TMS THERAPY
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Even if your depression has gone into remission or you’re experiencing fewer symptoms, depression can unfortunately return. Dr. Geoffrey Grammer, Greenbrook’s Chief Medical Officer, says that as we navigate COVID-19 and other changes, “Anyone's resiliency can be taxed by factors such as loss of control, social isolation, fast-moving information, mortality fears, and an uncertain end date to this situation.” Difficult situations can create extra stressors , which might lead to the recurrence of depression symptoms.
Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to tell if your depression is coming back. Sometimes symptoms can come back slowly, or you might experience new symptoms that are different from what an earlier episode of depression felt like. Here are six signs you should look for.
When depression creeps back in, it can feel impossible to focus on your work or any large projects that require your attention. Depression can make everyday tasks harder, like getting through your email inbox or being engaged during meetings. Dr. Will Sauvé , Virginia Regional Medical Director for Greenbrook TMS, notes that “Cognitive impairment is a major symptom [of depression] and probably the most common. Word finding, processing speed, maintaining attention, switching attention—all of these cognitive skills are diminished in those with depression.”
Another sign that your depression may be returning is a sudden change in your sleep patterns . Whether you’re experiencing insomnia (having trouble sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much), any change in sleep could indicate a recurrence of depression. Stress and too much caffeine can keep anyone up, but if you’ve ruled out the usual culprits and you’re still experiencing poor sleep, it’s time to consider another cause.
Similar to a change in sleep patterns, a shift in your appetite is often a sign that you might be experiencing an episode of depression. Some can’t find the energy and motivation to maintain their regular eating schedules when they struggle with depression. Others experience an increase in appetite and can find themselves reaching for comfort food or craving simple sugars and carbohydrates more often than they used to. Whether you’ve lost your appetite or you’re eating more than usual, it’s a sign that something could be wrong.
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An early sign that you might be experiencing depression is anhedonia , the inability to find pleasure in activities. Anhedonia can make life seem grey or flat and can make you suddenly disinterested in parts of your life that used to be enjoyable. This doesn’t just affect your hobbies, but can impact your social relationships too. You might not feel like seeing friends anymore or playing with your kids as much.
Depression can cause changes in mood and temperament, including feelings of irritability and agitation . If you’re easily frustrated and expressing low patience, you might begin starting fights with your family and friends, often for reasons that are not necessarily clear to you or your loved one. This change in behavior is a key sign to look for when navigating a reappearance in feelings of hopelessness and sadness.
If you’re taking antidepressants, it’s good to keep an eye on your mood and energy levels to know how your symptoms are improving, and discuss your progress with your doctor. That way you can gauge how effective treatment is for you and whether you need to make any changes. If you notice that your antidepressants aren’t working as well as they used to, it could be a sign of treatment-resistant depression , or depression that doesn’t get better after trying medications. It’s important to speak with a mental health professional who can help you take the next step in finding an effective treatment. This could include talk therapy, another antidepressant, and augmentation medication, or TMS therapy. TMS therapy is a non-drug, FDA-cleared treatment for depression. Learn more about TMS therapy by scheduling your no-cost consultation.
Navigating any uncertain time can be stressful. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic, if you find that you’re starting to experience depression symptoms again, it is critical to seek out help from a medical professional who can help you navigate your symptoms and treatment options.
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