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Is it Depression or is it Quarantine? 5 Ways to Tell the Difference
Where’s the line between the onset of an episode of depression and a normal reaction to what’s going on in the world right now?
Dr. Misty Borst , Greenbrook TMS Maryland Medical Director, says that “There are plenty of times in our lives where we have a lot of unfortunate things or stressful things happening all at the same time. That makes us feel depressed, but it also can change our brain and how our brain works.” Here are five ways to tell the difference between simply reacting to the
changes and disruptions we’ve all recently experienced versus a depressive episode that should be addressed by a medical professional.
1. Your regular coping strategies aren't working
Making sure that we’re getting regular exercise, adequate sleep, and nutritious food are the first things many of us look to when we feel that something is wrong. Oftentimes, getting back on a good sleep schedule or putting the phone down for some fresh air can be enough to pull us out of a funk. But if you’ve exhausted your list of mood boosters and find that you’re still struggling, what you’re dealing with may be more complex than just a temporary spell.
2. You're having persistent symptoms of depression
Transient depressive symptoms or feelings of stress, anger, or anxiety are commonplace reactions to what’s going on in the world right now. But when your feelings aren’t going away within two weeks or are interfering with your ability to sleep, work, and take care of your basic needs then it can be a cause for concern. Depression symptoms include:
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Excessive sleep or difficulty with early-morning waking
- Changes in weight from decreased or increased appetite
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
- Depressed mood or feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Loss of interest in activities
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
3. You have risk factors of depression
While having risk factors for depression doesn’t guarantee that someone will experience the onset of a depressive episode, it can make it more likely. These risk factors include:
- Chronic medical illness, such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease
- Social isolation
- Disability
- Personal or family history of depression
- Stressful life events such as the loss of a spouse, divorce, or taking care of someone with chronic illness
- Use of certain medications
- Brain disease
- Misuse of alcohol or drugs
4. You're self-medicating to try and feel better
Self-medicating takes many forms. It’s most commonly associated with excessive alcohol use or drug abuse, but self-medicating looks different for everyone. You may be working too much, sleeping too much, or eating too much in an effort to dampen negative feelings and find some comfort. Temporary overindulgence is usually harmless but once your habits are becoming unproductive or interfering with daily functioning, it’s time to consider the root cause.
5. You're withdrawing and (emotionally) isolating
Social distancing is important to help stop the spread of COVID-19, but only pertains to physical rather than emotional proximity. Social distancing doesn’t mean that you can’t talk on the phone, have a video chat, or text a friend. As we’re adjusting to this new normal, it’s okay to take some time to think about your feelings and regroup emotionally. But habitually retreating from friends and loved ones is a common depression symptom, whether due to lacking the energy it takes to put up a “happy face,” guilt over feeling low, or feeling that friends and family aren’t interested.
If these signs sound familiar to you, know that you’re not alone and that depression treatment is available. Reach out to a medical professional to find out what your next steps are, whether it’s antidepressant medication, talk therapy, or TMS therapy. TMS therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-drug treatment which uses gentle m agnetic pulses to stimulate the parts of the brain that are responsible for depression. Schedule your free consultation or enter your zip code in our center locator to find a TMS center near you.
The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Always consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
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Starting any medical treatment for the first time can leave you with questions, especially if you’re looking forward to the benefits it may bring. It’s no different when you’re preparing for your nasal esketamine treatment. Your previous mental health treatments may have consisted solely of taking antidepressants at home or visiting a therapist’s office for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), so nasal esketamine is probably a new treatment experience for you. If you're wondering what it's like to start nasal esketamine and get ready for your first session, keep reading. Getting Started with the Nasal Esketamine Treatment As with any new treatment, you’ll first talk to your primary care provider or psychiatrist about whether nasal esketamine is a good fit for you. Alternatively, you can schedule your esketamine nasal spray consultation with a treatment center (such as Greenbrook) that has certification by the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). At Greenbrook's REMS-certified nasal esketamine treatment centers, our Greenbrook-affiliated psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners will review your medical history and also conduct our own assessment to help determine whether nasal esketamine treatment is right for you. Certain conditions, including blood vessel disease and a history of psychosis, may make treatment a risk for you. Make sure you discuss all previous and present conditions with your doctor or nasal esketamine provider before beginning treatment. If the medication is deemed a good fit, you’ll receive your prescription from the Greenbrook-affiliated provider. Your Greenbrook Care Team will put together a personalized care plan for the weeks and months to follow. Keep in mind that you will need to take a standard (oral) antidepressant along with your nasal esketamine treatment. There are two important regulations to note when it comes to preparing for treatment: Each treatment is followed by a mandatory two-hour observation period. This means you will need to plan to stay at the center for at least two hours following your self-administration of the esketamine nasal spray. You cannot drive during the rest of the day after treatment and must arrange for transportation. These regulations are mandatory. It may be helpful to sit down and plan out several weeks’ worth of transportation once you know your treatment schedule. In addition, if you’re wondering what to bring for the treatment, we recommend entertainment such as an audiobook or playlist of favorite songs and a pair of headphones. You may want them during the two-hour observation period. What to Expect During Nasal Esketamine Treatment On the day of treatment, you’ll need to stop eating any food two hours before your appointment and stop drinking all fluids 30 minutes before you come in. Your Greenbrook Care Team will confirm that you are prepared for the two-hour observation period and that you have a ride home. You’ll get the opportunity to practice using a “trainer sprayer” that mimics the real nasal esketamine sprayer but does not release any medication. The Care Team will encourage you to use the restroom and set up your preferred environment in your private treatment bay or room. Some patients like reduced lighting, for example, while others don’t request light adjustments. You’ll complete a depression scale before each treatment session. Your Greenbrook provider will confirm that the dose kit is yours, show you how to administer it, and then hand it to you. Each sprayer contained 28mg of Spravato esketamine nasal spray. Patients usually start with two sprayers (56mg) and soon increase to 84mg (three sprayers) per treatment. But, your dosage maybe vary. Should you be left with a metallic taste by the spray, the Care Team will offer suckers to help make the flavor dissipate. After your dose, you’ll be encouraged to lie back in your comfortable recliner. While most patients enjoy a quiet setting, Greenbrook is prepared to accommodate patients with a more animated reaction to the medication. You may feel sleepy, dizzy, mildly dissociated, and/or nauseated during treatment. Greenbrook's Care Team is readily available if you need assistance. How to Prepare for after your Nasal Esketamine Treatment Most side effects begin to wane in the second hour of observation, but if you’re wondering, “Is it safe to drive immediately after nasal esketamine treatment?” the answer is a resounding no. In addition to the mandatory ride home, you will need to block off time to rest and let side effects fully dissipate. This extended rest period is especially important in the first weeks of treatment when you’ll have treatment twice a week. Do not drive or operate machinery of any kind until the day after treatment. Just take it easy, relax, and take care of yourself. If you’re unsure what activities you can do or should avoid during this time, talk to your Care Team for more information. While side effects tend to dissipate completely after a good night’s sleep, many nasal esketamine patients begin feeling relief from depression symptoms within hours of their treatment. Other Tips in Preparing for Your Nasal Esketamine Treatment At Greenbrook, we make every effort to schedule your treatment in the afternoons or whenever it is most convenient for you. We encourage you to see each treatment session as an opportunity to relax and take care of your mental health. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or the Greenbrook Care Team. At Greenbrook, we’ll help you feel at ease when preparing for each treatment session. Schedule A Free Consultation To get started with nasal esketamine, schedule your free consultation today.
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