From Men's Health · Lisa Mulcahy · · 1m 50s
Jeremiah's Depression Battle
A former college athlete overcame depression with treatment-resistant depression therapy.
In brief
A former college athlete overcame depression with treatment-resistant depression therapy. Jeremiah, a former college athlete, found treatment for depression after years of struggle. Originally reported by Men's Health.
Jeremiah's Wedding Day Struggle
Jeremiah felt too sad and unmotivated to get ready for his wedding.
“He was supposed to be getting ready for his wedding, a day when he expected to feel more confident than ever.”
College Depression Symptoms
Jeremiah's depression symptoms started in college and worsened after graduation.
“His symptoms first appeared in college and worsened after graduation.”
Diagnosis of Major Depression
In 2012, Jeremiah was diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).
“In 2012, Jeremiah was officially diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).”
Treatment-Resistant Depression
By 2021, Jeremiah had treatment-resistant depression (TRD) after nine years of struggle.
“In 2021, JEREMIAH was diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).”
Depression in Men
Depression in men often hides in plain sight with symptoms like irritability and fatigue.
“Depression in men often hides in plain sight. In 2021, 6.2 percent of U.S. adult men experienced a major depressive episode.”
Dr. Chepke's Expertise
Dr. Chepke explains depression in men is often missed due to stigma and different symptoms.
“Depression in men is often missed or misread, including by men and others close to them, because it doesn’t always look like what people expect depression to look like.”
Jeremiah's Healthcare Struggles
Jeremiah faced healthcare providers who dismissed his depression symptoms as restless legs syndrome.
“One provider even attributed his symptoms to restless legs syndrome.”
Family Reactions
Jeremiah's family and friends were confused by his depression and withdrew from him.
“We didn’t talk much after that for about a year.”
Wife's Support
Jeremiah's wife, a clinical therapist, noticed his depression and encouraged treatment.
“Starting around 2016, she began noticing subtle changes, how he would pick up and lose interest in activities and hobbies.”
SPRAVATO Treatment
Jeremiah used SPRAVATO, an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression.
“His doctor recommended he try SPRAVATO ® (esketamine), an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with TRD.”
SPRAVATO Side Effects
SPRAVATO can cause serious side effects like sedation and respiratory depression.
“SPRAVATO may cause serious side effects, including: sedation, dissociation, and respiratory depression.”
Jeremiah's Current Life
Jeremiah now works as an IT and cybersecurity instructor in Chicago and builds robots.
“Today, he works as an IT and cybersecurity instructor in Chicago, speaks at industry conferences, and builds robots in his spare time.”
Dr. Chepke's Perspective
Dr. Chepke sees SPRAVATO as a promising treatment for treatment-resistant depression.
“In his practice, Dr. Chepke has witnessed reductions in certain patients’ depressive symptoms when incorporating SPRAVATO into their treatment.”
Treatment Challenges
Finding effective treatment for depression takes years and consistent support.
“For a while, Jeremiah kept trying new medications and started losing hope when they didn’t work.”
Mental Health Awareness
Depression in men is often misunderstood, requiring open conversations and professional help.
“Depression affects your confidence in every aspect of your life. It becomes a dehumanizing experience.”
Hope for Treatment
Jeremiah's experience shows hope for men with treatment-resistant depression.
“There’s no one treatment that’s right for everybody, but seeing some move from repeatedly cycling through different treatments to an option studied specifically for TRD has helped shape how he approaches care for this population.”
At a glance
Jeremiah, a former college athlete, found treatment for depression after years of struggle.
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/10/29/878/n/49351082/3463428d6ae3a6ea46e5e2.20596603_.jpg)