Clinicians and organizations have worked diligently to destigmatize mental healthcare – and they’ve come a long way. However, much of the general population still has a surprisingly limited understanding of mental health challenges, especially given how common they are. Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges, and most commonly misunderstood.

In this article, we define depression, outline different types of depression, and discuss an exciting new treatment option in Halifax.

What is depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest in daily activities. Many people don’t know that it often manifests as physical pain, extreme fatigue, and intense irritability. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, depression affects 1 in 8 Canadians at some point in their lives. Women are about 1.5 to 2 times more likely to experience depression than men.

Types of depression

There are several different types of depression. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent low mood and often involves appetite changes, insomnia, low energy, poor concentration, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Postpartum depression occurs during pregnancy and after childbirth. It’s generally associated with hormonal changes.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of major depression triggered by changing seasons. It typically begins in late fall and lasts through winter, causing persistent sadness, low energy, and social withdrawal. Many people don’t know that SAD can happen in the spring and summer, too.

Situational depression is a stress-related condition that occurs in reaction to an identifiable life event or trauma.

A person doesn’t have to fit perfectly into one of these categories to have depression. It affects people differently, and there are other types. Treatment-resistant depression is when symptoms of major depression fail to improve after trying at least two different antidepressant medications at adequate doses and durations.

If you know that something’s off and it’s affecting your daily function, it’s important to seek help.

TMS for depression

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. This drug-free, device-based therapy uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate an area of the brain that controls mood and is generally underactive in people with depression. More effective than medication, TMS re-activates neural pathways to make people better. There are no long-term side effects such as emotional numbness or sexual dysfunction, which are often associated with antidepressants.

What most don’t know is that TMS has been an accepted treatment for depression for many years. However, a majority of people who need treatment will never gain access due to the system’s treatment criteria and wait times. This is why Exomind TMS is so helpful.

Exomind TMS now available in Halifax

New to Halifax, Exomind TMS is improving access to treatment for depression. Patients do not need a formal mental health diagnosis, self-referrals are accepted, and there are no wait times.

As an optimized TMS device, Exomind offers shorter treatment schedules that generally produce faster results compared to traditional TMS. Exomind treatments are also pain-free. Most patients find the 20-minute treatments entirely comfortable and with no downtime, they can go about the rest of their day as usual.

Leading the Exomind TMS program at Body Works Med Spa & Wellness, Dr. Christine McClelland is a psychiatrist who is a medical doctor and mental health expert. She says, “It’s powerful enough to change the brain, and convenient enough to fit into real life.” Exomind TMS also helps with conditions that often accompany depression, including anxiety and insomnia.

Patients do Exomind TMS for a variety of reasons. They may do it to avoid taking medication, because medication hasn’t worked or worked well enough, because they don’t like the side effects of medication, or to optimize the effect of their medication. While it’s not covered by MSI or insurance, it is tax-deductible and covered by some Health Spending Accounts.

Start a conversation

If you’re interested in learning more about Exomind TMS, Body Works Med Spa & Wellness offers free virtual and in-person consultations. The purpose is to determine if Exomind TMS is right for you. Call 902-405-0858, email info@bodyworksmedspa.ca, or click here to book online.

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