TMS & Ketamine Treatments for Depression

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Spotlight on Situational Depression

MT PSychiatry january

When we think of depression, we often picture a person who is sad and withdrawn. This person experiences sadness much of the time, even when the reasons aren’t clear from their experiences. Still, depression is a serious problem that many people face. Many things can cause it and contribute to symptoms just as debilitating, whether or not the reasons or causes are apparent.

Situational depression is a type of clinical depression that occurs when a person’s reaction to an event has caused them to become depressed. A wide variety of events can lead to situational depression, including divorce, trauma, and many others.

Situational depression signs and symptoms will vary for each individual depending on their mental state, coping mechanisms, and other factors. While this type of depression may not be as well-known as major depression, it is still a serious mental health problem needing attention.

We must put the spotlight on situational depression specifically and spread awareness so that more people understand at what point they should seek help and how.

Situational depression vs. major depression

Situational depression is sometimes referred to as an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood. It looks like major depression in many ways and shares similar symptoms, such as changes in appetite and difficulty sleeping.

The main difference between situational depression and major depression is that, as the name suggests, specific situations cause situational depression.

What can cause situational depression?

Various situations and events can lead to situational depression. Some examples include:

-Divorce, breakup, separation, or child custody issue

-Death of a loved one

-Being in an abusive relationship

-Loss of job or income; financial difficulties

-Moving to a new location

-Legal troubles

-Trauma or abuse

-A life-altering or threatening injury or medical diagnosis

It’s normal to experience intense feelings of sadness or anxiety when facing any of the above situations. However, with situational depression, these feelings can become out of proportion with the initial event, having a more lasting impact and interfering with one’s daily life.

What are the symptoms of situational depression?

The symptoms of situational depression tend to vary from person to person. However, some common signs may indicate you are experiencing situational depression. Some of these signs may include:

-Frequent crying

-Loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy

-Feeling irritable or agitated for no reason

-Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, like nothing can make things better

With situational depression, symptoms typically occur within three months of the initial event. While situational depression symptoms are typically considered less severe than major depression, if symptoms and feelings of sadness persist and begin to feel disproportionate to what happened, it’s time to speak with a medical professional.

What should you do if you are experiencing situational depression?

If you think you may be experiencing situational depression, there are some steps you can take to get help.

-Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help determine if you’re experiencing situational depression and may prescribe medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

-Seek counseling. Counseling can help you deal with the emotions you’re feeling and teach you coping mechanisms.

-Talk to a friend or family member. Talking to someone who listens and understands is one way to help you manage your feelings.

If you are experiencing situational depression, it is important to seek help. Attempting to ignore the problem will only make it worse. There are many resources available to you, and you don’t have to face your depression alone.

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Average Rating: 5

7 Reviews

12

TMS

by Deb (age 64)

Nov 7,2018

The hoops I jumped through in order to be evaluated were straightforward and efficient. I met with PA Kaitlin for about an hour to discuss my history and previous medications. Then Dr. Amato joined us to further discuss my history, the TMS treatment, and answer any questions. Myrna gathered all of the information and submitted it to my health insurance company to request coverage for TMS. Fortunately, insurance approved the treatment and I was able to begin the next week. I’m sure most people have anxiety about starting a treatment like TMS. No matter how many times it’s described to you, there are many unknowns. How will I feel during treatment? Is it painful? What if this doesn’t work? What if it works for a while but then stops? In all honesty, I was very uncomfortable during the first couple of weeks of treatment. The alternating two seconds of tapping sensation caused some pain during treatment, and at the end of the first week I thought about quitting. But I had sworn to myself that TMS was a last resort and I HAD TO complete the treatment and give it a chance to work. My technician, Heather, told me that some people don’t feel the tapping at all, they only hear it. Guess I wasn’t one of those people! But as the days went by, it became easier to tolerate the treatments. During this time I also saw Lauren weekly for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is highly recommended for people undergoing TMS treatment, and it was a positive complement to my total of 100 minutes each week “under the helmet”. The weekend between weeks three and four, I started to notice subtle improvements in my mood, increased belief in my self-worth, and enthusiasm for simple things like going for walks, meeting friends for lunch, and taking on volunteer work in the community. I hesitated at first to believe that TMS was helping me. I was afraid that I was convincing myself it was working because I so desperately wanted it to! But now that I am past the treatment I can say with cert

Category: general * Individual results may vary.

