[8Green48]

Hi. I'm a 49 yr old male newly diagnosed with treatment resistant depression. I'm very tired of my symptoms. Every morning it's the same thing. I have high anxiety and don't want to go to work. I want to be alone and not see anyone. I have call out sick several times. My p-doc thought originally it was bipolar depression. But now he thinks it's treatment resistant depression with slight psychotic features. Can anyone tell me how they cope? Or has any information or encouragement because I feel in a helpless situation. Thank you.

[lonely-and-sad]

Up to two thirds of people with major depression will not respond to the first medication. The definition of treatment resistant depression is not uniformly agreed upon. However, one definition is that depression may be considered resistant to treatment when at least two trials with antidepressants from different pharmacologic classes fail to produce a significant clinical improvement. But that does not mean you will not be helped by pharmacology at all or by other treatments. It is definitely not time to give up or to think that you do not have options just because your p-doc said that. I have not been given that diagnosis but what I suggest is that you learn as much about the condition and about yourself as you can. That way you can answer your own questions.

[caretothepeople]

There is hope, so hang in there. Mayo Clinic offers a nice overview of treatment options for treatment resistant depression, and this may serve as a basis for discussing what all of your options are with your p-doc and therapy team. It won't allow me to link to it here, but if you go to the May Clinic website and search "treatment resistant depression" a wealth of information about diagnosis, treatment, and finding support will pop up.

[Fizzyo]

Hi! I have lived with depression for many years. Some times are better than others. I have learned how to make the most of the little things which, if i dwell on them deliberately can help me remember that each day has some good parts. That with medication has meant that for many of these years I have had a good quality of life in many ways despite my symptoms. There is always hope and a good chance that you could do even better than me.
I hope this is of SOME help, this response is from experience and from the heart, not just the platitude of someone who hasn't walked the walk.

[Fuzzybear]

Welcome to pc

[Fizzyo]

[mskyriec]

Originally Posted by Fizzyo

Hi! I have lived with depression for many years. Some times are better than others. I have learned how to make the most of the little things which, if i dwell on them deliberately can help me remember that each day has some good parts. That with medication has meant that for many of these years I have had a good quality of life in many ways despite my symptoms. There is always hope and a good chance that you could do even better than me.
I hope this is of SOME help, this response is from experience and from the heart, not just the platitude of someone who hasn't walked the walk.

You have a very good outlook in trying to see the good in everything - even the smallest of things. I tend to forget how many things I am grateful for and dwell on the downside of the smallest of things. I need to learn from you. Thanks for the insight!