What Makes Depression Hard to Overcome

By Steven Booth, Founder, Elevation Behavioral Health

When suffering from a particularly difficult bout of depression, it is hard to even describe it to someone who has never experienced depression. The low mood takes over your whole world, holding you captive in bone-deep fatigue. You lose all motivation to do anything and become overwhelmed with an oppressive heaviness of the soul.

Someone going through this mental health challenge only wants one thing—to feel better. It might seem as if, with about thirty types of antidepressants on the market, that would be easy to accomplish, but relief from heavy depression is often elusive.

In many ways, the major depressive disorder remains a mystery. While science has identified several risk factors that might explain why someone has developed the debilitating condition, correcting it is not that simple. Depression can be especially difficult to overcome, but it is, indeed, possible.

Learn About Depression

Depression is the second most prevalent mental health disorder experienced by Americans, with over 21 million people struggling with this complex disorder. Depression rates are significantly higher among women, impacting 10.5% of women versus 6.2% of men.

The age bracket that sees the highest rates of depression is that of young adults, with 13.1% of them affected by this serious disorder. Sadly, more than one-third of individuals who suffer from major depressive disorder never seek treatment for it.

Symptoms of Depression

A diagnosis of depression will involve a cluster of the following symptoms that persist for more than two weeks:

• Feelings of sadness that persists for most of the time

• Loss of interest in pleasure or activities once enjoyed

• Mood swings

• Inappropriate feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or shame

• Feelings of hopelessness or despair

• Slowed cognitive and motor functions

• Sudden weight gain or loss

• Angry outbursts

• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or hypersomnia

• Irritability

• Frequent headaches or stomach distress

• Unable to concentrate or make decisions

• Thoughts of suicide or death

Causes of Depression

Although there is much still to be learned about the causes of depressive disorders, there are some factors that have been identified. These include:

• Genetics. A family history of depression or mental illness can be a significant predictor of the disorder.

• Brain functioning. Neurotransmitter levels, neural pathway connections, neuron development, and overall brain chemistry are factors in mood regulation.

• Personality traits. Certain personality traits, such as excitability or sensitivity, may factor into depression.

• Life events. Stressful life events, especially when there are multiple events, can trigger the depressive disorder. Grief and loss, trauma, abuse, and divorce, can result in a sustained and chronic depressed mood.

• Medical conditions. Certain health conditions can contribute to depression, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, lupus, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and erectile dysfunction in men. As well, some medications can cause depression as a side effect of the drug.

What Treatments Can Help Manage Depression?

Depression can be hard to overcome. There are different levels of care available to help someone gain a handle on depression. These include receiving treatment from a private practice psychiatrist or psychotherapist; a partial hospitalization program, also referred to as a day program; and residential treatment. The right level of care is determined by a mental health professional after a thorough interview and mental health evaluation.

When a residential care program is the best fit, treatment will include the following elements:

Psychotherapy. In talk therapy, individuals can explore the factors that may play a role in depression. These might include adverse life events like the sudden loss of a loved one or job loss, a traumatic event, or childhood abuse or neglect. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be helpful in treating depression, as it identifies negative self-talk or thought distortions that affect mood.

Group therapy. Small group therapy sessions provide an opportunity to discuss common experiences and is a significant source of peer support while in treatment for depression. A licensed clinician leads the group discussion by providing topics and guidance.

Medication. In most cases, patients with depression are likely to benefit from antidepressant drug therapy to help stabilize and manage symptoms. A careful assessment of the medications the patient is already taking will be conducted prior to the psychiatric staff making any changes.

Adjunctive therapies. Some alternative therapies can augment the results from traditional interventions. These might include TMS therapy, biofeedback, or eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR).

Holistic Help for Depression

Holistic methods have been shown to improve overall treatment results. These are activities or therapies that provide a spiritual or experiential element to depression recovery. Some holistic methods that help depression include:

• Yoga. Yoga involves slow, purposeful physical movements with focused breathing. Yoga promotes relaxation and reduces stress while also strengthening, toning, and stretching muscles and reducing blood pressure and heart rate.

• Equine therapy. This involves assisting at a local equine center in the care, feeding, and exercising of horses.

• Acupuncture. Acupuncture uses small needles to help open up blocked energy paths, called qi, in the body. This is thought to assist in the improvement of mind-body connectedness and wellness.

• Mindfulness. Mindfulness is also helpful in training the brain to focus purposefully on the present moment, taking in the various sensory stimuli and focusing on rhythmic breathing.

• Recreation. The release of brain chemicals, such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, makes getting regular exercise essential in managing depression. Even though you may not feel like getting up and being active, it is worth the effort.

• Aromatherapy. Certain essential oils have been found to relieve symptoms of depressed mood. These include jasmine, citrus oils, bergamot, and chamomile oils.

• Meditation. Spending some quiet time in reflection can help restore a sense of gratitude, which in turn lifts the mood. The practice of meditation takes time to master. Using guided meditation tracks can help you find your happy place.

• Nutritional counseling. A diet rich in lean proteins, nuts, and seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits, and oily fish such as salmon, beans, and whole grains can significantly contribute to mental stability.

If you are suffering from depression, don’t give up. Reach out today for help.

Steven Booth is the CEO and Founder of Elevation Behavioral Health in Agoura Hills, Ca. His passion is providing outstanding mental health care through his facility.