Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. While there are many different treatment options available, not all of them work for everyone. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a relatively new treatment option for depression that has been shown to be highly effective for many people. In this article, we will discuss what TMS is, how it works, and the main benefits of this treatment. We will also help you decide if TMS is the right treatment for you.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain. TMS is typically used to treat depression, but it can also be used to treat other conditions such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The TMS treatment is usually used when medication and therapy have not been effective. It can be an effective treatment for people who are struggling with depression and are looking for an alternative to medication.

How Does TMS Work?

During a TMS treatment, a magnetic coil is placed against the head near the forehead. The coil produces magnetic pulses that pass through the skull and stimulate the nerve cells in the brain. The stimulation of these cells can help to improve mood and ease symptoms of depression. These magnetic pulses stimulate the nerve cells and help to improve communication between different areas of the brain. TMS is usually given five times per week for four to six weeks. Most people start to see improvement in their symptoms after two to three weeks of treatment. This improvement can last for several months or even years after treatment is completed.

The Main Benefits

There are many benefits of TMS for people who are struggling with depression. The main benefit is that it is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option. TMS does not require surgery or any type of anesthesia, and there are no side effects associated with the treatment. TMS is also a very effective treatment option for people who have not responded well to medication and therapy. In some studies, TMS has been shown to be more effective than medication in treating depression. Another benefit of this treatment is that it can be used in combination with other treatments such as medication and therapy. This can help to improve the effectiveness of the overall treatment plan. Additionally, TMS is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option with a low risk of side effects.

Is This The Right Treatment For You?

If you are struggling with depression, then TMS may be the right treatment for you. However, it is important to speak with your doctor or mental health professional to discuss all of your options and find the best treatment plan for you. TMS is not right for everyone, but it can be an effective treatment option for many people. If you have tried medication and therapy without success, then TMS may be worth considering. You should also keep in mind that TMS is a long-term commitment and will require several weeks of treatments before you start to see improvement in your symptoms. If you are ready to commit to a long-term treatment plan, then TMS may be the right option for you. It’s important to consider the cost of treatment as well. TMS is typically not covered by insurance, so you will need to pay for the treatments out of pocket. The cost of TMS can vary depending on the number of treatments you need and the location of the treatment center. However, many people find that the cost of TMS is worth it when compared to the cost of medication and other treatment options.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Depression is a serious condition that can be difficult to overcome without professional help. If you are struggling with depression, then transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be a treatment option worth considering. TMS is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that has been shown to be highly effective for many people. If you are ready to commit to a long-term treatment plan, then TMS may be right for you. Speak with your doctor or mental health professional to discuss all of your treatment options and find the best plan for you. Make sure to do your research as well and be sure to ask lots of questions so that you can make the best decision for your mental health. We hope that this article was helpful!

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According to a survey from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, there are more than 43 million caregivers in America who are unpaid. The majority of caregivers provide care for one adult, but some are caring for two or more adults. 

These numbers are expected to continue growing because of the demographics of the country and changing preferences and needs of older people and their families.

Whether someone is an unpaid or paid family caregiver, there’s tremendous stress that comes with this job. As a society, we’re going to have to learn how to best deal with the mental health needs of caregivers and ensure that they are visible.

The following are things to know about caregiver mental health and also depression, which is a relatively common occurrence.

Understanding Mental Health

Our mental health includes all the elements of our emotional and psychological as well as social well-being. Mental health impacts how we feel, think and act, as well as how we deal with stress, relate to others, and make healthy decisions in our lives.

Poor mental health isn’t the same as having a mental illness. You can have poor mental health and not a diagnosable mental health condition. On the other hand, someone who has a diagnosable mental health condition can also have periods of social, mental, and physical well-being.

Your mental health is just as critical as physical health.

They’re often related in different ways. For example, someone with depression is at a greater risk of many types of health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Everyone’s mental health has the potential to change over time, depending on their current circumstances and different factors.

If you’re a caregiver, you may find the demands being placed on you are beyond your coping abilities and resources. This can affect your mental health. You might, at the same time, be experiencing other issues that contribute to poor mental health, such as financial strain or problems in family relationships.

