Anxiety & Depression

Treatment-resistant depression is a form of major depressive disorder that does not improve after trying at least two different antidepressant medications at the correct dose for an adequate duration. An adequate duration for mainstream medications is typically 4-8 weeks, with a full evaluation conducted at 12 weeks.

First-line antidepressants are typically SSRIs, SNRIs, or Atypical Antidepressants.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels in the brain. Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac are all SSRIs.

Serotonin-Norepinepherine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) boost both serotonin and norepinepherine. Cymbalta and Effexor are both SNRIs.

Atypical Antidepressants affect neurotransmitters directly and are often prescribed to mitigate weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Wellbutrin and Remeron are common choices.

Any two of these may be tried for an adequate time, before someone may be diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression. Think, 12 weeks one one medication, plus another 12 weeks on a second medication, for a total of 24 weeks, or approximately 6 months.

Anxiety is a normal, temporary response to stress, while an Anxiety Disorder is a persistent, excessive medical condition that disrupts daily life.

Regular is anxiety and can actually be helpful. It appears in response to a specific stressor (like a big test or job interview). The level of worry matches the actual situation. Once the stressful situation is gone, the anxiety fades away.

Anxiety Disorders impact daily living, and last a long time. They can last 6 months or more, without a clear trigger. The fear and worry are often much stronger than the situation dictates. It often feels impossible to manage, and typically gets worse over time. The Disorders interfere with quality of life, things like work, school, and relationships.

Examples of Anxiety Disorders are Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder.

Yes, you can, and in fact it is very common to experience both together.

If you experience prolonged anxiety, it can literally wear you down, such that you become low energy and even depressed.

Research shows us that about half the people with anxiety also experience depression.

There are overlaps in symptoms too. Both anxiety and depression may have difficulty sleeping, trouble focusing, fatigue, and irritability.

If you have constant worry, mixed with deep sadness, you have have both Anxiety and Depression.

Having the two together is often described as “wired but tired.” You may lose interest in things that used to bring you joy. Things like hobbies, yet you still feel incredibly tense.

Both Anxiety and Depression may begin to manifest with outward physical symptoms as well. Things like headaches or stomach issues. This is where naturopathic medicine steps in. As opposed to a one-size-fits-all prescription, the nuances of your experience of Anxiety and Depression are what makes for a great case that leads to a correct intervention.

Stressful life events are often at the onset of Anxiety and Depression. Experiencing trauma, abuse, the loss of a loved one, major life changes, or ongoing financial strain can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Sometimes deeper conditions may lead to Anxiety and Depression. Chronic pain, thyroid imbalances, or long-term illnesses share biological and neurological pathways with mood disorders.

Poor diet or lifestyle decisions may also contribute. Poor sleep, social isolation, and substance use (including alcohol or drugs) frequently fuel or prolong cycles of Anxiety and Depression.

Some people have difficulty processing emotions. Coping mechanisms like avoiding difficult emotions or withdrawing from others can deepen feelings of being trapped or overwhelmed.

There may be a genetic component. Having close blood relatives with anxiety or depression increases your likelihood of experiencing Anxiety and Depression.

As mentioned above, mainstream treatment is typically medication and sometimes therapy.

Good Naturopathic treatment is individualized. I ask my patients what is most peculiar about their symptoms. Does the anxiety make them irritable? If it does, what does irritability look like to you? How often do you throw things in frustration? How often do you yell? Have you ever looked at your face in the mirror during a moment of anger? Does your face get red or pale? Do your pupils dilate or contract? These nuances are very important for figuring out a correct homeopathic prescription.

You should consider an evaluation when persistent emotional or behavioral changes disrupt your daily life, work, or relationships for two weeks or more.

Everybody goes through stress. That’s part of life. But when an upset creates long-lasting physical or emotional turmoil, that’s when you might need help.

If your feelings of hopelessness seem to be continuous for at least 2 weeks, definitely consider an evaluation.

If you are withdrawing from friends and family and other activities that used to bring you joy, you should consider an evaluation.

If you’ve noticed recent disturbances in sleep patterns, constant fatigue, or major shifts in appetite, consider an evaluation.

In particular, adolescents, pregnant or postpartum individuals, and people managing chronic health conditions may be most prone to Anxiety and Depression.

Help is out there! The best thing you can do is find a doctor that you trust, and embark on your healing journey.