Forms of depression that are resistant to treatment are not untreatable, just harder to treat and will take a variety of interventions before the correct one or combination is found. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, severe forms of depression are best remedied through the combined use of psychotherapy and medication. When battling against forms of depression that are resistant to treatment, it is important to remember that the combinations of treatment options for depression are exhaustive and you should not give up.
Step 1
Rule out any possible medical causes for your depression. Consult with your doctor about being tested for different medical problems that might be making your depression untreatable, such as a thyroid problem. Undergo the medical tests recommended by your doctor. If any of the tests determine the presence of a medical condition, get it treated medically. Once the condition is treated, your depression should be more manageable with regular psychotherapy or remedied altogether. If no medical condition is found, persist with other interventions.
Step 2
Change your life. The symptoms of depression are perpetuated by certain lifestyles, and managing treatment-resistant depression will mean that some drastic lifestyle interventions need to occur. Socialize daily with other people. Exercise as a daily routine. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, go to bed at the same time everyday and get up at the same time. Get at least eight hours of sleep, but not much more. Avoid the consumption of alcohol at all times.
Step 3
Consult with your physician or psychiatrist to determine if all treatment medications have been tried. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH, most severe forms of depression are best treated through the combined use of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. There are a number of depression medicines on the market and it will take a significant time period to try them all. If all the depression medications have been tried, ask your doctor about any other possible medical interventions. Follow your doctor's recommendation.
Step 4
Try a less common, but often successful form of treatment known as electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT. ECT in the present form is a treatment option for people with severe forms of depression that is unresponsive to medication and who have high potential for suicide, reports NIMH. Ask your mental health professional and doctor about getting treated with ECT. If ECT is an option for you, follow the treatment recommendations. ECT generally requires six to 12 sessions before it is effective and may require maintenance treatments or the continued use of antidepressant medication to be fully effective.
Step 5
Follow all treatment recommendations provided by your mental health professional. Avoid getting frustrated by the setbacks. Depression is a chronic condition and for many people it takes intense and long-term work to overcome.
Step 6
Invite supportive people into your life. Inform these people about your significant battles with depression. Turn to these people when you feel like giving up. Ask them to be there for you and push you to reach your goals.