When you have positive mental health, you’re able to realize your full potential and deal with the stress in life using healthy coping mechanisms. You can be productive at work and contribute to your community and the world around you.

Caregiver Mental Health

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anywhere from 40-70% of caregivers show signs of depression. Anywhere from ¼ to ½ of these caregivers meet the criteria for major diagnosable depression. Some describe caregiver depression as a silent health crisis. If 20% of caregivers suffer from depression, that’s twice the rate seen in the general population.

It’s not necessarily the case that caregiving is causing depression. It’s also not a certainty that everyone who acts as a family caregiver will experience depression. What can happen is that when people take on the role of caregiving, they might sacrifice their own needs, physically and emotionally. There are also experiences that can strain even otherwise mentally healthy people. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, anger, frustration, isolation, and exhaustion.

Some of the concerns surrounding mental health specific to caregivers include:

• When you’re providing care for another person, it can be all-consuming and feel like it’s taking over your life. This can be especially true if you’re managing care for someone with Alzheimer’s, dementia or a similar cognitive disorder. Dementia-related behavior can be especially hard to deal with. Dementia-related symptoms can include resistance, non-cooperation, wandering, hoarding, and agitation. The more severe someone’s symptoms of dementia, the more likely the caregiver is to experience negative mental health effects, including depression.
• Women experience depression at higher rates than men. Many women don’t get help or treatment, either. A lot of women feel shame or embarrassment, which is a barrier to them receiving treatment.
• Men who are in caregiver roles tend to deal with depression differently than women. For example, men will tend to self-medicate with alcohol, or they might spend too much time working on trying and compensating for their feelings of being powerless.
• Military and veteran caregivers have depression rates that are nearly twice those of non-military caregivers. The more severe the condition the veteran is dealing with, the more demands are placed on a caregiver.
• Even if you decide to move your loved one into a care facility, you might still have symptoms of depression. You could feel like you’re still constantly monitoring the person, and you might feel guilty.

What Is Depression?

Since depression tends to be the most common diagnosable mental health condition in caregivers, it’s worth talking about what it can look like in more detail.

Depression is also called a major depressive disorder. This is a serious illness affecting your feelings, thoughts, and actions. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, as well as a loss of interest in things you enjoyed before.

Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include:

• Having a depressed  mood
• Sadness
• Loss of pleasure or interest in things you enjoyed
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Increase in physical activities with no purpose like pacing or wringing your hands
• Slow movement or speech that other people can also observe
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Problems concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of suicide or death

For a diagnosis, symptoms have to last at least two weeks. There has to be a change in your previous level of functioning.

Depression is not exactly the same as sadness or grief. If your loved one received a difficult diagnosis, for example, which is why you need to become a caregiver in the first place, then you might feel grief or sadness. It’s important to make a distinction because grieving is a natural process unique to every person, but there are some overlaps with depression.

One of the differences when comparing grief and depression is that with grief, you may experience feelings in waves. You can also still experience positive memories and feelings. In major depression, there is ongoing sadness and a low mood, rather than it coming and going.

With grief, someone will usually maintain their self-esteem, while defining symptoms of depression include self-loathing and feeling worthless. Grief and depression can occur together too.

Treating Depression

Depression is considered one of the most treatable mental health disorders. Around 80-90% of people with the disorder will respond to treatment. Nearly every patient who seeks treatment will get at least some level of relief from symptoms.

If you’re a caregiver and you think you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, the first step is to speak to a health professional. A health care professional will do a diagnostic evaluation. This could include a physical exam and blood tests to make sure you don’t have an underlying medical condition. Then, during your evaluation, your health care provider will go over the symptoms you’re experiencing and environmental factors which could play a role, such as becoming a caregiver.

One first-line treatment for depression is medication. Our brain chemistry can contribute to the development of depression, and antidepressants can help change your brain chemistry. Antidepressants aren’t sedatives or stimulants. They’re also not addictive.

There are many types of antidepressants, and some work better than others, depending on individual needs. It can take some patience and time to find what might work for you. Medication also tends to work best if it’s combined with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy. If you have mild symptoms, just talk therapy alone might work well for you. If you have moderate or severe symptoms, a combination approach might be best.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of talk therapy that’s an evidence-based way to treat depression. When you participate in CBT, you focus on solving problems. You learn to identify distortions in your thinking, and then you can begin to change your behaviors to respond to the challenges you’re experiencing more positively. Most people find that they have improvements in their symptoms after 10-15 CBT sessions.

