COVID-19 has not only impacted our physical well-being, but also greatly consumed our mental health in more ways than one. In fact, during this pandemic, being depressed and anxious—at least for many people—feels like the new normal. Those who have never suffered from depression and anxiety in the past find themselves at the mercy of thoughts of uncertainty and hopelessness. Those who suffer from depression already find themselves without their regular routine or support network, as our social support network has been forced online. Depression is already one of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., affecting more than 17 million adults each year. What will those numbers looks like in a post-COVID world?
Although depression comes in many forms and varies with each person, symptoms usually last more than two weeks and are persistent in your daily thoughts. Symptoms include:
• Feeling of hopelessness & worthlessness
• Persistent sadness
• Persistent anxiety
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in regular activities
• Lack of focus and concentration
• Changes in sleep, sex drive and appetite
• Suicidal thoughts
If you find that you are exhibiting multiple symptoms of depression lasting longer than two weeks, or thoughts of suicide, please seek medical help quickly. During this pandemic, it may seem normal that these symptoms manifest for longer than two weeks. You may even know other friends and family going through the same thing. However, this does not mean you should not seek treatment.
One of the best things you can do if you believe you are struggling with depression is reach out to a therapist who can go over a few treatment options that may be well suited for you. Treatments for depression and anxiety include a combination of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lifestyle changes.
For those patients who fail to respond to these first-line depression treatments, ketamine infusions are a proven effective treatment; within 1-2 infusions, up to 70% of patients see a notable improvement in their mood and depressive symptoms.
Depression doesn’t have to be the new normal. Reach out to our Tahoe area ketamine treatment center for a free consultation.
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