Select Page
84 / 100

No Changes

Depression Plateau: In seeking treatment for depression, some people realize that they have reached a state of no change. As a matter of fact things aren’t getting worse, but they not better, either. Is there any way for you to avoid this? Or, if you do find yourself in this situation, how can you get out of it?

 Depression Plateau


Depression Plateau

The first thing to come to terms with is that not every session will be a step up on the hike of wellness. It takes time to explore your thought processes, with your therapist, and, sometimes, it takes many sessions before something clicks. That being said, there are ways to promote your upward movement towards better mental health. Your therapist will likely teach you skills and tools with you that are designed to help you on your journey. Apply them.

Depression Plateau

This might seem obvious, but remember that treatment is not only about what you do during your sessions, but also about how the sessions impact your daily life. With so much happening in your life, may be hard to remember the suggestions from your therapist. If you need to, write them down and look through them regularly.

 Depression Plateau

 

That way, you’ll have them in mind when difficult situations come up. And, unfortunately, difficult situations will come up. Loneliness will spike, stresses will pop up. We’re living through an extremely difficult time right now, in 2020. In fact, depression and anxiety have been spiking during this pandemic. We need to take care of both our emotional and mental health.

Dealing with depression Plateau


As more and more of our socializing is online, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of Zoom meetings and online classes. Don’t forget to make time for your friends. Even if you can’t see them in person, be sure to have a relaxing chat. Introverts, especially, may want to avoid having video or voice calls.  However, a few minutes of hearing a friendly voice or seeing a face can help with feelings of loneliness and the negative feelings that come with it.


However, plateauing is often part of the process. While you may feel tempted to quit therapy without talking to your therapist, this is not a good idea. Let them know your issues. That way, they can tailor their therapy to address these specifically and they may be able to help you through them.


On the other hand, if you do find that this plateau continues for too long, it’s possible that you’ve simply outgrown your therapist and it’s time for a change. There is no shame in that for you or your therapist. Every person is unique and switching to another therapist may be just what you need to reach your breakthrough. Your psychologist should understand and may even offer to make the referral unprompted.
Don’t lost hope. It might feel like therapy is of no use, but don’t let this plateau be a barrier to seeking help. Keep working and you’ll make it, bit by bit.