel down, think about what you’ve been eating and try to add more wholesome foods into the mix. Healthy foods are often a part of a holistic approach to mental wellbeing for a reason.
Note What Does (and Does Not) Help
When you have depression, it’s crucial to keep track of what you’re doing and how you’re feeling. Your behaviors correlate to your feelings, after all.
Keep a journal and make note of your feelings. When you’re in an up cycle, consider what’s different. Did you start a new medication a few weeks back? have you received a recent work promotion? Are you in the first few days of a new exercise routine?
Figuring out what helps to improve your mood can help with future down cycles. You’ll know for sure what combinations of activity, foods, medications, and alternatives worked to make you feel like yourself again.
Conclusion
Depression is a complex and life-altering disease that affects your mind and body, as well as your work and personal life.
When your depression treatment isn’t working, you may feel hopeless, but always know you’re not alone and there are ways to feel better.
Remember to:
● Be honest with your doctor
● Try medication alternative and additions
● Be physically active
● Maintain a wholesome diet
● Track what affects your mood and how
By practicing these key points, you may not eradicate your depression completely of course. But you’ll have the tools to better manage it.
