Experiencing depression can make it feel as though no one understands your experiences, but you are not alone. Millions of people experience similar struggles. Understanding common causes of depression and your treatment options is an important step in finding relief.
At Genesis TMS and Wellness, we provide NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy to our clients in the Fairfax and Alexandria area who are struggling with major depressive disorder (MDD). As a noninvasive procedure, NeuroStar TMS therapy can be an important option for individuals seeking treatment when other options have not provided the relief they expect.
Depression is a common mental health condition that can cause persistent feelings of sadness, affecting how you think, sleep, eat, and act. There are several different types, including
There is no single contributing factor to depression. In fact, depression can develop due to various reasons and has multiple triggers.
We often see a higher risk of depression after losses or breakups, especially if you distance yourself from friends and family.
Certain traits, such as low self-esteem or self-criticism, can make you more vulnerable to depression. Your genes and early experiences may shape these traits.
If a parent or sibling has experienced depression, you have a higher risk of developing it as well. Severe depression can stem partly from inherited genes, but life events can sometimes trigger it. However, a family history of depression alone does not guarantee you will develop it.
Postpartum hormonal and physical changes, as well as caring for a newborn, can lead to postnatal depression. Depression can also develop during pregnancy, known as antenatal depression.
Menopause, especially in its early stages, may trigger depression and often leads to sadness or mood swings. However, these menopause-related symptoms differ from clinical depression.
Feeling isolated from loved ones raises your risk of depression.
We see some people try to cope with their feelings by drinking or using drugs, but this can worsen depression. Cannabis may provide temporary relaxation, but it can also trigger depression, especially in teenagers. Drinking to numb emotional pain alters brain chemistry and raises the risk of depression.
Long-term or life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease or cancer, can increase the risk of depression. Severe head injuries may lead to mood swings, while an underactive thyroid can contribute to depression.
Depression is often linked to reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex. This region is responsible for mood regulation, decision-making, and emotional response. At Genesis TMS and Wellness, we use NeuroStar Advanced TMS to stimulate the neurons in your prefrontal cortex using magnetic pulses. This can help restore normal brain activity levels and improve the communication between your brain cells.
Many of our patients report feeling gradual relief from their depressive symptoms, such as persistent sadness, lack of energy, and difficulty concentrating. That is because over a series of sessions, your brain’s natural ability to regulate emotions can improve, potentially providing you with a foundation for long-term recovery. Contact us today to learn more about the contributors to depression.
If you have struggled with depression but have not found the relief you hoped for using conventional treatments, you are not alone. Brain stimulation may offer a happier, more balanced life without the burden of depressive thoughts for those suffering from a variety of causes of depression.
If you are interested in learning more about how TMS therapy can help treat your symptoms of depression, give us a call today.
