TMS THERAPY
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Adrian Drew
When many people think of depression, they may think in terms of extremes. They imagine a stereotype—someone who's unable to get out of bed, can't stop crying, or doesn't want to leave the house. What they often fail to consider are the individuals with high-functioning depression.
While some people with depression experience the more obvious, externalized symptoms mentioned above, there are many others who experience the less apparent symptoms of high-functioning depression. These people are very much able to live their lives, perhaps even excelling in many areas, but they still face the challenging symptoms of depression.
How, then, do high-functioning individuals differ from those with clearer forms of depression? According to psychotherapist Mayra Mendez, PhD, "Depression may inhibit the desire for activity and action, but
high-functioning individuals tend to forge ahead in an effort to succeed with goals."
Winner of 23 Olympic gold medals, swimmer Michael Phelps has been
open about his experience with depression . As he recounted in 2018, "I didn't want to be in the sport anymore. . . . I didn't want to be alive anymore." On the surface, many might be surprised. Along with his record-breaking accomplishments, Phelps is often pictured smiling, laughing, and talking easily with interviewers. His symptoms aren't obvious, and they have not prevented him from performing the same activities as those without depression.
While as a celebrity Phelps may be a stand-out example, others with high-functioning depression have similar experiences. But identifying non-stereotypical major depression disorder can be tricky. Still, there are a handful of
key symptoms to note:
From an outsider's perspective, these symptoms might be nearly unrecognizable—and that's often where the issue lies. A person experiencing high-functioning depression might not even know they're depressed, justifying their feelings to themselves and proceeding to live life in the presence of their symptoms. Unless an individual actively seeks help and confides in others, those around them may never know an issue is present, either, since individuals with depression—particularly men—might prefer to hide or ignore their feelings rather than speaking about them with others.
To complicate things even more, depression can also impact an individual's ability to self-reflect, making it more difficult to self-diagnose an issue. That is why it's vitally important that even if these symptoms have become your norm, you do seek out professional treatment.
It can be difficult to ask for support, but it's essential. So, where do you begin? Taking the time to recognize that you are experiencing depression symptoms is an important step. This will help you on the path to finding relief and accepting the help of those prepared to offer it. Remember that even though you may be meeting your day-to-day obligations and even achieving your goals, you deserve to feel your best.
After recognizing that you have high-functioning depression symptoms, it's time to consider your options for treatment. In addition to antidepressants and therapy, there are other treatment options, as well. Doctors at Greenbrook or instance, use FDA-cleared devices to facilitate
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS therapy, a non-invasive and non-drug way to treat depression. Whatever method you choose, know that finding the treatment that works best for you is key to a better way of living.
It often takes time and patience, but with the right help, you can take control of your symptoms and live a full, healthy life. The journey might not be easy—but it is worth it.
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