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FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Is It Depression or Just a Bad Week?
Daniel Hageman
Sometimes depression isn’t obvious, and when you see someone every single day it can be hard to notice gradual changes in their behavior and mood. But these small changes can be signs that your spouse or family member is struggling with depression and needs help, even if they don’t want to reach out for it. Here are 8 signs that you should be on the lookout for
1. They aren't enjoying the things they used to
Anhedonia is the inability to find pleasure in activities and can make life seem grey or flat. It’s a common symptom of depression and can affect every part of a person’s life, from finding enjoyment in their career to participating in hobbies and intimacy. You may notice that your loved one isn’t doing the things they used to love, or that they’re giving up pastimes that require effort and attention (exercise or reading) for more passive activities such as watching TV or mobile games.
2. They're having trouble with concentrating, focusing at work, or remembering details
“Cognitive impairment is a major symptom [of depression] and probably the most common,” according to Dr. William Sauvé , Regional Medical Director for Greenbrook TMS NeuroHealth Centers in Virginia . “Word finding, processing speed, maintaining attention, switching attention—all of these cognitive skills are diminished in those with depression.” We often brush off moments of forgetfulness or episodes of lost focus, but this is a common indicator that there might be something more going on. If it seems more than usual or out of the ordinary for your loved one, talk to them to see if there's anything they're struggling with or urge them to check in with a physician.
3. They don't sleep well
If you’ve ever had an unsatisfying night’s sleep and spent the next day tired, irritable, and achy, you know how
important sleep is for both physical and mental health. If your loved one is having trouble falling asleep, has restless sleep, is sleeping too much, or is tired all the time, it can signify that they’re struggling with their mental health. Everyone is tired occasionally but having more sleepless nights or rough mornings than well-rested ones is a cause for concern.
4. They're experiencing unintentional weight loss or gain
Some people lose their appetite, sleep through mealtimes, and don’t find pleasure in eating when they’re depressed. Others turn to food to comfort themselves or no longer have the energy to exercise and keep up with their nutrition regimen. Either way, if your loved one has been gaining or losing weight without trying to, it can be a sign that they’re struggling with depression (or a number of other serious medical conditions) and should be seen by a medical professional to determine the cause.
5. They're more irritable or frustrated
Increased frustration is a lesser-known symptom of depression, and it’s one that frequently goes unrecognized because it’s perceived as “
just a personality flaw ” when someone is often angry with their spouse, colleagues, or strangers. However, sustained irritability should be a cause for concern, especially for people (often men) who tend to direct the negative feelings associated with depression outwards rather than inwards.
6. They're withdrawing socially
If your loved one makes excuses not to see friends or seems to be avoiding gatherings, it can be a sign that they’re struggling. People with depression isolate themselves for a few reasons: they may want to avoid the pressure of “putting on a happy face” and keep others from worrying, they may feel that they don’t deserve to enjoy themselves, or they may lack the energy to be around friends. Everyone needs some occasional alone time to recharge their batteries and some people are naturally more introverted, but something is troubling your loved one if they go from socializing every weekend to shutting themselves away.
7. They're self-medicating with alcohol or drugs
Many people have a glass of wine with dinner or a few drinks with friends. However, if you see that your loved one is drinking more often or drinking to excess, they may be trying to relieve depression symptoms such as sadness, insomnia, or guilt. Unfortunately, alcohol itself is a depressant and typically exacerbates any underlying mental illness. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that about
20% of those with a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression also struggle with substance abuse.
8. They have unexplained aches and pains
Depression is often associated with emotional or cognitive symptoms, but it can also manifest physically through headaches, back pain, upset stomach, or body aches without a clear cause. This is more common among men who are often perceived as “weak” for talking about their feelings and in cultures that have a greater stigma surrounding mental health. For those who feel that they can’t put their depression into words, physical pain is easier to verbalize; a World Health Organization
study of 1146 people from 14 countries found that 69% of people who met the clinical criteria for depression had only described physical, rather than emotional, problems as the reason for seeing their doctor.
Depression is treatable. Options include medication, talk therapy, and drug-free options such as Greenbrook TMS Therapy.
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We’ve all heard the common health-related misconceptions or myths-- chocolate causes acne, carrots will improve your night vision, and cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis. Subscribing to these particular myths is relatively harmless, but other health-related misconceptions can have far more serious consequences. This is the case for depression—the myths surrounding it can prevent people from getting the help they need. This is the case for depression—the myths surrounding it can prevent people from getting the help they need. Because untreated depression can have a serious physical and psychological impact, it’s imperative to have the right information in order to make the best decisions for yourself and for your health. Here are 5 common misconceptions about depression, and the facts behind them:
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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