Treatment

If you’re feeling the stress pile up, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s 2024 Mental Health Poll, 43% of U.S. adults are feeling more stress than the previous year (up from 37% in 2023). The economy, the results of the election and personal finances are some of the leading causes of increased stress over the past year. 

Despite a rise in stress levels, the poll found that only one in four adults said they talked with a mental health professional. While research shows that some stress is good for you, chronically-elevated stress hormones put you at greater risk for obesity, heart disease and depression. 

If you’ve been feeling stressed out, this blog will help you identify the difference between stress and depression. You’ll learn strategies for managing stress and know if it may be time to speak with a mental health professional. 

Can Stress Cause Depression?

The short answer is yes—chronic stress can be a factor that leads to depression, and depression can make stress worse. Chronic stress develops from prolonged exposure to stressful circumstances that elevates cortisol in the body to abnormally high levels. Over time, this can lead to depression, as well as other problems, including: anxiety, headaches, digestion trouble, memory and concentration problems, insomnia and heart disease.

Anxiety plays a role in the relationship between stress and depression. The effect of chronic stress on the body can lead to the development of anxiety disorders. Under the DSM-5-TR, some anxiety disorders are: 

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – when anxiety symptoms occur in a variety of environments and in response to multiple situations. Generalized anxiety symptoms are usually not attributed to a specific and known cause. 
• Panic Disorder –when immediate and severe anxiety symptoms (aka “panic attack”) arise in response to an array of causes. These panic attacks also can happen in response to the worry of having a panic attack. 
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – when anxiety symptoms take the form of obsessive and intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors (or mentally rehearsed behaviors). 
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – when long-term anxiety symptoms develop after a trauma or in response to stimulants which trigger memories of that trauma. 

Anxiety and depression can heighten the symptoms of one another. For example, people suffering from anxiety disorders might withdraw from social situations and other life activities to avoid triggering anxiety symptoms. This withdrawal can trigger depressive episodes or intensify their symptoms. And people with depression can magnify their symptoms by pulling away from social interactions and vital activities, also leading to more anxiety. 

The Common Symptoms of Stress and Depression 

It’s not always easy to figure out if you’re dealing with stress, depression or a mix of both. If you’re trying to figure out which one you’re dealing with, know that many symptoms overlap. The chart below provides an overview of each set of symptoms to help you see what you might be experiencing.

Symptom Type	Stress	Depression
Emotional Feelings	Irritability, frustration, or being overwhelmed	Sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Energy Levels	May feel heightened or anxious	Constant fatigue or lack of motivation
Sleep Patterns	Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep	Sleeping too much or too little
Appetite Changes	Eating too much or too little during stressful periods	Significant, ongoing appetite changes (increase or decrease)
Interest in Activities	Can still find enjoyment but may feel distracted	Loss of interest in things you once loved

Understanding the difference between stress and depression can help you identify what’s going on and take the right steps forward. Stress is usually tied to specific challenges and often improves when the cause is resolved. However, chronic stress can linger and leave you feeling constantly on edge and increases your risk for physical and mental health issues.

When left unchecked, chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to depression, creating a cycle that feels hard to break.

If you’re struggling with a significant drop in energy levels and loss of interest in your life, you may have depression. Other key indicators of depression include persistent feelings of sadness and low self-esteem. 

If you’re unsure, take note of overlapping symptoms or how long they’ve lasted. When symptoms begin to negatively impact your life, it’s recommended to speak with a mental health professional. An experienced provider will evaluate your symptoms and determine an appropriate course of treatment to help you find relief. 

How to Reduce Stress in Your Life

If stress has become a constant in your life, you’re not powerless. Managing stress is about adopting habits that help you cope in healthy ways, so it doesn’t take over your life. Here are some practical strategies to help you reduce stress and regain control.

1. Pinpoint Your Triggers

Take a step back and identify what’s causing your stress. Whether it’s work deadlines, financial pressures, family dynamics, or something else, recognizing your triggers helps you approach them with a clear plan.

2. Incorporate Relaxation Practices

Stress activates your body’s fight-or-flight response. Counteract it with relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These can calm your mind and reduce physical tension.

3. Stay Physically Active

Exercise is a natural stress reliever. It releases endorphins that improve your mood and reduce the effects of stress hormones. Even a brisk 20-minute walk can make a big difference.

4. Prioritize Your Time and Set Boundaries

Feeling overwhelmed often stems from taking on too much. Learn to say no and focus on what’s most important. Setting boundaries protects your energy and prevents burnout.

5. Nurture Your Relationships

Talking to someone you trust can be incredibly healing. Spend time with supportive friends or family, or join a support group to share your experiences and feel less alone.

6. Sleep Better to Feel Better

Stress and sleep are closely linked. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and create a calming bedtime routine to improve rest.

7. Limit Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

When stress hits, it’s tempting to rely on alcohol, overeating, or other unhealthy habits. Instead, choose activities that truly support your well-being, like journaling, reading, or spending time in nature.

8. Know When to Seek Help

If stress feels unmanageable or chronic, reaching out to a mental health professional is a strong and positive step. Therapy can provide tools and techniques to help you cope and regain balance in your life. 

Which Depression Treatment Is Right for Me?

When dealing with depression, finding the right treatment can often feel like a daunting and frustrating process. If you’ve tried antidepressants or therapy without success, you might be experiencing treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This condition can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next, but it’s important to remember that there are still effective treatment options available.

Treatment-resistant depression occurs when a person doesn’t experience relief from symptoms after trying two or more antidepressant medications. It can also occur when traditional therapy methods don’t produce the desired results. If you’re dealing with TRD, know there are alternative treatments designed to help break the cycle of chronic depression.

