why? can anyone tell me why depression is so tough to get rid of?

Question

I take medication and it helps at first then my body must get used to it. Now my doctor says he can't give me more and has tried all he can do. Now what?

Answer 1

Meds, therapy, exercise, and nutrition are the combo package for refractory depression. Unless you've already been thru the tricyclics, MAOIs, Lamictal, and the antipsychotics that have some efficacy with recalcitrant depression, you are not out of medical options. You are just beyond your doctor's expertise. See a psychiatrist that specializes in mood disorders... and a therapist, exercise and eat right, too.

Answer 2

Is your doctor saying that there are no other medications that can be tried? If so, then I would wonder why as there are so many different medications.

Is your doctor giving up on you? If so, I'd get another doctor. There are good ones and some that are a waste of your time. I've battled depression for a very long time and am finally on a combination of medications that work very well. Life is a joy and I'm so glad to be alive every day.

Some cases of depression are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. If so, it can take a while to find what works best for an individual. You need a doctor that you trust is interested in helping you.

Besides medicine there's also therapy. From what I've been told, a combination of therapy and medicine usually works best.

I would suggest learning everything you can about depression. There are some excellent books on the subject and you'll learn that others have been there, what I call "the black fog". There are lots of different kinds of therapy and there are also support groups, like DBSA, where you can talk with others who have fought the battle with depression. Don't give up on getting better. Check to see if there's a mental health clinic in your area.

Good luck.

Answer 3

There is so much more to managing and getting rid of depression than merely medication.

To begin with, your "doctor" is this your family Dr ?
Or is this a Psychiatrist - (brain specialist ) Dr. ? Many are the medications that treat depression. Rather than giving you just one and upping the dose to the max, a Psychiatrist would try you on other possible ones to fit your body chemistry.

Therapy / Counseling is an absolute MUST DO for the long depressed person. Often there are things going on in your life - how you handle things - are you emotionally stuck - are you grieving - in an abusive relationship - what started your depression - trauma or rape - feel like you're backed into a corner - too many changes too fast??? With a counselor / therapist there is a genuine effort to find out what is feeding your depression - something in your life isn't working for you - somewhere in your everyday life you're stuck and don't know how to get around it to a healthier way of life. Sure it's work.

But to take a few months and "work on it" is sure a lot better than simply suffering without hope of resolve!

Then there are some other things "to do" toward regaining your mental health. Every week - every day.........
get out of bed - shower - get dressed - EAT - EXERCISE - SLEEP - get out into the fresh air - talk with people - keep a schedule doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done - and remember to give yourself some time and space even if it's a 1/2 hr every day to do something you want to do or to simply read or write or sit and watch the stars. Pattern your life in a healthy way without taking on too much, without hiding away from life. Learn to ask for help when you need it. Purpose to get together with friend(s). Get a haircut, a new shirt, take a vacation......get out your pencils or paints and show your creativity....in time there will appear a smile and a song in your heart.

Only some of cannot live without the antidepressant medications. Most people simply need to get their body "re-started" and they can make it on their own.

There is so much of life to pattern our days and activities and bodies in healthy ways. When you get yourself back on the path toward health ... eating sleeping exercising outside IN BALANCE you can overcome a good portion of your depression. Keep going on that pattern and you'll keep improving with time.

Answer 4

It depends on what medication you are/were taking, and for how long. SSRI's (prozac, zoloft etc.) have about a two year "shelf" life, which means that for the most part they will work for one-two years, and then they will not have the same result as they previously did. They will either need to be changed, or the dosage increased. If your Dr. is not willing to help you, it may not only be time to switch your med.

Answer 5

its so hard to get rid of because you have to completely change the way you think as well as your outlook & how you deal with everything. it can also be a chemical imbalance in your body. have you tried a psychologist? you have to find one who you get along w/ & don't think is bogus. sometimes they just say things a certain way that help you change your thought process. you have to do a lot of self talk, listen to happy music, get a dog, eat healthy, workout & be surrounded by positive people & have positive relationships. thats all it takes. easier said than done! good luck! =)

Answer 6

When you are depressed, you tend to focus on yourself, wondering what's wrong with you. If you can find a way to deflect your feelings away from you and think or concentrate on something that in no way brings you back to thinking of yourself, perhaps a whole new mind set will occur. (Like a child, something that requires your undivided attention.)

Answer 7

Perhaps going out more, somewhere fun/ nice outings would probably lift your spirit? I don't have depression but my brother have manic depression

Answer 8

i wish i knew the answer to that one. my body keeps getting used to my meds too. it sucks!

Answer 9

I wish I knew, can't seem to shake mine either.

Answer 10

because..
i think
it's in your mind
how is medicine suppose to help...