Therapy is one of the most effective tools we have to treat depression. Through therapy and counseling, patients can learn coping strategies, recognize and stop their own negative thought patterns, learn ways to self-motivate, and so much more. Even for patients that use medications, it is highly recommended that those pharmaceutical treatments are combined with psychotherapy to help manage depression in the long term.
But depression is complex. It isn’t always “if we do this treatment, it will be treated.” We often have to try different methods, combine treatment options, discuss care with other health professionals, and more. Some forms of depression respond better than others, and there are situations – particularly with conditions like bipolar disorder – where medication or other medical treatment may be necessary.
So, what happens when depression isn’t responding well? What options are next?
How We Approach Treatment Resistant Depression
There are two things to note before we get started. First, there are always more treatments, and most people that continue seeking these treatments will find relief. One of the symptoms of depression is hopelessness, and so it is normal for people with treatment resistant depression to feel hopeless when these treatments are not working. But there are options out there, and together – and sometimes with others – we will work to find them.
Second, every case and every individual is different. The approaches we use must cater to your specific needs, and those needs are often very different than others with treatment resistant depression. We encourage you to reach out to us to discuss these different options, as they cannot be fully explained here.
With that in mind, the following are some of the strategies we may take or the recommendations that we may provide to help address this type of depression:
- Alternative Therapy Options – There are many approaches to therapy, including CBT, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, DBT, and even alternative treatment options like art therapy. There are many modalities to choose from, and our therapists may need to integrate additional approaches to address your specific needs.
- More Intensive Psychotherapy – In situations where the treatment resistance is linked to life outside of the sessions – for example, if you’re struggling with work or in your relationship – we may recommend increasing the frequency of the sessions so that there is less time in between our meetings.
- Existential Exploration – Engaging in discussions about life’s purposes and values, which can provide a deeper personal insight and new meanings, especially in clients who struggle with existential concerns alongside depression.
- Bringing in Third Parties – If there are situations in which we believe additional treatment may be useful, we can discuss the idea of bringing in third parties, such as psychiatrists or other health professionals. There are some very exciting treatments out there to help, not only medications, but also medication free options like TMS therapy, and many others, all of which can provide additional support to complement therapy.
Depression responds well to treatment. But not all depression responds to the first treatment right away. We know how hard it can be to wait, but there are many options out there, and once we find the best one(s), there is potential for you to feel better than you have felt in years. Learn more about depression treatments on Long Island by contacting Long Island Counseling Services, today.