Self-help and coping strategies should also be something you include in your life when you’re a caregiver. Even if you don’t have depression symptoms, you should still be mindful about caring for yourself and showing yourself grace during difficult times.

Regular exercise can be a great way to cope with depression and general stress. Getting enough quality sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding alcohol are also ways that you can reduce symptoms of depression or just feel better in general.

When you’re a caregiver, be prepared to accept help when it’s available to you. For example, maybe a family member is willing to take on some of the tasks you do, and you should let them. You should also remember that no one is perfect and focus on what you can provide as a caregiver.

Finally, social support or participating in support groups are also extremely helpful for people who are caregivers, even if they don’t necessarily think they’re experiencing mental health symptoms. You need to be able to share what you’re going through and have meaningful relationships.

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Depression is a mental illness that should not be taken lightly. It is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting more than 16 million American adults each year.

Depression can cause a person to feel sad, hopeless, and worthless. It can also lead to problems with sleep, appetite, and concentration. Depression can make it difficult to do everyday activities such as going to work or school.

If you think you may be experiencing depression, it is important to talk to your doctor. There are many treatments available for depression, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Depression is not to be taken lightly so please contact a professional. This article is not a supplement for a skilled psychiatrist, here you will only learn how to identify and cope with a depressive episode until you perform a medical checkup.

What Is Depression?

Depression is more than just feeling sad, it’s a serious mental illness that can have an effect on every area of your life. It’s important to remember that depression is not a sign of weakness and you can get better with treatment.

There are many different types of depression, but all share some common symptoms. The most common symptoms of depression are feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless; losing interest in things you once enjoyed; changes in appetite or weight; difficulty sleeping or oversleeping; fatigue and decreased energy; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; and thoughts of suicide. It is very important to take note of these warning signs early in a depressive episode because the sooner you start working on this the faster you will be back to your original state of consciousness.

If you think you may be experiencing signs of depression, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask for a referral to a mental health professional. Depression is treatable, so don’t wait to get the help you need.

There are also some things you can do on your own to help manage your depression. Exercise, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. It’s also important to avoid alcohol and drugs, which can worsen depression symptoms.

The 7 Things You Can Do To Ease Your Mind When Depressed

Now that we have identified what depression is and how it commonly manifests let’s talk about the little ways with which we can try and help ourselves ease our overwhelmed mental state:

1. Talk to people

This one should be pretty obvious; talking about our problems is a great way of alleviating their burden. Talking to friends, family, or even a therapist can help us feel better and more in control. Never allow for your thoughts and especially feelings to pile up inside, share them no matter how unpleasant they might sound to others.

2. Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A moderate amount of exercise is the key to keeping our moods up, so try and get in a good sweat at least three times a week.

3. Eat healthily

Eating nutritious foods helps keep our energy levels up and supports our mental health. Junk food can make us feel sluggish and foggy-headed, while healthy foods help us think more clearly. Also, try and prepare your own healthy meals as this can give you a sense of accomplishment which is really what you need right now.

4. Get Enough Sleep

A good night’s sleep is essential for our mental and physical health. When we’re well-rested, we’re able to think more clearly and make better decisions.

5. Take Breaks

It’s important to take some time for ourselves every now and then. Whether it’s taking a few moments to read a book or taking a weekend trip, taking breaks from the source of stress in our lives helps us rejuvenate and come back to our tasks with fresh eyes.

6. Practice Self-Care

This one is important for both our mental and physical health. When we practice self-care, we’re telling ourselves that we are worth taking care of. Some examples of self-care activities include taking a bath, reading, yoga, meditating, and spending time outdoors.

7. Seek Help

If we’re feeling overwhelmed or like we can’t handle our depression on our own, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can provide us with the tools we need to manage our depression and live a healthier life.

While little things might not seem like they can make a big impact when we are in the throes of a depressive episode, they can actually help us to get through it until we reach a better place or are able to seek medical aid. We should take some time for ourselves during these tough times and do what makes us happy, even if it’s just for a little while. These small moments of happiness can make a world of difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are so many resources available and people who care and want to help. You are not alone!

