On Depression
Christopher Hutcheson
Your Depression is Costing You Way More Than ...
On Anxiety, On Depression
Christopher Hutcheson
Depression, Efficiency, and Repetition

So, as we do that new process (taking all the trash out at once, folding new boxes for the next shift, telling customers the cash register doesn’t work for whatever reason); we get better at the process with our diligent practice.

Unfortunately, depression often uses the exact same process to drag us down.

Depression, Efficiency, and Repetition
On Depression, On Anxiety
Christopher Hutcheson
5 Tips To Make It Through Coronavirus Lockdown
5 Tips To Make It Through Coronavirus Lockdown
On Depression
Christopher Hutcheson
Alex Trebek and Sir Sean Connery Teach Us How ...
On Mindfulness
Christopher Hutcheson
Two Dogs and a Bird Teach A Human A New Trick

In a stroke of brilliance and generosity; both dogs and this poor cardinal fighting for its territory took the opportunity to teach me something about the moment and how valuable it is.

The lesson is that all four of us were failing at mindfulness!


Two Dogs and a Bird Teach A Human A New Trick

Alternative Depression Treatments: TMS

Some time ago, the medical team from TMS & Brain Health had contacted me about posting something about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (or, TMS for short) treatments.

I’m always a fan of innovation that will help achieve results towards living and away from depression. This particular technology has been available in some Indiana locations for sometime. I’ve always felt like it is somewhat underutilized and wanted to get the word out about it.

So, without further ado; Ember’s first guest blog! Take it away!

Alternative Depression Treatments: TMS

Depression is a very personal and individualized ailment. Everyone has different causes and different responses to the various forms of depression treatment. Most patients with major depression must try at least two kinds of medication or therapy before finding a treatment plan that works for them. Beyond that, 30 to 40% of adults with major depression still experience symptoms even after trying two or more antidepressant medications.

 The mechanisms behind antidepressants are not well understood, and many individuals with depression struggle to find one that fully alleviates their symptoms. Additionally, the process of adjusting to new medications and discovering side effects can be taxing on mental and physical health, and most medications don’t offer relief after the patient stops taking them – they are for life.

 For this reason, new discoveries in alternative depression treatments are exciting and show promising results for individuals with depression. One of these treatment alternatives drawing the most attention is TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation. While it is still considered a new alternative, TMS has been used in the medical field for over 35 years and, as a depression treatment, it is now FDA-approved, and can even be covered by insurance in certain cases.

 What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

 Originally used to measure motor conduction times and neural excitability in psychological and clinical trials, TMS has expanded within the medical field since its development in 1985. The process involves delivering one or a series of magnetic pulses directly onto the scalp. The pulses target specific areas of the brain known to play a role in depression to activate neurons in this area. Unlike antidepressant medications that are taken into the body and can impact a variety of different biological systems, TMS offers accuracy in that it only impacts the neural area it is targeting.

 TMS is an extremely safe process with minimal side effects. During treatment, most patients report a mild tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp. Some report a mild headache that subsides shortly after the treatment session or within a few days of beginning treatment. TMS is not recommended for individuals with preexisting risk of seizure or metal implants; just as with any other medication, consult your doctor before considering this treatment.

 Is TMS effective?

 There have been many scientific studies showing that TMS can be effective in treating depression – especially treatment-resistant depression. Clinics like TMS & Brain Health report that over 60% of patients see at least partial symptom relief shortly after beginning treatment, and about 40% experience full symptom remission. Some patients also experience symptom relief well after the treatment period has concluded. While not a guarantee, this possibility can’t be offered by standard forms of medication, in which symptoms return after the patient stops taking the medication.

 This doesn’t mean TMS is a “magic pill” solution; clinics achieve these high rates of effectiveness by offering personalized treatment plans that suit each individual patient. TMS alone may not cure depression, but its effects can be enhanced when coupled with other forms of treatment that are appropriate for the individual.

 The most profound discovery that TMS offers is a pathway to alternative depression treatment that doesn’t require relying on medication forever. Typically, TMS therapy involves attending treatment sessions in a clinic five days a week (Monday through Friday) for 4 to 6 weeks. Additional sessions can be scheduled later on if necessary, and most patients experience symptom relief for months or even years before considering another TMS treatment program.

 The biggest limitation to TMS therapy currently is price and restrictions on coverage by insurance companies. However, many insurance companies do offer coverage under certain circumstances, and your doctor may work with you to help you become eligible for an alternative therapy like TMS.

This website is not a replacement for talk therapy with a licensed mental health professional. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, then please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you believe harm to yourself or others is imminent, call 911 in the United States of America or your local emergency number.