Treatment Resistant Depression and Trauma--what next?

Hello Winnie
I too have had treatment resistant depression for almost 50 years. I recently started volunteering at a place that uses retired race horses to provide therapy to any kind of person you can imagine. This is really helping me, I’m not getting the therapy but just seeing what it can do for people gives me hope.
I also started taking Vraylar, which is a medication for schizophrenia but being prescribed off label for depression. It’s helping too.
Don’t give up hope. There’s something out there for you and you won’t find it if you stop looking.
Peace,
Mery

Sorry. Winnee!

Tried vraylar. Nothing. But glad it's helping you

@winnee
What medications are you taking now? What combinations did you try in the past that did not help? Other than medication, what else have you tried for treating major depression?

I have been suffering with treatment resistant depression for 1.5 years and finally landed on the combination of Zoloft/sertraline and Wellbutrin/bupropion that is helping somewhat. This is the first time I have ever had major depression. I have had anxiety and panic attacks since I was young. Also have PTSD due to child abuse/neglect.

I take one day at a time and have hope daily for a better tomorrow.

I tried every antidepressant at least once but none worked for me. 2 years ago I started Spravato and my life has changed dramatically for the better. I’m very rarely depressed. I have hope. I leave the house regularly. I also have a history of childhood trauma and have struggled with anxiety my whole life. I wish you all the best.

Hi Winnie,
I have TRD, I have been fighting since 1995 to bring some sort of joy to my life. I have failed miserably. I have tried Medications, theropy, Ayahuasca, bufo and numerous other self help retreats. One option I havent tried is ECT. If you went back 18 times you must have felt some relief. Could you share your experience with ECT with me. I am hanging on by a very thin thread. Not sure if I can handle the disappointment of this not working

@lostintheworld Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Having treatment resistant depression can be so frustrating when we are honestly trying everything we can think of to overcome it! One of the things I have learned is that because everyone is different, even when our journeys seem the same, we read others' successes and hope it can be ours, too. All of us have tried so many paths to better thinking/coping.

Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about ECT: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/electroconvulsive-therapy/about/pac-20393894#:~:text=Electroconvulsive%20therapy%20(ECT)%20is%20a,of%20certain%20mental%20health%20conditions.

I hope that @winnee has good things to report.
Ginger

@winnee Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am glad to see some responses to your plea, and I bet there are others coming!

Treatment resistant depression is simply, no fun. There are so many different combinations of medications and treatments to be tried, it can really take a long time to find the one that fits. Perhaps making a list and seeing the different choices to be put together might help? Types of physical activity, outreach, medications, therapy, etc. Have you kept a log of the combinations you have tried? Then check them off, write out how it made you feel, to see what has been the best one for you.
Ginger

I am so happy to read your comment. My husband is about to undergo Spravato treatments after 2 years of several failed antidepressants. He has struggled with anxiety his whole life due to childhood trauma as well. He is very nervous about Spravato, I will share your experience with him, thank you for sharing it. God bless you.