There’s a common misconception that depression is simply a sad mood that lifestyle changes can cure. However, depression can affect people’s mental state, physical body, thinking process, and functionality. When it comes to Costa Mesa residents, depression symptoms often manifest as burnout, difficulty focusing, and even apathy. Of course, many people still contend with frequently sad moods, but it’s not a guaranteed symptom, and not having that particular symptom doesn’t rule out major depressive disorder. 

As a result, depression symptoms often affect someone’s daily life, including disrupted sleep, relationships, and even physical health. Medication and traditional therapy are effective for many people with depression, but they’re not right for everyone. Luckily, there are more non-traditional treatment options than ever. Some of them include TMS Treatment in Costa Mesa, which provides a plan without medication.

A Day in the Life of Depression

It’s not always obvious when you or someone you love is suffering from clinical depression. Yet symptoms like exhaustion, irritability, and not enjoying past passions can be telltale signs. While smaller symptoms aren’t easy to contend with, untreated depression can affect or even end relationships, inhibit career progress, and lessen quality of life. 

Antidepressants and other medicines are vital tools for many individuals with depression. But sometimes, people don’t respond to meds, or the side effects are too severe to live with. While these hurdles are often long-winded and discouraging, TMS can offer these patients hope. 

The Benefits of TMS Therapy

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is an FDA-cleared and non-invasive treatment. So, how does it work? TMS stimulates the parts of the brain connected to mood control. Through magnetic pulses, TMS targets those areas of the brain to activate underperforming neural circuits, all while avoiding some medicinal side effects. 

Given that TMS treatments often take 20 to 30 minutes, patients can expect an outpatient treatment plan that’s drug-free and doesn’t require downtime.

For Costa Mesa residents, places like Saint TMS Therapy in Costa Mesa can provide patients with advanced options through accelerated treatment plans that may relieve symptoms quickly. Saint TMS can sometimes provide quicker results by using individualized high-frequency protocols that can improve symptoms as early as a few days. 

Quick results are vital in high-risk cases that need immediate intervention and stabilization. Saint TMS offers multiple daily sessions over a shorter timeframe, providing patients with an intense and manageable schedule. 

Who Can Benefit From TMS Therapy? 

TMS therapy for depression in Costa Mesa can be particularly helpful for adults who haven’t responded well to medication, had significant medication side effects, or people looking to try a non-medicated treatment route first. While it’s critical to seek immediate intervention when you have a critical or life-threatening case, TMS is becoming a more popular first-line intervention for specific cases of major depressive disorder. 

TMS is backed by science and can be beneficial for people who have struggled to find treatment options that work for them. Individuals with a new diagnosis can benefit as well. For major depressive disorder patients looking for sustainable wellness treatment options, TMS can be a viable option.

How Does TMS Work?

Like any treatment option, TMS begins with a clinical evaluation to determine whether a prospective patient is a suitable candidate. If someone is deemed eligible, they’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that averages about five weekly sessions and lasts between four to six weeks. 

Naturally, treatment progress is closely monitored and adjusted as needed. Just like medication, it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. Patients may seek this option to avoid possible medication side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and drowsiness. Patients typically report being able to continue their typical work and personal schedules right after each session.

Getting Treatment is a Vital Part of Recovery

Untreated or undertreated clinical depression can range from burdensome to severely affecting daily life. Despite stigmas that have existed for decades, there’s nothing shameful about living with depression and seeking help

Clinics offering TMS in Costa Mesa can help patients benefit from the latest technology-based therapies that assist with long-term healing. Of course, it’s not for everyone, and traditional methods shouldn’t be discounted, but it is a viable option for those looking for a different kind of care. 

Written in partnership with Tom White