Navigating Depression Treatment Options: Medications, Holistic Approaches, and Coping Strategies
Hello, Dr. Taylor here. I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in integrative psychiatry based out of Washington State, and I wanted to write this blog post in order to share more information about depression, treatment options, and help empower both future patients and the general public. None of this blog post should be interpreted as medical advice and the intent is the share information in a way that people can consider what their options may be if they choose to participate in treatment. So, feel free to read and soak up this information! No need to reach out if you just want some light reading. Or, if you feel that any of this resonates with what your experience has been, and you’re curious about how an individualized, person-centered, holistic treatment plan may look like for you, then fill out my contact form for a free 15 minute phone consultation. Without further ado, here’s a summary of how to navigate depression, what your options may look like, and what other things you might do on your own to further promote healing.
Depression is a widespread mental health condition affecting millions of individuals around the globe. Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, a lack of interest in activities, and decreased energy, depression can greatly impact one’s daily life and overall well-being. I’ve always felt that depression can be something totally different from one person to the next, but the diagnosis itself is based on statistics and is an attempt to “draw a border” around the diagnosis with the most commonly occurring symptoms. Sometimes, though, people can fall outsides of these borders to varying degrees, and it’s really important to understand the person’s symptoms, their experience of depression, and what we call the “course of illness” or rather how your symptoms progress over time. It seems like a lot, and it is, but thankfully various treatment options are available to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of depression which can include changes in your appetite, changes in your sleep pattern, having a low mood, having suicidal thoughts, or even having difficulty concentrating or doing things such as brushing your teeth or showering. Even pain (yes, physical) can be related to depression! This blog post delves into three primary treatment strategies for depression: medications, holistic approaches, and coping strategies.
Medications
Medications often play a crucial role in treating depression, especially for those with moderate to severe symptoms. There are several classes of medications commonly prescribed for depression.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed medications for depression. They are theorized to work in a few different ways. One theory is that they help balance chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and emotions. Other theories include downstream genetic expression, or that they help to “turn on” certain genes that help lift mood and ease anxiety, that they promote receptor changes, or cause what is called up or down regulation of certain receptors on your neurons. It can also be helpful to think of depression as commonly causing a “negative affective bias” which means the depressed brain tends to focus on negative stimuli, and that it takes several weeks for us to “catch up” so to speak once medication is in place, hence possibly why it takes 4-6 weeks for these medications to have full therapeutic benefit. The most common types include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram (Celexa). SSRIs are typically the first-line treatment due to their effectiveness and relatively mild side effects.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Examples include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). SNRIs can be effective for individuals who do not respond to SSRIs. These can also be considered in the treatment of certain pain conditions.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Examples include amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor). TCAs are generally used when other medications have not been effective due to their potential for more severe side effects.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). MAOIs are typically prescribed when other treatments have failed and require dietary restrictions due to potential interactions.
Atypical Antidepressants
Atypical antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron), do not fit neatly into other categories. They can be effective for those who have not responded well to other types of antidepressants. These medications are often helpful for certain types of depression or if a person is worried about common side effects associated with SSRIs (such as decreased libido).
Augmentation Strategies
Sometimes, it may be recommended to combine antidepressants with other medications, such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizers, to enhance the treatment's effectiveness. This is only done under the care of a healthcare provider and these changes should not be made outside of their supervision. Augmentation may also take the form of more naturally occurring substances, such as fish oil supplementation, or correcting any nutritional or vitamin deficiencies, all of which are very person-specific! These kinds of labs can be ordered and interpreted right here at Sprout.
Holistic Approaches
Holistic approaches combine conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies to address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. These methods can be particularly beneficial for those seeking a comprehensive approach to managing depression. This is what Sprout specializes in! There are so many options to consider and the best ones are going to be catered to the individual.
Lifestyle Modifications
Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet are foundational to managing depression. Exercise can release endorphins, which act as natural mood enhancers. Proper sleep and nutrition support overall mental health and can improve mood and energy levels. One of the benefits of Sprout’s longer appointment times (intakes here are an hour and a half, or 90 minutes, and follow-ups can be anywhere from 25 to 50 minutes depending on what your specific needs are) is that there is more time dedicated to you, not only understanding your story but, understanding these different lifestyle factors because they can be strongly tied to our mood, our anxiety levels, and our ability to handle stress, focus on important tasks, or even feel good about ourselves!
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation practices help individuals stay present and reduce negative thought patterns. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can be effective in calming the mind and reducing depressive symptoms. Mindfulness based stress reduction is actually a specific type of psychotherapy that is provided here at Sprout, but mindfulness can be incorporated into therapy in many ways and with many other modalities.
Herbal Supplements
Certain herbal supplements, such as St. John’s Wort, omega-3 fatty acids, and SAMe, have shown potential benefits for managing depression. Learning more about these different supplements is something people can expect when they reach out to Sprout, how they can be used alone, or even in combination with medications in an evidence-informed way. It’s more rare that it is the case that your provider will even mention these options, so I just think it’s important to mention here that Sprout is a place where these options can be considered, the evidence to support their use can be shared, and people will have access to more options than just standard-of-care psychiatry! It’s the standard of care, with sprinkles on top.
Acupuncture and Massage Therapy
Acupuncture and massage therapy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. These therapies work by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and balancing energy flow.
Coping Strategies
Developing coping and problem-solving skills is essential for managing depression in the long term. Here are some strategies that can help individuals better navigate their depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a highly effective form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Through CBT, people learn to challenge irrational thoughts, develop healthier thinking habits, and improve their response to depression-inducing situations.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns that may contribute to depression. By addressing issues such as grief, role transitions, and relationship conflicts, individuals can find relief from depressive symptoms.
Behavioral Activation
Behavioral activation encourages individuals to engage in activities they once enjoyed or find meaningful. By increasing positive interactions with the environment, individuals can improve their mood and break the cycle of depression. Get up, get up, get up and go! Staying still will make your mood low.
Stress Management Techniques
Learning stress management techniques, such as time management, goal setting, and prioritization, can help individuals feel more in control and less overwhelmed. These skills are crucial for managing everyday stressors that can contribute to depression.
Conclusion
Treating depression requires a comprehensive approach tailored to each individual's needs. Medications can provide necessary relief from symptoms, while holistic approaches and coping strategies offer sustainable, long-term methods for managing depression. By combining these treatment options, individuals can find the right balance to effectively manage their depression and improve their quality of life. It's important to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of depression. If any of the information in this blog resonates with you, or if you are interested in learning more, feel free to fill out a contact form (link at the top of the page) for a free 15 minute phone consultation.
*If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, plans, or intent, there are resources available. If you can’t reach someone you trust, 988 is a crisis line you can call 24/7, or if you are feeling unsafe or that your symptoms are worsening, you can go to your nearest emergency department. Sprout does not offer emergency or crisis services.
