Managing
Depression
How common is depression?
Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as depression, is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States.
Many who are taking an antidepressant may still have unresolved symptoms.
In fact, in a large US study of adults with depression, approximately 50% still
had unresolved depressive symptoms with their first antidepressant.
Test your knowledge: myth or fact?
Do you know the truth about depression and its treatments? Choose whether the statements are myths or facts.
There are several options that can be effective at managing depression, even when you feel stuck. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to find the treatment(s)—medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes—that work for you.
Everyone reacts to depression treatment differently
Antidepressants work differently for different people, so finding a treatment that’s right for you may take some time. But don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if your unresolved depression symptoms are making you feel stuck in your daily life.
Highs and lows?
If you are experiencing unpredictable highs in your mood in addition to some or all of the common depression symptoms, please click here to learn about a different mental health condition and talk to your healthcare provider to discuss further.
Common symptoms of depression may include:
- Sadness
- Lack of interest or pleasure
- Feeling bad about yourself
- Trouble sleeping (sleeping too much or too little)
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low energy and motivation
- Slowing down of mental or physical activities
- Suicidal thoughts
Pay attention to how you’re feeling
If you are still dealing with symptoms of depression, try tracking how you are feeling to discuss with your doctor. Use our symptom tracking tool before your next appointment to monitor your symptoms and to help your healthcare provider determine if changes to your treatment plan are needed.
Start the conversation
Check in with yourself and create a personalized doctor discussion guide for your next appointment.
Understanding treatment options
If you’re feeling stuck with unresolved depression symptoms, or what some healthcare providers may refer to as a “partial response” to your antidepressant therapy, your healthcare provider may consider the following:
Switching your current treatment if you…
- Are unable to tolerate side effects of your
antidepressant - Have not had a response to an antidepressant
Adding on to your antidepressant if you…
- Are able to tolerate your antidepressant
- Have achieved partial response to your antidepressant
Switching your current treatment if…
- Side effects of your antidepressant are intolerable
- You have not had a response to an antidepressant
-OR-
Adding on to your current treatment if…
- Your antidepressant is tolerable
- You have a partial response to your antidepressant
Potential benefits of an add-on
(adjunctive) treatment for depression
Can help build on progress
you may have already made on your antidepressant
Clinical guidelines recommend adjunctive treatment
as an appropriate option—sometimes as soon as partial response is achieved with an antidepressant
VRAYLAR is different from an antidepressant.
It is in a different class of medicines and is taken with an antidepressant to help improve depression symptoms. However, the exact way VRAYLAR works is unknown.
Ask your healthcare provider if adding VRAYLAR to your antidepressant therapy could be right for you.
Taking an antidepressant and still experiencing depression symptoms?
Mood hacks
Small, intentional actions could have an impact on helping to lift your mood.
Try these easy mood hacks to help make small improvements to your day.
Mood hacks
Small, intentional actions could have an impact on helping to lift your mood.
Try these easy mood hacks to help make small improvements to your day.
Eat at least one healthy meal daily.
Set aside time to eat a healthy, nutritious meal and really focus on the food.
Tip: Pick healthy foods you enjoy so you look forward to eating.
Mood hacks
Small, intentional actions could have an impact on helping to lift your mood.
Try these easy mood hacks to help make small improvements to your day.
Get away from screens.
Give yourself some time to relax away from your computer, TV, and smartphone.
Tip: Set a timer for 20-30 minutes and just enjoy not being plugged in.
Mood hacks
Small, intentional actions could have an impact on helping to lift your mood.
Try these easy mood hacks to help make small improvements to your day.
Step outside for a few minutes.
Stop what you’re doing and go outside to take in some fresh air, sunshine, and your surroundings.
Tip: Start with just 1 minute and work your way up to 5 or 10 minutes.
Small, intentional actions could have an impact on helping to lift your mood.
Try these easy mood hacks to help make small improvements to your day.
Share your symptoms.
Check in with yourself and get a personalized doctor discussion guide for your next appointment.
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