Depression is a condition that can befall anyone regardless of age. It consumes people’s thoughts, alters their state of mind, and affects their mood to the point where they cannot perform regular activities normally. Depression also affects the social life of patients and it interferes with their ability to maintain friendships, relationships, and healthy family dynamics. People who experience symptoms of depression should seek medical attention so they can get an expert opinion on their condition.

There are many causes of depression, including chemical imbalance in the brain, trauma, chronic illness, stress, uncertainty, and a change of environment. Seniors who move into assisted living facilities may suffer from depression because they feel isolated from their loved ones. Also, young people may feel depressed because of financial difficulty, relationship issues, and career stagnation.

When people in Naperville feel depressed, their first instinct may be to get a prescription for antidepressants. However, the speed at which antidepressants work depends on the dosage and severity of the symptoms they feel. There are alternate treatments to this, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy.

TMS therapy is a form of depression treatment that does not require medication. It involves doctors using a device that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the parts of the brain that regulate mood. TMS therapy does not need anesthesia and has few side effects but the treatment occurs in sessions that can last for days or weeks.

Patients who have tried antidepressants without much improvement can opt for TMS therapy Naperville. However, it is worth noting that there are different levels of depression, which are mild, moderate, and severe; each with a different set of symptoms.

Mild Depression

People diagnosed with mild depression usually experience fatigue, lack of interest in routine activities, reduced motivation, loss of appetite, bad mood, loss of focus, and a slight feeling of hopelessness or sadness. These symptoms are manageable and can be treated with antidepressants under medical supervision. Some people can get relief from mild depression by talking to friends and loved ones about the problems that drove them into depression.

Moderate depression

People who suffer from moderate depression experience a profound feeling of sadness, emptiness, and frustration. They tend to have low self-esteem, insomnia, and a significant decline in their ability to think and make decisions. They also have little to no interest in pleasurable activities or eating food. Treating people with moderate depression can be challenging, as they may be resistant to things that can improve their condition.

Antidepressants may be a viable solution to moderate depression, however, patients can also try Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. Additionally, they can engage in regular exercise, meditation, proper sleep, and a new hobby until they feel better.

Severe depression

People diagnosed with severe depression are constantly in a sad mood. They tend to experience significant weight change, extreme fatigue, isolation, hallucination, suicidal thoughts, excessive sleeping or insomnia, worthlessness, drug abuse, and an inability to function properly in society.

Patients in this category need a healthy combination of lifestyle changes, a support system made up of loved ones, antidepressants, TMS therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and hospitalization if necessary. These should all be done under medical supervision.

Endnote

While antidepressants are a common solution to depression, it can be treated without medication. Mental health professionals in Naperville can administer TMR therapy to people they believe are resistant to antidepressants and want to try something else. It can also be treated with changes to diet, lifestyle, and meditation.