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For many different reasons, depression remains a hot topic of conversation. This serious mental health disorder affects millions of people around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that some 5% of adults (18+ years of age) suffer from depression on a global scale. The demographics on depression are skewed towards adults who are 60+ years of age at 5.7% globally. Psychology Today lists multiple treatment options for depression, notably antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy, brain stimulation (neuromodulation), and surgical procedures indicated in the treatment of depression.

The most commonly prescribed treatment for depression is medication. Various classes of drugs are used, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox, Lexapro, and Celexa. Another class of antidepressant medication is known as selective and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta, Pristiq, Fetzima, and Effexor. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have more side effects and include the likes of Trofanil, Asendin, Pamelor, and Surmontil. The atypical antidepressants are used for treatment-resistant depression and include Wellbutrin and Remeron. Another category of drugs for early-stage treatments include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Nardil and Emsam.

Qualifiers: If Symptoms Of Depression Persist, It Could Be TRD

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is notorious because of its treatment-resistant nature. When drugs are administered to patients suffering from MDD, a response may or may not be forthcoming. A response in medical terms is indicated by a 50% reduction of depression symptoms. That in itself is an insufficient qualifier for an effective treatment. When patients suffering from depression are anxiety-ridden even on medication, this can adversely impact brain functionality. Lingering symptoms of depression can propagate additional episodes of depression in the future. This all but guarantees that the patient will regress into another depressive episode. For depression to be considered treatment-resistant, multiple treatments must be tried. Regular doctor visits are necessary to assess the efficacy of each specific depression treatment, in varying doses.

NIH (National Library of Medicine) experts Blumberger, Daskalakis, and Voinkeskos wrote a research paper titled, ‘Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: Challenges and Strategies’. The abstract of the article referenced Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as being difficult to treat with first-line therapeutics. In addition to pharmacological augmentation strategies, patients underwent somatic therapies. These include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, et al. Even ketamine – a new age therapeutic was tried on patients with treatment-resistant depression.

What Do We Know About Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) references major depressive disorder, which is in itself a collection of unique types of depression. Johnson & Johnson published an article titled, ‘4 Things We Now Know About Treatment-Resistant Depression‘ in April 2018. There is no widespread consensus on precisely what constitutes TRD, but at least two types of antidepressant medications must be tried for a significant period (up to 6 weeks) to qualify. Based on the numbers, we know that senior citizens and females tend to experience a higher degree of treatment-resistant depression than men. Of course, there is evidence to suggest that men tend to eschew treatment for depression or procrastinate when it comes to seeking help.

Given the complexity of mental health disorders and MDD in particular, there is no guarantee that medication works for every malady. Generally accepted theories on this topic suggest that low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine may be associated with poor neurotransmitter activity. Extensive studies indicate that neurotransmitters are not the only cause of depression, offering that antidepressants in and of themselves would not necessarily cure the condition. If – as new-age theory suggests – brain inflammation causes depression, then it makes sense that antidepressants are of little practical help.

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) can be combated in various ways. There are a variety of somatic therapies that do not require any medication whatsoever. These alternative treatment regimens include surgical and nonsurgical options. The surgical options include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which is a lot safer than our cultural zeitgeist suggests. Other options include deep brain stimulation (DBS), and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). The nonsurgical alternatives include transcranial magnetic stimulation, notably Deep TMS™. A specialized coil is used to transmit electromagnetic waves to stimulate neural activity in the affected areas of the brain. It is noninvasive, non-surgical, and safe. The efficacy of such treatments is equally encouraging.

In summary, depression can certainly be resistant to medication. Every person is different, and so we react differently to chemical substances. Sometimes, the root cause of depression is incongruous with the treatment being offered. It’s especially important to thoroughly evaluate each patient on his or her merits. The best treatment plan may be a cocktail treatment including therapy, medication, and somatic treatments too.

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Shorter days during the latter half of the year can cause seasonal depression due to the lack of sunlight. If you experience seasonal affective disorder, consider taking up one of these new hobbies to keep your mind occupied and stay out of a rut.

