Good news for those of you struggling with depression!

Depression is a very difficult and overwhelming condition. When you are trying to get out of this situation, perhaps a doctor has prescribed you talk therapy or antidepressants. However, these treatments do not work the same for everyone. That is one of the biggest challenges. Some studies show that about one in three people with depression do not get immediate relief from these common treatments.

Why doesn't the same treatment work for everyone?

The main reason for this is that all of our bodies and brains are very different. Even to the same drug, the way your brain responds to it and the way someone else's brain responds can be very different. Imagine, even two siblings in the same family have different tastes in food, drinks, and clothes. That's how it is. The chemicals in our brains also function differently from one person to another.

Simply put, it's hard for even doctors to say 100% accurately, "Okay, this is the medicine that's right for you" at first. That's why it sometimes takes a while to find the medicine that's right for you.

More advanced SSRI medications

Nowadays, a doctor is more likely to first prescribe a medication called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) to someone with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). These are much more advanced than older medications.

Although this name may sound like a big deal, it's actually quite simple. Our brains contain a neurotransmitter called "Serotonin." This helps regulate things like our mood, happiness, and sleep. People with depression may have low levels of this serotonin. SSRI medications work by keeping the serotonin in the brain active for a little longer. It's like stopping the flow of water for a while and keeping it where it needs to be for a little longer.

Here are some other types of medications that belong to the SSRIs group:

One of the biggest advantages of these SSRI medications is that they have very few side effects compared to older medications. So you can continue to use these medications without any problems until you get the desired results.

On average, about six out of ten people (6/10) who take SSRIs will see significant improvement in their symptoms within two months. But the remaining 40% may not get relief from these medications alone. That's when we need to consider other treatments.

The latest hope for those unfamiliar with treatment: Ketamine

Ketamine is a drug that has brought great hope to those suffering from treatment-resistant depression that does not respond to standard medications.

Although this drug was originally used as an anesthetic during surgery, it was later discovered that it could provide very rapid relief from depression. Ketoconazole works in a completely different way than SSRIs. That is, it affects a different chemical system in the brain.

What is special about ketamine?

• Quick results: You don't have to wait weeks like with conventional medications. Ketamine can provide psychological relief very quickly, sometimes even within a few hours.
• Suitable for severe cases: This is very effective for those who do not respond to medications like SSRIs. It also helps control severe conditions like suicidal thoughts.

Ketamine treatment can be obtained in two main ways:

1. Nasal Spray: This comes under the brand name Spravato . It contains a compound called `esketamine`, which is a form of ketamine. It is approved by agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it is even available through insurance.

2. Intravenous (IV) Form: A method of giving the drug directly into the body through a vein. Although this is not yet officially approved for depression (off-label use), it is used in severe cases under the supervision of some doctors.

Most importantly, all of these treatments should be done under the strict supervision of a qualified doctor. Never try these things on your own. Your doctor should decide which treatment is best for your condition.