Depression is a medical condition which affects your mood and can cause you to feel depressed. Depression isn’t just sadness – it’s a serious illness that can affect how you think, feel and behave. You’re not alone if you have depression, and there are things that can help.
Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw – it’s an illness like any other, with symptoms that vary from person to person. It can affect people of any age, background or situation and doesn’t mean you’re “weak” or “lazy”.
You may find it hard to believe, but depression does not have to be permanent: there are lots of treatments available that work for many people.
Depression wears many masks
Depression is a serious medical condition that can affect your ability to function in everyday life. Depression is not a character flaw or weakness, nor is it a choice or something you can just snap out of. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek professional help right away; untreated depression can lead to serious health issues and even suicide.
There are many different types of depression, but most people experience at least one type during their lifetime:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) involves persistent low moods for at least two weeks without any other cause
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) involves milder symptoms than those experienced with MDD, but lasts longer than two years without treatment
- Bipolar Disorder (BD) involves extreme mood swings from periods of high energy and happiness to low energy and sadness
How does esketamine work, and will it really work for me?
Esketamine works by blocking the NMDA receptor, which is involved in regulating mood and memory. When ketamine blocks this receptor, it causes a change in brain chemistry. This can help with depression by changing the way your brain works to reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It has proven to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. It’s a safe option for those who have not responded to traditional treatments, and it’s easy to administer.
If you have been prescribed esketamine, it is likely because your doctor believes that the treatment may help to alleviate some of your symptoms. However, ketamine therapy is not for everyone. If you are considering taking part in an esketamine treatment, it is important to understand what this type of therapy entails so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it would be right for you.
Spravato therapy has been shown to be effective at treating depression when administered by a trained psychiatrist or other medical professional who specializes in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. However, even when received from a qualified professional, this form of medication cannot cure depression entirely on its own; instead, it can only be used alongside other treatments such as psychotherapy or antidepressants.
Author's Message
David Boguslavsky, MD is an experienced and dedicated family physician with an interest in mental health who has been practicing medicine for almost 2 decades.
If you are suffering from Major Depression, and have failed to see your depression lift despite 2 antidepressants tried, Spravato therapy may be right for you. This, insurance-covered, ketamine therapy for depression has helped thousands of patients just like you. To learn more about the costs of Spravato, esketamine’s effectiveness, potential side effects, or to simply take the next step towards feeling better, please reach out to us, we would love to help!