1. Write Creatively

Whether you want to journal your thoughts every day or write a series of short stories, putting your pen to paper or fingers on the keyboard could help you out. Many people channel their emotions through their writing, and it could help you constructively work through yours. Not everything has to be good — some people just enjoy getting their thoughts and stories out.

Writing fiction is an excellent way to escape reality for a moment and craft a world of your design. National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short, challenges participants to write a whole novel during the busy month of November. Because the event encourages you to leave your self-criticism in October, you can freely write without issue. It might take some getting used to, but if you’re up for a challenge that will keep your late fall exciting, NaNoWriMo is the way to go.

2. Take A Class

Learning something might be just what you need to keep your brain active through the fog of depression. New challenges train your brain to do or look at something in a new way. Whether you choose to learn about the history of your state or the different kinds of birds that live around you, you’ll be challenging your mind and keeping it busy during tough times.

3. Play On A Sports Team

Sports aren’t prevalent in the winter. Still, you can find a local league to participate in. Building social connections through sports can help lessen the symptoms of depression. Getting some extra exercise can also boost your mood and leave you feeling happier. You’ll make new friends and indulge in a hobby you love — and maybe learn something new at the same time.

4. Volunteer Somewhere

Volunteering allows you to give back to your community. The feeling of doing something good for others can make a difference in your life, whether you spend your time at a soup kitchen or animal shelter.

Some days, depression will leave you feeling like you can’t climb out of bed. If you often feel that way, you can volunteer through your phone. Some apps allow you to give back to your community and assist others over the Internet.

5. Learn New Recipes

Seasonal affective disorder is most prevalent in fall and winter, which is also a perfect time to practice your baking skills. You can learn to fix an array of desserts that will impress your friends and family over the holidays, or you can teach yourself how to make healthier meals with the root vegetables available this time of year.

You might find it more fun to take a cooking class with someone you know. If you learn better independently, consider trying the recipe on your own first, then teaching it to a friend or family member to foster a bond and keep you social. Food unites people, and once you have a few recipes under your belt, others will want to learn from you.

Keep Your Spirits Up However You Can

Depression isn’t easy to battle through. As the months go on and the skies get darker, it can be challenging to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just remember that seasonal depression doesn’t last forever. You can lessen some of the symptoms you feel by trying a new hobby that will make the dark days a bit brighter.

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I’m a lifer—depression for life. It’s hard to remember a time when I didn’t feel depressed. I was diagnosed for the first time at 14, and so began my journey of medication and therapy.

But I was lucky. At 14, my mother was the one who noticed the symptoms and took me in to the doctor’s office for help. I didn’t have to do that myself. I’ve carried the depression diagnosis (plus more) with me ever since then. It’s just a part of me now.

Not everyone has the luxury of being taken for help when they start experiencing depression. The icy, lonely, isolating nature of the illness makes talking about it feel impossible—let alone talking with a doctor you barely know.

The only way you’ll start feeling better, though, is by asking your doctor for help. If you do have clinical depression, lots of treatment options are available to you. Many who are diagnosed with this condition live happy lives due to successful management of their symptoms.

Symptoms of Depression

It’s normal to be sad, lonely or uninterested in life once in a while. When these feelings last for a long period of time and begin affecting your everyday life, you might be experiencing depression.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Society of America, Major Depressive Disorder affects approximately 16.1 million American adults in a given year. Here are some of the many symptoms caused by depression:

• Extreme fatigue
• Constant sadness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Irritability
• Pessimism and hopelessness
• An “empty” feeling
• Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or too little)
• Loss of interest in activities you enjoy

If you notice you’ve been feeling one or more of these symptoms for a long time, don’t brush them aside. Get yourself some help.

Why You Should Ask for Help

Depression isn’t something you can just talk yourself out of. If you’ve been experiencing strong negative feelings for a long time, they’re not going to disappear with the snap of a finger. 

Clinical depression causes physical and emotional symptoms that can get in the way of a successful life, or even threaten your life. Most of the time, someone diagnosed with depression needs medication, therapy or both to manage their symptoms and feel better.

Nobody should go through the isolation of depression alone, without help. The first place to start is your family doctor or general practitioner. These guys are your first line of defense against depression.

