In a society that celebrates the American Dream–if you work hard enough, you’ll succeed–the affliction of perfectionism sounds great. It can help with pursuing achievements and a comfortable life, so what’s the harm? Unfortunately, the intense pressure and expectation of chasing perfection can take a toll on your mental health. Before covering the steps you can take to combat perfectionistic tendencies, you need to learn about the different types of perfectionism and how they’re linked with depression. The Perfectionism Trap Perfectionism is more than a drive or desire to do well. It’s a stab ..read more

Supporting a loved one with depression requires compassion and patience. There is a fine balance necessary to navigate conversations about their mental well-being. Knowing what to say and what not to say can be challenging. Your words and actions can have a profound impact on their recovery journey. Before jumping into a heavy conversation with them, you must prepare. Before Speaking or Visiting Them If you know of someone struggling with depression and you want to help, there are a few steps you should take before talking or meeting with them. 1. Choose a Good Time and Place If you’re stress ..read more

While not always openly discussed, infertility affects millions of people worldwide. The dream of starting a family can quickly turn into a nightmare when things don’t turn out the way you planned. Physical challenges can cause heartaches and take a toll on mental health. Navigating assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) and treatments can lead to feelings of sadness, frustration, and despair. Understanding the Link Between Infertility and Depression The physical condition of infertility doesn’t immediately cause mental health issues. However, the diagnosis can profoundly impact emotional ..read more

When seeking treatment for mental health issues, combining different approaches can often lead to enhanced outcomes. Seattle transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is no different. It’s emerged as a valuable therapy to use alongside other treatments, such as antidepressant medication if you’re seeking relief from conditions like depression or anxiety. Here’s what you should know about TMS and supplementing your medication regimen: TMS is Highly Individualized One of the main benefits of TMS treatment is that TMS providers can tailor it to your individual treatment plan. Considering y ..read more

Depression is very isolating in nature, and starting transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy in Washington is just one piece of the treatment puzzle. In addition to TMS sessions, a support system and access to reliable resources can significantly enhance your experience and contribute to your overall well-being. Explore support groups and other resources that can complement your TMS treatment: The Power of Support Groups Support groups can provide a unique space to share experiences, insights, and encouragement. Whether in person or online, these groups foster a sense of community and ..read more

How Do Professionals Measure the Success of TMS Treatment for Depression? For many people who suffer from depression, finding a truly effective treatment can be a challenge. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a great option for many individuals for whom traditional treatments have not worked. How will the treatment team know TMS is helping? There are many rating scales including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRAS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Keep reading to learn how ..read more

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is one of the few non-invasive and non-systemic treatment options for various mental health conditions. It was approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) by the FDA in 2008, making TMS an excellent treatment option for those seeking relief from their depressive symptoms. While treatment is effective, especially for those of you with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), there are some steps you can take to maximize therapy outcomes and enhance its overall impact on your mental well-being. Use these seven practical tips to help make the most of yo ..read more

According to the CDC, nearly 13% of people 12 years or older reported taking antidepressants in the last month. Of that group, 60% have been taking them for two years or more, while 14% have been taking them for more than 10 years. Antidepressants have a long history of benefits, such as: Providing symptom relief for depression and other disorders Improving quality of life Reducing suicide risk However, there are also a number of risks associated with antidepressant medications, especially when you take them long-term. Here are eight to be aware of: 1. Weight Gain and Metabolic Effects One ..read more

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health issues, affecting millions worldwide. Despite its prevalence and the extensive research on the condition, practitioners only partially understand what goes on in your brain when you have MDD. This is partly why there are so many different antidepressants targeting different chemicals in your brain. They target serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine or noradrenaline, even an enzyme involved called monamine oxidase, and more. However, there’s a handful of new research studies that suggest depression may have a connection to th ..read more

Whether you’re experiencing a short bout of situational depression after you’ve moved away from home for the first time, or the wintery weather is bringing your mood down, depression in any form is not easy to deal with. Medication is a common and effective approach for managing the mental lows, so it’s an easy choice for medical professionals to lean on. However, it’s not the only path to feeling better. Here are some options to explore if you’re interested in navigating depression treatment without medication: Exercise Any heart-rate-raising movement has the potential to release endorphins ..read more