According to recent research, the benefits of an important form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) used to treat chronic depression appears to fade within 1-2 years of its discontinuation. This means that many suffering with depression may eventually end up back where they started should they stop attending regular therapy. With CBT considered a front-line treatment, and nearly 60% of patients failing to find adequate relief, this makes for a disastrous combination.
Chronic depression affects many around the world. In fact, it affects roughly 3-6% of the human population each year. With so many affected by such a crippling condition, the available treatment options should continue to grow. However, it appears that the front-line options available continue to remain the same, and with nearly 1.5% of all adult Americans reporting a chronic depression affliction, newer treatment options are desperately needed.
Those who suffer from chronic depression report having one or more of the following symptoms:
- Daily feelings of sadness
- Finding trouble enjoying previously enjoyable activities
- Noticeable weight gain or loss
- Daily insomnia and/or excessive sleeping
- Appearing noticeably restless or rundown
- Daily overwhelming fatigue
- Daily feelings of hopelessness and/or feelings of extreme guilt
- Daily trouble making decisions
- Recurring attempts or thoughts of suicide
Dealing with symptoms like this on a daily basis makes it very difficult to maintain a positive life and function among the rest. It makes it very difficult for an individual to be a productive member of society. This is why failing to find adequate treatment as soon as possible can be so devastating.
In one article about chronic depression, it reports that the chances of relapse—of the depression returning—is very high. As a result, it remains a top priority for many who have these symptoms to combine their therapy, antidepressants, and antipsychotics with additional maintenance therapies. This ensures that their depressive symptoms stay in remission and they can continue to live rich, full, positive lives.
For many, this means adding in additional sessions of psychotherapy, as well as pharmaceuticals, as recommended by a psychiatrist or physician. However, for those who are more desperate, or cannot afford a relapse, it means the inclusion of additional treatments—holistic or otherwise. These alternatives could include things like acupuncture, reiki or meditation—or physical activities—such as yoga, tai chi, or hiking. New pharmaceutical options, such as ketamine infusions, are an option for those who cannot seem to find relief through any first-line depression treatments at all.
While none of these additional therapies are a sure-fit for everybody, it remains clear that a combination of any number of them is a reliable way to relieve many of the symptoms of chronic depression. By involving the mind and the body in additional enriching positive activities, little room is left over for painful or destructive thoughts.
RestoratIV Wellness provides ketamine infusions for those suffering from depression in the southern New Jersey and greater Philadelphia areas. Whether you are suffering from newly recognized chronic depression or have struggled with depression for years without hope, our clinic may be able to help. Request a free consultation using the form below and learn more about ketamine therapy, and find out if you’re a candidate for these life-changing infusions.
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