Dealing with depression is an ongoing process. If your depression symptoms are getting worse, it is important to intervene as soon as possible. With effective coping and management strategies, you can address your symptoms and help prevent them from worsening.
Having depression that is getting worse can be discouraging. You may feel like past progress has been lost. It is important to remember that mental health progress is not always linear. Everyone has good days and bad days.
If you notice a trend in your depression getting worse, there are steps you can take to keep your symptoms from becoming overwhelming. By understanding the practical things you can do to address your condition, you can work to stay in control of your mental health.
6 steps you can take if your depression is getting worse
- Seek counseling — Need someone to talk to about your condition? Counseling services can be essential for someone whose depression is getting worse. Therapy provides a safe space for you to express your thoughts and feelings. With cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you can strategically work through negative thought patterns and behaviors. Your therapist will help you develop more positive patterns and find healthy coping methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you manage your present challenges while looking toward a bright future.
- Establish a routine — Structure can provide stability. When meeting with your therapist, it may be helpful to discuss your daily routine. Depression tends to make people feel distracted and unmotivated. As your symptoms worsen, you may find it difficult to keep your life organized.
By establishing a routine, you can regulate your activities and make sure your responsibilities are accounted for. Keeping a routine can also help you get consistent sleep. If you are experiencing appetite changes due to your depression, incorporating a regular diet can help ensure you get the right amount of nutrition.
Your therapist may be able to help you design a daily schedule that takes all these aspects of your life into account. Planning your routine can help you avoid disorganization and maintain a sense of purpose.
- Consider medication — Medication can be a valuable part of depression treatment. Many people who experience chronic depression take daily medications to find relief. This kind of treatment tends to be especially helpful when paired with other forms of care like talk therapy.
In some cases, though, people feel their depression is getting worse while on medication. If you feel your current medication is not effective enough, it is important to evaluate your treatment plan. Changes may be necessary to find a better balance.
Some innovative medication options like Spravato (esketamine) can be highly beneficial. Spravato is designed to address treatment-resistant depression. This means it can offer relief to people who have not found success with other forms of medication. As a nasal spray that is taken alongside an oral antidepressant, Spravato is convenient and delivers consistent positive results.
- Build a support system — You do not have to face depression alone. If your symptoms are getting worse, having a support system can make a major difference in your recovery. To start, try identifying people in your life who are understanding, compassionate and trustworthy. Close friends and family members are often highly supportive and want to help. Communicating openly with these people can help them understand the best ways to support you during this time.
- Consider TMS therapy — Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a popular noninvasive treatment for depression. TMS offers precise stimulation for certain areas of your brain, helping increase activity in the areas that regulate mood. Like Spravato, TMS can be a great way to address treatment-resistant depression. As a non-medication treatment alternative, TMS can help you avoid the potential risks that can come with medication side effects. Transcranial magnetic stimulation can lead to lasting change, with 33% of patients achieving full remission.
- Set goals — Setting realistic goals is important when addressing any health condition, mental or physical. Your therapist can help you develop milestones that you can look forward to on your journey. Setting achievable goals often provides a sense of accomplishment and a nice self-esteem boost. If a goal seems too large, try breaking it down into smaller steps. This can make intimidating goals feel a lot more manageable.
Active Path Mental Health can help address your worsening depression
If your depression is getting worse, seeking professional treatment is essential. At Active Path Mental Health, our team is ready to provide care tailored to your needs. With innovative treatment solutions and a patient-first philosophy, we can help you make long-term progress in treating your depression.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
