VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: lek. Tomasz Nęcki

Depressive disorders can be very different - some patients experience only one depressive episode throughout their lives, while others have recurrent depressive disorders. It happens that, despite even long-term treatment, a person with depression still does not feel fully improved. What to do if you have chronic depression to help you feel better?

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in humans today. It is a serious difficulty for people struggling with it, as well as for world economies. Because of this entity, many people are unable to function properly to carry out their daily duties. Due to both the prevalence and the impact of depressive disorders on the functioning of patients, it is important to properly recognize and treat it.

Patients have depressive episodes which - thanks to appropriate treatment - are transient and then they feel good. Unfortunately, it sometimes happens that a person experiences depressive symptoms for a long time. Such a situation can be observed in the course of recurrent depressive disorders, which are diagnosed when the patient has had at least two depressive episodes in his life.

Sometimes you feel unwell despite your treatment. However, there are ways to feel better despite having chronic depression.

Chronic depression: it is sometimes necessary to verify the diagnosis

In a situation where the patient is treated for depression for a long time, has already taken various antidepressants, and yet he still has not noticed a clear improvement in his well-being, there is a need to verify the diagnosis. It may happen that a given person has a disorder other than depressive disorder and treatment of which requires the use of drugs other than antidepressants.

The following may be mentioned among the units in which depressive symptoms may appear:

  • bipolar disorder,
  • depression with psychotic symptoms (psychotic depression),
  • personality disorders
  • Does schizoaffective disorder.

For example, in the case of bipolar disorder, the use of mood-stabilizing drugs (mood stabilizers) can improve the patients' well-being, while in the treatment of psychotic depression, antidepressants are sometimes used together with antipsychotics (neuroleptics).

Ultimately, it may turn out that the patient is actually struggling with problems other than depression, and modifying the treatment may result in the expected improvement in his well-being.

Psychotherapy complements pharmacotherapy

Unfortunately, it happens quite often that patients taking antidepressants only use the help of a psychiatrist. Meanwhile - as proven in many scientific studies - the best effects of treating mental disorders are achieved when pharmacotherapy is combined with psychotherapy.

Antidepressants are characterized primarily by the effect of improving the mood and drive, i.e. the willingness to perform any activity. Just as thanks to their use, the patient can feel better, with the use of drugs it is impossible to solve all problems - pharmacotherapy will not eliminate e.g. low self-esteem or lack of assertiveness.

Working with the therapist is aimed at increasing the patient's awareness of his own topic and enabling him to change certain thought patterns that may simply hinder his daily functioning.

People with chronic depression who, especially despite treatment, do not fully feel better, should definitely consider using psychotherapy.

The role of physical activity

Physical activity has a positive effect on the condition of people with depression. A depressed person may not be motivated to do anything, so it can be difficult to pull yourself together and go for a bike ride or swimming pool.

On the other hand, however, it is worth fighting with yourself, because physical exertion really improves your well-being and even when you are tired after it, your mood should improve.

Chronic depression and diet

The importance of diet is mentioned primarily in the context of the prevention of cardiovascular diseases or obesity. However, less is said about the relationship between the menu and mental he alth. A he althy, balanced diet provides the body with all the ingredients necessary for its functioning, including those that use the structures of the central nervous system.

A diet that is difficult to digest, rich in fats and simple carbohydrates can make a person feelthey became sluggish and reluctant to undertake any other than necessary activities. For a person who on a daily basis - due to depression - has a reduced motivation to act, a poorly varied and simply unhe althy diet will not be beneficial.

Ultimately, patients with depression should pay attention to what ends up on their plates. It is important to compose the menu in accordance with the food pyramid and constantly make sure that the menu includes the right amount of vegetables and fruit, while avoiding unhe althy stimulants such as cigarettes or alcohol.

Chronic depression and stimulants

Speaking of stimulants, it is worth emphasizing that patients with chronic depression should definitely avoid them. It happens that - in order to, for example, improve the mood - people with depressive disorders often resort to, for example, alcohol.

This solution is very deceptive, because alcohol does not make you feel better, but only temporarily masks the patient's existing problems. In addition, the next day after consuming excessive amounts of it, the patient may feel even worse than before.

Using stimulants to improve mood over a very short period of time can lead to the development of addiction. Ultimately, the patient may face two problems instead of just one.

Depressed patients should stay away from psychoactive substances. It is recommended to try to reduce the stress you experience using other methods.

Chronic depression and relaxation

In the course of chronic depression, patients often struggle with feelings such as fear, anxiety and irritability. It is definitely worth trying to eliminate them with the use of various relaxation techniques. Help - both in driving away anxiety and unpleasant thoughts - among others breathing exercises, yoga or meditation.

In general, it is impossible to list here all the possible influences that can help the patient achieve balance. Reading a book, going for a walk or talking to a loved one can improve the well-being of a depressed person.

Chronic depression and family support

Depressed people often have lowered self-esteem, feel powerless and useless. Sometimes they have the impression that they are alone with their problems and that no one can help them. It often happens that they are ashamed to talk about their difficulties even with their loved ones, which they definitely should not avoid, however.

Depression is more and more often compared to other, completely different chronic diseases, such as e.g.arterial hypertension or diabetes. It is not his fault that someone has contracted it. The most important thing is that a person suffering from mental disorders should get the help they need.

This is still surprising for many people, but a really deeply depressed patient may have a problem, for example, to call a psychiatric clinic and make an appointment with a specialist.

For this reason, it is so important that her relatives support the sick person. Just knowing that there is always someone nearby to whom you can talk or who you can get help from, can significantly improve the well-being of a person with chronic depression.

Category:

Psychology