Your doctor can run tests to find out if a physical condition is causing your symptoms. He can also get you started on medication and refer you to other specialists if necessary.

Opening up Is Hard

Depression is a tricky monster because the disorder itself can make asking for help seem impossible.

Depression has a funny way of telling me little lies like, “you don’t deserve help,” “you’re just being a big baby” or “your doctor can’t help you with this problem.” It’s really hard to see through these lies and do the right thing to take care of yourself.

You might not be close with your doctor and have trouble opening up about this problem. You’re probably embarrassed to talk about it at all.

I recommend reading up on the illness to prepare yourself. It will help you realize that this is a clinical disorder, that requires clinical treatment.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Depression

You’ve decided to make some changes and have a talk with your doctor, but you have no idea how to do it. Something as simple as telling your doctor you’re sad all the time feels like baring your soul to the universe.

You might not be comfortable talking about your feelings, let alone with a near stranger. So how do you break through the barriers and get the help you need?

1. Make the Appointment

First, make an appointment with your doctor. This step alone can be terrifying when you’re facing depression. Call your main doctor’s office to make an appointment, and when asked what the appointment is for, simply say “mental health” or something similar.

That’s all it takes to get on the road to recovery. You can also bring up your suspected depression at an appointment for another issue.

2. Start Talking

You’re at the appointment, and now you have to get the words flowing. Start by simply telling your doctor the symptoms that are affecting your life. This will get the conversation started and spark some questions for your doctor to ask you. Some example conversation starters:

• “I’ve been spending too much time sleeping lately. I’ve slept for entire days at a time and missed important events or appointments.”
• “Lately, I’m having trouble making myself accomplish simple things. It feels so draining to do even the most everyday tasks.”
• “I’ve been much more irritable than usual. It seems like every little thing and person sets me off.”
• “It’s been hard to eat lately. I usually have such a great appetite but it’s completely gone.”
• “I’m having trouble enjoying life and feeling weighed down by something. It feels very empty lately.”

It may be extremely difficult to get those one or two sentences out. But if you can get that far, you’ve won half the battle. Now your doctor can take over by asking you more questions and assessing your mental health.

3. Mention Other Symptoms

Now the conversation is flowing, and your doctor is assessing whether or not you might be experiencing depression.

To make the most accurate assessment, your doctor needs to know all your symptoms and history, both physical and mental. This way, she can explore any underlying health issues that could contribute to your depression.

Be sure to mention any of the following, which can help identify underlying health problems:

• All medications you are currently taking
• Family history of mental illness
• Substance abuse
• A chronic illness
• Big life events

It’s best to paint the whole picture so your doctor can screen you for depression with as much information as possible. This will lead to a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

4. Ask Questions

You’ve gotten through the hard part. You’ve taken the most important step and asked for help. Now the conversation should be flowing, and you should make sure to ask questions.

Take control of your health by asking the questions that are surely on your mind. Here are some example questions to ask your doctor:

• “Will I need medication to manage my depression?”
• “Could any underlying health issues be causing me to feel this way?”
• “When do you expect me to begin feeling better?”
• “What should I do in an emergency?”
• “When should I follow up with you?”

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your mental health is just as important as any other aspect of your health, so it deserves the same amount of attention and care.

What to Expect Next

If your doctor diagnoses you with depression, there are a few treatment routes he may take. First, any underlying health problems will be treated. Then, depending on your type and severity of depression, the doctor may:

• Refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist
• Prescribe medication
• Adjust current medications
• Link you with community resources

If you begin taking medication, it’s wise to follow up with a psychiatrist who specializes in mental health medications. That way, you’ll ensure you are taking the appropriate medication and receive care specialized to mental health. Make sure to continue your treatment, even if you’re feeling better.

Living With Depression

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. If you were diagnosed with a heart condition, you’d take medication and see specialists. Why treat depression any differently?

If something seems off, trust your gut and tell your doctor. If you’re still uncomfortable talking about it, bring someone you trust with you to the appointment. They can help explain how you’re feeling to the doctor or just serve as moral support for you.

Your life depends on the proper treatment and management of depression. Seek the help you need and keep faith that you’ll find an effective treatment option.

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