Reader’s Question

I am 21 years old. My problem is I have been suffering from depression for the last five years. My treatment has continued over the last two years. But still I feel I don’t have any prominent improvement. My motivation level has decreased. My sleep is disturbed. My appetite and weight have increased. I think very negatively. I am dependent on others in every matter. I think everything is bad and I cannot live life. Everything seems impossible. I am living an existance-free life. It’s like I cannot regain my happiness and good time. I feel I have destroyed my life. My studies have stopped for two years due to stammering and severe depression. Now I feel I have very poor concentration and weak memory and it is creating troubles for me. How can I improve my concentration? Is there any relation between poor concentration and weak memory? I have many problems. I have started to think you are a burden on yourself. I am thinking severely about suicide. I have tried many suicide attempts but unfortunately survived.

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

When you mention treatment, you don’t describe what type of treatment for your depression. Obviously, you have a severe depressive disorder. This is not uncommon when we are under a high level of stress for a prolonged period of time. When under treatment and the treatment isn’t working, there may be several causes:

1. If you are using an antidepressant medication — you may not be using the maximum dose, using the medication to its highest potential. This is very common, especially when the antidepressant is provided by a family physician. If so, consult a psychiatrist or talk to your physician about increasing the dosage.
2. You may be using the medications ineffectively. Antidepressants are not like pain or anxiety meds that are taken “when needed”. All antidepressants must be taken on a daily basis exactly as prescribed. If not, they are not effective.
3. You may need a different antidepressant medication. In clinical practice, 35% of people must change their medication.
4. You may need to add treatment to your current program. Again, I recommend consulting a psychiatrist.

I’m unaware of the mental health resources available to you. I would recommend contacting your mental health professionals. If you are suicidal, you may need psychiatric hospitalization to stabilize you, then be released for community treatment. Your depression is very treatable.