When you’re battling depression, staying positive can feel impossible. But even when your treatment doesn’t seem to work, you should not give up hope on healing. Every person experiences depression symptoms differently, and certain treatments work better for different people.
Read on to learn why your depression might not be going away, with the insights of experienced psychiatrists and treatment specialists. Uncover leading options to treat your symptoms, like TMS therapy, that are proven to help treatment-resistant depression.
How Long Does Depression Normally Last?
Depression doesn’t have a set timeline—it’s different for everyone. For some, it may last only a few weeks, especially with early intervention and the right treatment. However, others may find themselves in a battle that lasts for months or even years. This is particularly true for people with what’s called chronic depression or treatment-resistant depression, where symptoms persist despite trying various treatment options.
Typically, an episode of major depression can last anywhere from two weeks to six months without treatment. But it’s important to understand that depression isn’t always a “one-time” occurrence. Many people experience recurrent episodes throughout their lives, often triggered by stressful events, changes in health, or other underlying factors.
If your depression has been lingering for longer than a few months or if treatments you’ve tried aren’t working, this may be a sign to explore more specialized therapies, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or medication adjustments. It’s also vital to remember that seeking help sooner rather than later can significantly impact how long you experience depressive symptoms.
What Makes Depression Symptoms Not Go Away?
There are several reasons why depression symptoms may persist, even after trying different treatments. Understanding these factors can help you and your healthcare provider find a more effective approach to your care.
Incorrect Diagnosis
Depression can sometimes be misdiagnosed, especially if other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD, are present. These conditions can overlap with depression and may require different treatment strategies. If your depression hasn’t responded to traditional therapies, it’s worth discussing with your doctor whether another underlying condition could be contributing.
Ineffective Medication or Dosage
Antidepressants aren’t one-size-fits-all. It can take time to find the right medication and dosage for each individual. Some people may need a higher dose or an entirely different class of medication to see improvements. If you’ve been on a certain medication for a while and haven’t noticed changes, it’s important to revisit this with your psychiatrist.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Chronic health issues like thyroid disorders, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases can affect your mood and contribute to ongoing depression. If these underlying medical conditions aren’t properly managed, they can make it harder for depression treatments to work effectively.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Your environment and lifestyle plays a significant role in your mental health. If you’re surrounded by stress, toxic relationships, or unresolved trauma, these factors can make it difficult for treatments to fully alleviate your symptoms. In these cases, therapy can be particularly helpful in addressing the root causes of emotional pain.
In addition to therapy, lifestyle changes can make a powerful difference in improving your mental well-being. Simple adjustments, like following an exercise regimen, or maintaining a balanced diet, can significantly boost mood and reduce stress.
Exercise releases endorphins that naturally lift mood, while a nutrient-rich diet supports brain health. Adding mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing can also help in managing stress responses. These small but impactful changes, combined with therapy, can help strengthen emotional resilience and enhance the benefits of treatment.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
For some individuals, depression becomes treatment-resistant, meaning they don’t respond to typical interventions like medication or talk therapy. This doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Innovative treatments such as TMS therapy or Spravato are specifically designed to help people with treatment-resistant depression find relief when other methods haven’t worked.
How To Know If You Have Treatment-Resistant Depression
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you feel like you’ve tried everything but nothing seems to work. However, it’s important to understand whether what you’re experiencing is truly TRD or if adjustments to your treatment plan might help.
You may have treatment-resistant depression if:
- You’ve Tried Multiple Medications
If two or more antidepressants haven’t worked, despite being taken for the right duration and dosage, you may have TRD. - Symptoms Keep Coming Back
Your symptoms improve but quickly return, even with medication or therapy. This pattern can signal TRD. - Therapy Alone Isn’t Enough
If regular therapy hasn’t brought lasting relief, despite your efforts, TRD could be the reason. - Ongoing Symptoms Despite Treatment
Persistent symptoms like fatigue or hopelessness that don’t improve with medication or lifestyle changes may indicate TRD. - Lifestyle Changes Haven’t Helped
Even with efforts to exercise, sleep better, or reduce stress, your depression persists.
If these signs resonate with you, advanced treatments like TMS or Spravato could be the next step.
Why TMS Therapy Is a Powerful Option for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy has emerged as a breakthrough for people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), offering hope where traditional treatments have fallen short. Unlike medications or talk therapy, TMS is a non-invasive, drug-free option that targets specific areas of the brain linked to mood regulation. This makes it an appealing choice for those who have not responded to antidepressants or who have experienced unwanted side effects from medication.
One of the key advantages of TMS therapy is its ability to directly stimulate the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for controlling mood. In people with depression, this region is often underactive, contributing to ongoing symptoms. TMS works by using magnetic pulses to activate these areas, helping to restore normal brain function and alleviate depressive symptoms. As a result, many individuals who have not found relief with standard treatments experience significant improvement with TMS.
Another reason TMS is so powerful for treatment-resistant depression is its success rate. Numerous studies have shown that people with TRD often achieve lasting relief through TMS therapy, even when other methods, like medication, have failed. Additionally, TMS comes with minimal side effects. Unlike medications that can cause weight gain, drowsiness, or sexual dysfunction, the most common side effects of TMS are mild scalp discomfort or headaches, both of which typically subside shortly after treatment.
TMS is also convenient. Each session lasts only about 20-40 minutes, and since it’s an outpatient procedure, there’s no need for downtime or recovery. You can easily fit TMS therapy into your routine and return to your normal activities right after each session. For those seeking a more targeted and non-invasive treatment for depression, TMS therapy offers a powerful alternative that’s helping many regain control of their mental health.
Contact for Treatment at Michigan Advanced Psychiatry
At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we specialize in providing compassionate, advanced care for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, TMS therapy or other innovative options might be the key to finding relief. Don’t wait to take control of your mental health—reach out today and start your journey towards a brighter, more hopeful future.
Call us at 248-885-8887 to schedule a consultation and explore the best treatment options for your needs. If you’re unsure whether our treatments are right for you, we encourage you to take our quick self-assessment to learn more about your next steps.