TMS

by Barbie (age 68)

Nov 7,2018

I feel so blessed to participate in the TMS protocol at MT Psychiatry. After struggling so many years with depression and not getting significant results from medication, particularly of late, I noticed positive results in the first two weeks of treatment. TMS can literally give you back the beauty & joy in living as well as the courage to make positive life changes and improvements in your daily living situation. I heartily encourage anyone to put yourself into the hands of the amazing TMS team who so gently and graciously make this journey with you out of the black hole that is depression. It is my honor and privilege to give the TMS treatment the highest recommendation.

Category: general * Individual results may vary.

TMS

by Shayne (age 66)

Oct22,2018

I am grateful for the support and caring I have received from Dr. Amato (and Heidi, Heather and Myrna) in my quest for mental health and a fuller more productive life. While the TMS results have been subtle, I feel more positive about my future and I would recommend this team absolutely. Thank you!

Category: general * Individual results may vary.

TMS

by Carrie (age 65)

Oct22,2018

Not realizing how fuzzy my head was, I thought I was only going through severe anxiety and depression. Through the insight of Pat, I was able to go through TMS treatments which brought down the anxiety and depression immensely and has cleared up the fuzzy, far off substantially. All the personnel treated me with kindness and I’m sure their attitudes helped in my recovery.

Category: general * Individual results may vary.

TMS

by Bridget (age 47)

Oct22,2018

The first outcome of TMS I noted happened early in my treatment, at about the beginning of week two. I felt as though my “brain fog” had been chipped away. I wish I could report that I feel my mental health issues are in “remission”, but I can’t do so yet. My hope is that I will see improvement in the weeks to come, now that my TMS cycle has ended. I can say that my brain feels – in some way – different; I can’t explain exactly how. I continue to struggle at this point in time but sill have hope for more improvement.

Category: general * Individual results may vary.

TMS

by Beth (age 35)

Oct22,2018

I can’t remember a time in my life where I was truly happy. I’ve suffered from depression, anxiety and even self-injury since I was little. Even my own wedding day wasn’t the happy joyful time it should have been. Since starting TMS, I can finally say I’m happy. I am no longer being held prisoner by depression, anxiety, self-injury, and even suicidal ideation. It’s an adjustment going from the dark to the light. Experiencing true happiness is strange, but it’s worth it. TMS is amazing and I recommend it to anyone who suffers from depression. There is an answer, and it’s TMS! This treatment, Dr. Amato, and her team literally saved my life, and for that I’m eternally grateful.

Category: general * Individual results may vary.

TMS

by Sandy (age 55)

Oct22,2018

I’ll be honest, I was ready to give up within the first 3 weeks due to the headaches, but I’m glad I stayed and finished the entire treatment. My hubby has noticed more positive change in me. I can go and be around small groups of people, where before I would only leave the house to go to Dr. Appointments and only because of insurance reasons. Thanks to the caring ladies at the Front Desk, Myrna, Heather, Heidi (and) Dr. Amato who made every visit show(ed) me how much they genuinely care, ask questions, offer ideas, they’re supportive but not pushy. Thank you all for helping me become a better me!

Category: general * Individual results may vary.

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Montana Psychiatry and Brain Health

Montana Psychiatry & Brain Health Center
Montana Psychiatry – Billings:
3737 Grand Avenue, Suite 6
Billings, MT - 59102
Tel : 406-839-2985

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Montana Psychiatry – Billings:
517 S 24th St. W. Unit C3
Billings, MT - 59102
Tel : 406-839-2985

Montana Psychiatry – Bozeman:
822 Stoneridge Dr., Suite A-2
Bozeman, MT - 59718
Tel : 406-551-8001
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