Activities That Support Recovery From Treatment-Resistant Depression

When traditional antidepressants haven’t provided relief from depression, innovative options like SPRAVATO® (esketamine) can offer new hope. But medication is only one part of your recovery journey. There are many other things you can do to rebuild momentum and reconnect with yourself to increase the effectiveness of your treatment and rediscover your joy.

Movement and Exercise

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to support mental health, but when you’re dealing with TRD, even small efforts can feel overwhelming. Gentle activities like short daily walks, stretching routines, yoga, or light strength training can gradually help you improve mood, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall well-being.

You don’t need to commit to long or intense workouts; what matters most is consistency. Even just dedicating five to ten minutes a day can make a significant difference. Over time, regular movement can help regulate sleep, improve energy levels, and support the positive neurological changes from esketamine treatment.

Creative Expression

Depression often makes it difficult to express emotions, causing feelings of numbness or apathy. Engaging in creative activities can provide a safe and nonverbal way to explore your feelings and reconnect with yourself. Journaling, painting, drawing, playing an instrument, or crafting can serve as therapeutic outlets for expression without pressure or expectations.

After an esketamine session, some individuals report shifts in perspective, increased emotional openness, or renewed creative inspiration, making it an especially meaningful time to engage in creative activities and process your feelings in a new way.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Practices

Mindfulness practices can help break cycles of negative thinking and bring your focus back to the present moment. If you’re living with TRD, anxiety can be a persistent challenge, and techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help you feel grounded and promote calm.

Try taking just a few minutes a day and use a guided meditation app or a simple breathing exercise. Over time, these practices can help you become more aware of your thoughts without being overwhelmed by them and give you a sense of control.

Engaging in Meaningful Activities

Depression often causes you to withdraw from things you once enjoyed, so reengaging with your favorite hobbies can help restore your sense of identity and purpose.

These may include activities such as reading, gardening, cooking, or volunteering in your community. You could also try to explore new interests that spark your curiosity but without the pressure: the goal is not necessarily productivity but reconnecting with yourself in moments that feel engaging, fulfilling, and enjoyable.

Therapy and Self-Reflection

While esketamine treatment can provide rapid improvements in symptoms of TRD, ongoing therapy often plays a crucial role in sustaining your progress. Working with a therapist can help you understand your thought patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and navigate any challenges that arise during recovery.

Self-reflection is also an important part of this process. Taking time to notice any changes in your mood, thoughts, and behaviors and discussing them with your therapist can help you track your progress and determine what’s working. Many people find that combining esketamine treatment with therapy is a more comprehensive and lasting approach to healing.

A Path Forward With SPRAVATO® at LiveWell Counseling

LiveWell Counseling offers esketamine therapy with SPRAVATO® – the first and only FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression. In our comfortable, calming lounge, clients can now self-administer the SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray under the supervision of our board-certified psychiatrists and nurses.

To learn more, please call (201) 848-5800 or visit SPRAVATO®. This innovative treatment is covered by most insurance providers.