What is depression?
Depression is a widely misunderstood condition. Our culture uses the term lightly, leaving many to believe that every experience of sadness is a form of depression. In reality, depression is a serious medical condition that has a dramatic impact on your daily quality of life.
Some of the symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Sleep disruptions
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of interest in activities that once brought joy
- Increase or decrease in your level of physical activity
- Cognitive problems like brain fog or inability to concentrate
- Persistent thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide
Researchers believe as many as one out of every 15 American adults will experience depression in any given year. Seeking help can make it easier to manage symptoms.
What causes depression?
Numerous negative experiences can provoke intense sadness or other symptoms of depression. The best way to know if your feelings are a sign of a serious health issue is to evaluate how much they impact your day-to-day life.
When negative emotions color your days and don’t seem to improve over time, depression may be to blame. Working with a highly skilled psychiatrist can help you find a path toward relief. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek immediate emergency attention.
What is TMS and how can it help with depression?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is an FDA-approved treatment for fighting the symptoms of depression in those who have been unable to find relief through other means. The treatment works by using magnetic fields to deliver stimulation in the nerve cells of your brain.
This process is noninvasive and requires no medication or advance preparation. During sessions, Dr. Ahmed positions a magnetic coil near your scalp. You hear the treatment platform produce clicking sounds and feel a light tapping sensation on your forehead.
Treatments last around 40 minutes, and require no form of anesthesia. After your sessions, you can return to your normal daily activities. Some men and women find lasting relief after a series of sessions, while others return periodically for ongoing TMS treatment to sustain their results.
The PsyClinic also offers medication and various forms of talk therapy to address the symptoms of depression. A combination of treatment options is often the best approach.
Learn more about TMS and other treatment options during a personalized consultation. Online scheduling is available, or you can call the office to check appointment availability.
