TMS THERAPY
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Daniel Hageman
A common response to stress is to look to things that bring us comfort and help us relax or feel more in control. However, when these stress relievers turn from occasional to frequent and moderation takes a back seat, these commonplace coping mechanisms can actually be maladaptive self-medicating or excessive behaviors that signal a deeper underlying issue, such as depression, which necessitates help from a medical professional. Here are 4 behaviors someone might turn to in times of stress—and how to know when it’s time to get help.
Most of us have gone through a stressful period at work or had a fight with a family member and found ourselves staring into the fridge at midnight in search of something to bring us comfort. But the occasional unhealthy snack can turn more serious if it devolves into a pattern of depressive overeating , which is chronic and characterized by feeling numb, emotionally distanced, or depressed during (or after) eating. You may have difficulty stopping eating or never feeling full or satisfied. If you notice that you’re consistently turning to food for comfort or experiencing any prolonged changes in appetite, which is a symptom of depression , it’s time to explore what’s behind your eating habits with a professional.
It is common to be less tolerant of others or of situations, but irritation can be symptomatic of a larger problem such as depression. Conflicts can be symptomatic of inner pain displaced on others, or of negative or persecutory thoughts that may not fairly reflect our circumstances. Those who tend to isolate themselves when struggling with depression may pick fights in order to be left alone and not have to face concerned questions from friends or family. Keep in mind that uncharacteristic anger is linked to a number of physical conditions, from hyperthyroidism to menopause , which makes it important to seek medical advice if you’re experiencing it.
During COVID-19, many have increased their alcohol consumption . For some, this may be due to boredom and monotony of social distancing and a lack of activities that used to be available. For others, drinking is a way to try to numb the symptoms of depression such as sadness, insomnia, or guilt. It’s important to remember that though drinking may serve as a means of entertainment, it’s also a depressant that typically worsens the symptoms of underlying mental illness, especially depression. If you’re drinking to excess, it can be a sign that your drinking is problematic and can have interpersonal and medical consequences. This holds true for any substance. Losing moderation in life should be a red flag for a deeper issue that can benefit from professional help.
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Work is something that can give us a sense of purpose, and that’s especially true when other areas of our lives feel like they’re beyond our control. And we all experience the occasional stretch of long nights when we’re working on a big deadline. But there’s a difference between working in order to feel fulfilled (and to pay the rent) and working to have a good excuse to avoid other responsibilities or feelings. If you constantly work harder than you need to without feeling accomplished or feel the need to stay perpetually busy because otherwise you’ll “have time to think,” it can be a sign that you’re using overworking to tamp down feelings you don’t want to acknowledge. While this can happen to anyone, men in particular tend to use work as a means of self-medicating in hopes of “just getting over” their symptoms of depression if they push themselves hard enough.
We all need to blow off steam, but if you’re finding yourself reaching for any of these 4 coping strategies more often than not and you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s time to get help from a mental health professional. They’ll help you figure out your next steps, whether it’s antidepressants, talk therapy, or TMS therapy, which is a non-drug, FDA-cleared treatment for depression. Learn more about TMS therapy by scheduling your no-cost consultation .
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