Does Successful Depression Treatment Really Mean Perpetual Happiness?

“I just want to be happy.” Cynthia* shrugged her shoulders wearily. “I mean, why is my depression treatment not working any more?

Cynthia had two prior severe depressive episodes but had been pleased over the past 3 years that her psychotherapy and medication were keeping her in check, enabling her to function well and enjoy her family and career. In her mind depression treatment was working — until now.

“Lately, I feel this sense of despair, on the verge of tears and so worried. I thought the medication was supposed to make me happy. What’s wrong with my depression treatment?”

I suggested that in order to understand what may be causing a worsening of her depression, she consider if there was anything going on in her life that might be causing her to worry and be more upset.

Cynthia tensed up and started wringing her hands nervously. “Oh things were going pretty well, but two weeks ago I lost my job and now that I’m home more, I’ve discovered that my son Charlie has been smoking marijuana – I can’t believe he is using pot after all our warnings! What else is he getting into!”?

“What would you think if you were not uncomfortable with your son’s behavior or you were okay with losing your job?” I asked.

Cynthia paused and looked around. “I guess that wouldn’t be normal…whatever that means.”

“Exactly. Feeling upset and sad when you are faced with the loss of your job and problems with your son is understandable.” I then asked, “Even though you’re upset and sad, are you doing what you need to adjust?

Cynthia paused. “Well, my husband and I plan on meeting with Charlie for a talk. And I’m sending out my resume daily and am already going to interviews.”

Is Depression Treatment Really Not working?

“So why do you think your depression treatment is not working?” I pressed.

“Because I’m not happy anymore,” tears were gradually falling down her cheeks. “I’m just so sad about this.” She then went on to clarify that, while she was sad about her family and career situations, she was grateful that she had the support of her husband and her friends, and she was able to laugh and feel like her normal self most of the time.

All things considered, she was actually functioning quite well!

Successful psychiatric depression treatment, whether through psychotherapy, medication or an intervention such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), makes it possible to once again experience renewed energy, motivation and interest in life. Nevertheless, when faced with life stresses and transitions, depression treatment should still allow patients to experience a full range of emotions — including appropriate sadness and worry in response to life’s challenges. With successful treatment comes the ability to function productively and emerge intact and fully functional.

Authentic Living With Depression Treatment: Surfing, Not Skating

The purpose of psychiatric treatment is to experience life healthfully, not to numb people against feeling the normal discomforts and challenges of life.

To expect life to be a simple skate across the lake is unreasonable. Like an ocean, life involves waves of challenges, without which we would not appreciate happiness from good fortune or success.

Successful depression treatment — and mental health in general — is being able to ride the waves of life and to appreciate and enjoy life when given the opportunity.

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*Cynthia is a fictitious name. This post reflects a common interaction I have had with multitudes of patients.

If you liked our post on depression treatment goals, check out our other blog posts.

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