What if I'm a Responder and Don't Experience Remission of Depression Symptoms?

For some, depression symptoms don't ever completely disappear; no matter how many depression treatments they try. What then?

Gold Standard for Treating Depression (part 32)

First of all, responders (those who find some relief through medications, but not remission) are very common in depression treatment. This is a reality of the illness. The goal is to lessen depression symptoms as much as possible.

It helps if you can remember that depression is an illness that often requires daily management. A good analogy is the care needed to manage diabetes on a daily basis. People with diabetes can live full and healthy lives, but they must be vigilant in how they manage the illness.

If you respond to the antidepressant medications, but still must deal with depression symptoms, you will have to do the same. The good news is that you can continually search for the combination of treatments that will work for you so that you can move past the daily maintenance and have more time to enjoy your life.

video: Depression Treatment Interviews w/Julie Fast