To say COVID-19 has brought a disruption to our lives is an understatement. Communities across the country have been trying to facilitate working from home, social distancing, lockdowns, juggling childcare needs and virtual school. It has not been easy for many. We have added stressors to our daily lives that we never anticipated. We’ve had to restrict our movements, our interactions with others, and have had to be hyper-vigilant about our movements. After months of practicing social distancing, the isolation has begun to take effect on the psyche of many Americans. And many, understandably, are not ok.
Sometimes flippantly referred to as “Covid Depression,” many are feeling the heavy burden of mental illness. But what about those people who were already suffering from chronic depression? Many people have found that COVID restrictions have heightened the body’s depression and anxiety. The pandemic has triggered a mental health crisis for many. The constant financial anxieties, isolation from loved ones, and worry about personal health have undoubtedly taken its toll. Those suffering from depression have found their symptoms magnified and their typical methods of coping failing. When the symptoms are getting worse, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional to help you explore options. And one of them may be TMS.
After consulting with a psychiatrist if you would be a good candidate for TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) you can begin to hope for positive change. TMS is a therapy used for those suffering from treatment resistant depression. It is a treatment that requires several treatments in an office for a period of time. TMS targets inactive brain regions (that are directly responsible for mood) with magnetic pulses, stimulating brain cells and improving brain function. These pulses allow for mood enhancing signals to be sent through the body, providing relief from stubborn depression. These mild electromagnetic pulses stimulate the nerve cells allowing long lasting changes in brain chemistry, providing relief. While TMS has demonstrated it can alleviate depression, and unintended benefit (in the age of COVID) is that the patient is provided a change of scenery with visits to the office. While we do not know how long COVID restrictions will last, the important thing is not to ignore your symptoms. Your mental health matters.