According to Statistics Canada, Nova Scotians reported the highest rates of mood and anxiety disorders in 2024, 18.9% and 22.9% respectively. For many, January used to mean new beginnings and fresh energy. However, the calendar flips, and instead the internal experience is one of struggle.
If you’ve noticed that shift in yourself, it may be a good idea to seek structured mental health support, and explore a new solution now available in Halifax.
Depression isn’t just in your head – it’s in your brain
Depression is a common mood disorder and one reason why people stop looking forward to new beginnings. When people talk about depression, they often describe it as feeling sad or down on an on-going basis. But depression isn’t just an emotion. It involves physical changes to the brain.
One of these physical changes is in neural pathways. The brain has networks of interconnected neurons forming pathways for electrical signals to travel. This enables everything from simple reflexes to complex thoughts, including specific functions such as movement, emotion, and memory. Disruptions in these circuits can cause mental health challenges ranging from mild to severe.
This is how people slip into depression. The neurons in a depressed brain stop firing properly and different regions of the brain stop communicating well. The neural pathways responsible for motivation, hope, and joy become disrupted. These pathways often need strengthening in order for someone to feel well again.
Anxiety is a learned pattern
Anxiety is another common reason why the anticipation of a fresh start is replaced with stress. Many people assume they just have an anxious personality and that there isn’t a solution. Maybe they tell themselves that they’ve always been a worrier, and that life has simply gotten more stressful. The truth is that anxiety becomes a learned behaviour and neurological pattern. Again, neural pathways aren’t firing properly in an anxious brain.
With anxiety, the nervous system may fly into high alert over inconsequential things. It could also be in a constant heightened state and unable to calm down. From day to day, anxiety takes a toll on relationships, productivity, sleep, energy levels, and quality of life.
A brain reset may be the answer
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s amazing ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections and releasing others. This means it’s possible to “rewire” symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other undesirable mental health conditions. It means you don’t have to live with depression or anxiety, and you may not even need medication to get better.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is a Health Canada and FDA-approved non-invasive medical therapy that’s been around since 1985. It uses targeted magnetic pulses to strengthen neural pathways and restore normal brain activity.
Many people appreciate that TMS enables them to avoid medication, while others find that it provides the extra support they need while taking medication. Some people are able to reduce their medication with TMS, or go off it entirely. It’s relatively fast-acting, and there are no long-term side effects.
Exomind TMS: an optimized approach
An optimized TMS therapy called Exomind TMS is now available in Halifax. It has several advantages over traditional TMS. In addition to treating depression and anxiety, it treats several other mental health conditions. Patients can often complete their therapy in fewer treatments and on shorter and more convenient treatment schedules. Also, treatments are quieter and more comfortable.
Dr. Christine McClelland is the psychiatrist who oversees the Exomind TMS program at Body Works Med Spa & Wellness. “The program is designed for people who want structured, evidence-based support in a warm and welcoming environment.” She continues, “We are working to make TMS part of mainstream medicine, and we’re delighted to be using it to help people right here in Halifax.”
A primary care provider’s referral is encouraged, but not required. With this, shorter treatment schedules, and no wait times, the team at Body Works Med Spa & Wellness is improving access to mental health solutions in Nova Scotia.
The Exomind TMS experience
The experience of doing Exomind TMS at Body Works Med Spa & Wellness is straightforward. People do a free consultation to see if the therapy is a fit, and select a package if so. Every therapy package includes a meeting with a psychiatrist and ongoing supervision as you visit the clinic for treatments.
For treatment, people lay down with the device applicator touching their head. The applicator emits a tapping sensation, which most people find comfortable. Each treatment session typically lasts less than 25 minutes and patients may return to their regular activities immediately after. Most patients notice gradual shifts in their mental state over the course of their treatment plans.
Is it time to get back to baseline?
Having depression, anxiety, or another mental health challenge doesn’t mean that you’re broken. It just means that you need science-based support. If the new year is filling you with dread or hopelessness instead of energy and excitement, your brain may need a reset.
Book a free consultation with Body Works Med Spa & Wellness to determine whether Exomind TMS may work for you. Call 902-405-0858, email info@bodyworksmedspa.ca, or click here to book online.
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