When Depression Requires Medication

 Roughly 5% of people worldwide struggle with the mental health condition known as depression, but it isn’t a single disorder. Clinical depression includes major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, bipolar depression, and seasonal affective disorder.

No matter what type of depression afflicts you, it can have a profoundly negative impact on your quality of life. Depression causes uncomfortable and debilitating symptoms, such as:

• Intense sadness
• Fatigue
• Guilt
• Shame
• Disinterest
• Appetite changes
• Withdrawal
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

These emotions can be compounded when nothing you try to make yourself feel better actually works. Instead, you find yourself in a downward spiral that may affect your work performance, the way you relate to others, and your ability to perform simple daily tasks. 

If you think of harming yourself, contact the 988 Lifeline by text or phone for help ASAP.

At Blue Mountain Psychiatry, experienced mental health nurse practitioner Edward Macias, PMHNP-BC, and our team want to help you feel better. We prescribe various lifestyle changes and possible medications for depression at our office in Seattle, Washington.

Antidepressants can be lifesaving and are commonly prescribed for depression. But how do you know if your depression needs medication instead of lifestyle adjustments?

Some depression improves without medication

You may be one of the lucky ones who can manage depression without medication. Different kinds of talk therapies may help you learn strategies to support your mental wellness. 

One type of talk therapy — cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – teaches you how to break the cycles of negative thought patterns that are common with depression.

You might also benefit from lifestyle changes that boost your mood and overall sense of well-being. Some things to try include: 

• Focus on nutrient-dense meals
• Get enough omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and B vitamins
• Get plenty of vitamin D, either through natural sunlight or supplements
• Exercise regularly 
• Get enough sleep each night

Exercise is an extremely beneficial, cost-effective way to support mental wellness. When you exercise, you use energy that might otherwise stay bottled up inside. 

Being active and putting your body under healthy levels of stress also releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals your body produces. Exercise improves your physical health and may boost self-confidence. 

But don’t feel shame if these steps don’t completely resolve your depression. You simply need some extra support. You should continue with these lifestyle changes, even when you’re on medication, because they support your overall health and well-being.

Signs you could benefit from medication

When lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to restore your sense of well-being, we may prescribe medications. Here are additional signs that you’d benefit from medication:

• You have another condition that adds to your symptoms
• You constantly feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts or feelings
• You have chronic fatigue that affects your work or school performance
• You avoid hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy
• Your sleeping and eating habits have changed
• You have thoughts about death or suicide
• Your relationships with friends and family have suffered  
• You don’t meet obligations at work or school

If you or anyone you know thinks about or carries out acts of self-harm, get help right away by contacting the 988 Lifeline.

Find the right depression medication 

Not all depression medications work for everyone. We work with you to find the right medication. We monitor you to ensure you get the right dose that helps you feel better. We also provide guidance on lifestyle adjustments to help you transition to a healthier diet and movement plan, as well as stress-relief practices.

You don’t have to tough out depression alone. Get the help you need to blossom into your true self again by seeking depression help with a call to our office, or book online today.