Stubborn Depression? This Non-Invasive Therapy Might Finally Spark Relief

Depression can feel like a cloud hanging over you despite wonderful life experiences. The small joys of life seem to escape you despite looking for the good in all things. For some, it is almost as if there is no silver lining, no hope for a better or even brighter future. Goolsby and Associates want you to know that while many suffer from depression, there is hope. You may have tried antidepressants and taken them as recommended. You may be involved in psychotherapy with a therapist who suits your needs and still find that your depression is not lifted.

If standard treatments for your depression are not working and you are looking for a noninvasive solution, transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS might be your solution. Read on for more information about this revolutionary FDA-approved treatment option for treatment-resistant depression.

What is treatment-resistant depression?

While there is no clinical definition of treatment-resistant depression or TRD, the term typically refers to those with a major depression diagnosis who do not respond to antidepressant medications taken for the prescribed amount of time and in the correct dosage. Research suggests that between thirty to sixty percent of those with major depression who have taken at least one antidepressant without relief fall into this category.

If you fall into this category, you need to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your options. A medication issue might resolve itself when you find the right prescription. TRD is not something you can diagnose on your own, so reach out to your physician or psychiatrist to dig into other options.

What can I do before exploring TMS as a treatment option?

Depression is a complex diagnosis, and while medication and psychotherapy are the standard when it comes to treatment, your next step will be a visit with your mental health provider to discern your mental health and take the next steps.

One step might involve psychoeducation, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients more about their diagnosis and assisting them with understanding treatment protocols, prognosis, and treatment alternatives. It may be that in order for you to combat your depression, you need more education. Are you taking your medication at the recommended dosage at the appropriate time each day?

Your medical professional will help guide you to more understanding with the hope that this education will unlock your depression. The key here is consulting with a mental health professional and taking a learning attitude.

For some, addressing lifestyle might be the missing component when it comes to their depression. Are you sleeping enough? What does your diet look like? Are you using substances? Are you incorporating exercise, a known mechanism, to help alleviate the symptoms of depression?

We have great news if you have exhausted all avenues and still cannot find relief. Transcranial magnetic stimulation might be the spark you need to ignite your healing.

We understand that you might be hesitant to try transcranial magnetic stimulation for your treatment-resistant depression.

TMS may sound like something out of science fiction but know that this is an FDA-approved treatment option for treatment-resistant depression. TMS is well-studied, and its benefits are well-known within the scientific community.

The great news is that TMS is noninvasive and done in our office under supervision, and there is no downtime, which means you can carry on with your day. TMS works by utilizing magnetic pulses directly to areas of the brain with low activity associated with depression. Repeated stimulation literally “awakens” these areas of low activity, encouraging increased function and improved mood.

How do you prepare for a TMS session?

Treating depression involves a comprehensive approach. Therefore, it is essential that you also address your lifestyle as well. We want all systems firing when we do TMS, mainly because there is a link between your mental health and your physical health. During your treatment, pay attention to your daily activity levels and do your best to eat a nutrient-dense diet.

Make sure you get plenty of rest. While this is not an “active” procedure, remember that your brain utilizes energy. Getting proper rest will help with your treatment sessions both before and after.

Keep yourself alert during sessions. TMS works on areas of low activity within the brain, and staying awake and alert during sessions allows the magnetic pulses to work best. This noninvasive procedure may feel relaxing, but try your best to keep your mind active and alert during your session.

TMS is not a one-and-done treatment. When you meet with us, we will prescribe a treatment schedule based on your needs. It is paramount that you attend each session. You can think of TMS as “brain training.” Through repeated sessions, we train your brain to function optimally.

TMS can provide relief for your treatment-resistant depression.

Here at Goolsby and Associates, we have seen the transformative power of TMS for stubborn depression. We know this treatment modality can provide relief to those with treatment-resistant depression, and we are proud to be a TMS provider and leader in Gainesville, GA, and the surrounding areas.

We know that major depressive disorder can disrupt your life and make you feel like there is no hope. However, we may have a solution for you in TMS. If you are suffering from treatment-resistant depression and have exhausted all treatment options, please get in touch with our office today for a consultation.

We look forward to partnering with you in your healing.