If you are suffering with depression, you are not alone.
The World Health Organization estimates that 322 million people worldwide are affected by depression, and it is the leading cause of disability throughout the world.
While depression is not uncommon, and while the stigma of having mental health challenges is lessening, for those dealing with overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fear and loneliness, the journey can feel isolating. It can be a challenge to reach out for help.
Taking the first step is critical. If you do not have a doctor you trust, there are many agencies that will help you find the needed resources. (DO YOU WANT TO LIST SOME? I put a few ideas at the end)
Traditionally, first line treatment is anti-depressant medication, often paired with psychotherapy. There are several different classes of anti-depressant medication, and each works differently with brain chemistry. Sometimes, if one doesn’t work, another can be effective, and sometimes a combination of two or more drugs will alleviate symptoms.
What happens, though, in about 30% of cases, when the antidepressants don’t work? After spending months or even years trying different drugs, with limited or no success, a person can feel quite demoralized and discouraged.
Though there is no strict diagnostic criteria, most doctors would agree that depression that has failed to respond to two different antidepressant treatments over a period time, (usually 3- 6 months), is classified as “Treatment Resistant Depression.”
Treatment Resistant Depression, or TRD for short, has been studied in Universities in Europe and the U.S., and several effective new modalities for treatment have emerged.
At Montare, we leave no stone unturned in the search for evidence-based, individualized protocols that offer effective solutions to mental health issues, like TRD.
At the Neuro Clinic, we offer three of the most successful alternative modalities for relief of the symptoms of TRD. These have been used by our clinicians in various settings for the treatment of depression and TRD for years, with inspiring results.
They are:
Spravato: Esketamine, a version of Ketamine, earned FDA approval in 2019 specifically for use as a nasal spray for those with TRD.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): a noninvasive procedure using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression and TRD.
Neurofeedback: a noninvasive computer technology using biofeedback to deliver intensive brain training exercises, with the intention of bring balance and improved functioning.
Each of these treatment modalities offer new hope to people who have not had results with more standard forms of therapy. To learn more, click on:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); En Español 1-888-628-9454
Crisis Text Line
Text “HELLO” to 741741