One of the most promising treatments for TRD is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS therapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Antidepressants can have negative side effects like weight gain or fatigue, which TMS therapy does not. 

At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we specialize in TMS therapy and have seen great success in helping patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. Click here to read some of the life-changing testimonials of those who’ve undergone treatment. 

Find the Right Treatment with Michigan Advanced Psychiatry 

If you’re stressed about your symptoms, know there is a path forward to relief. At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we take a personalized approach to mental health care. We’ll work with you to evaluate your symptoms and determine the most effective treatment plan for your stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health condition. 

Finding the right treatment is a journey, but you can take the first step toward feeling better. If you’re located in Ann Arbor, MI, contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling (734) 436-4886. Contact our Troy, MI office by calling (248) 885-8887.

Visit our partner website in Fort Wayne, IN at advancedpsych-in.com.

When traditional depression treatments fail to work, it can feel like nothing ever will. If you’ve been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), know that you are not alone. There are treatments available that offer remission of symptoms.  

At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we specialize in innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato to help individuals like you find the relief you deserve. If you have treatment-resistant depression or are battling another mental health condition, there are options for finding lasting symptom relief.  

Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression

A treatment-resistant depression diagnosis is given when a person does not respond adequately to at least two different antidepressant treatments. It can be frustrating and disheartening, but understanding this condition is the first step towards finding the right solution.

Research shows that approximately 30% of those diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and who have tried medications, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, will develop treatment-resistant depression. The condition is not a super-rare abnormality, and no one should have to struggle in silence.

Why Traditional Depression Treatments May Fail

Traditional depression treatments fail to work for certain people due to a complex relationship between their own biology and individual response to medications. The following overview provides several reasons why standard treatments might not work for everyone.

1. Biological Differences: Each person’s brain chemistry is unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Studies show that people with TRD are more likely to have physical health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and thyroid disease. 
2. Incorrect Diagnosis: Sometimes, the initial diagnosis may miss underlying conditions such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, which can complicate treatment results.
3. Medication Issues: Some people may metabolize medications differently or experience intolerable side effects, making it difficult to find an effective dose.

Advanced Treatment Options

If traditional antidepressants haven’t worked, there are advanced treatment options available to you. At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we offer two cutting-edge therapies that are proven to provide relief to those who haven’t been successfully treated. 

For more information on the mental health conditions we are able to treat, click here. 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Our patients have experienced profound relief from their TRD symptoms when traditional medications weren’t enough. Here’s some reasons why TMS therapy might be a good fit for you. 

Proven Efficacy 

TMS has been shown to be effective in individuals who have not responded to other treatments. Clinical research demonstrates that TMS can significantly reduce symptoms of depression in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Many patients who have tried multiple medications without success have found relief with TMS.

Long-Lasting Relief

The majority of patients experience relief from depression for more than a year. Some find remission that lasts indefinitely. Regardless of duration, most patients experience some level of improvement in their mood and overall quality of life.

FDA-Approved Treatment 

TMS is a FDA-approved treatment for depression and anxious-depression, highlighting its safety and efficacy. It is not invasive, requires no medications, and has minimal side effects. 

It is important to know that TMS is not the same as ECT (electroconvulsive therapy or “shock” therapy). These are very different procedures with TMS having far fewer side effects and therefore tends to be much more favorable to patients.

Flexible Scheduling

Patients can return to their normal routines immediately after each TMS session, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules or responsibilities.

TMS sessions are brief and typically last about 20 minutes. At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we can schedule around your daily activities to minimize disruption to your life. You can return to your normal routines immediately after each TMS therapy session, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules or responsibilities.

And since TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, there is no recovery period needed post-treatment. Patients are able to drive themselves to and from sessions.

Spravato Treatment

Spravato is a FDA-approved nasal spray designed specifically for treatment-resistant depression. It works differently than traditional antidepressants and can provide rapid relief of symptoms. There are many benefits of Spravato, with some of the most common ones listed below. 

1. Rapid Relief: Many patients experience improvement in their depression symptoms within hours to days after their first treatment. 
2. Targeted Treatment: Spravato targets NMDA receptors in the brain, offering an alternative pathway to relief.
3. Medical Supervision: The treatment is administered in a controlled clinical setting with the supervision of experienced medical staff. At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we provide patients with the support and amenities they need to make them feel comfortable throughout each treatment session. 
4. Enhances Therapy Outcomes: Spravato works very well with forms of psychotherapy, such as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapy and Spravato treatment combined help patients achieve the best and lasting results. 
5. Works with Antidepressants: Clinical trials have shown that Spravato, combined with an oral antidepressant, significantly reduces depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. This treatment is especially beneficial for those who need quick relief from severe symptoms.

What to Expect During Treatment

Understanding what to expect alleviates the anxiety associated with starting a new treatment like TMS therapy or Spravato. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect from treatment at Michigan Advanced Psychiatry or Indiana Advanced Psychiatry. 

The foundation of treatment is your first appointment. We’ll assess your medical history, previous treatments, and overall health to determine the best approach. Your treatments can be covered by insurance, and one of our team members will assist you with the insurance eligibility process. 

Based on our evaluation, we’ll determine which treatment option will work the best to treat your symptoms. For TMS therapy, treatment lasts between six to eight weeks, with sessions occurring five days per week. The initial treatment course with Spravato is typically over the course of eight weeks.

Our team will closely monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed to ensure the best results. If you are interested in working with a therapist during your treatment, we can help you find a trusted one close by. 

Contact Michigan Advanced Psychiatry Today

At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care for those battling treatment-resistant depression. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more hopeful future. Call 248-885-8887 to schedule an appointment. 

If you are looking for more information to determine if our treatments are right for you, we invite you to take our self-assessment.