The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. That’s certainly the image you see in TV commercials and holiday specials.
But for many people, this time of year is accompanied by feelings of sadness, loneliness, or anxiety. Depression during the holidays is a common and serious issue. And unfortunately, for many people, that depression lasts long after the holidays are over.
In this blog, we’ll explore why the holidays can trigger depression, how Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) plays a role, and how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy can help overcome depression.
Why Do We Get Depressed Around the Holidays?
If you find yourself getting depressed around the holidays – or notice seasonal depression in family members or loved ones – there may be external factors causing your depression or making it worse. Here are common contributors to seasonal depression:
Unrealistic Expectations and Pressure
The holidays often come with a set of expectations to create a perfect celebration. From finding the ideal gifts to hosting gatherings, the pressure can feel overwhelming. Some of this pressure may be self-imposed, driven by a need for live up to our own standards. Additional pressure is added in trying to meet family expectations or trying to honor established traditions. These demands can lead to stress, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy.
Financial Stress
Gift-giving, travel, charitable donations and holiday get-togethers quickly add up, leading to financial anxiety this time of year. For those already facing economic hardships, the added costs of the season can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and hopelessness.
Loneliness and Grief
The holidays can bring about feelings of loneliness, especially for those who have lost loved ones, who are estranged from family, or who live far away from friends and family. Watching others enjoy this time together only adds to the sense of isolation.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter months due to reduced exposure to sunlight. Shorter days and longer nights can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm and lead to lower levels of serotonin, a brain chemical essential for mood regulation. For those already vulnerable to depression, SAD can compound their symptoms during the holidays.
How TMS Can Treat Holiday Depression
At Inland Empire TMS, we offer an innovative depression treatment at our clinic for patients in Murrieta, Menifee, Temecula, Corona, and greater Riverside County. TMS is an excellent depression treatment that works even when other options have not.
We have seen amazing transformations in patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. Click to see actual patient results [LINK]
TMS works so well as a mental health treatment because it directly targets the brain and its reward system. This is the reason TMS patients see relief from depression even if other depression treatments did not work.
How TMS Works
Depression is linked to underactivity in certain regions of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex. TMS directly targets this area using a stimulus/response mechanism to restore normal brain activity and alleviate depressive symptoms.
Natural Depression Treatment
Unlike medications that can cause side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction or nausea, TMS does not involve drugs. It’s a natural, painless procedure that uses the body’s own powers of healing to alleviate depression and anxiety. TMS is fully FDA-approved for the treatment of depression, having demonstrated its ability to bring depression relief in numerous clinical trials.
Quick and Long-Lasting Results
Many patients report significant improvements in mood and energy after just a few weeks of TMS treatment. Studies show that the benefits of TMS often last long after the treatment sessions are complete.
Effective for Resistant Depression
TMS is especially beneficial for individuals who haven’t responded to traditional treatments like antidepressants or talk therapy. For people struggling with holiday-related depression or SAD, TMS may be the answer to finding long-lasting relief.
What to Expect During TMS Therapy
TMS therapy includes daily sessions over the course of several weeks. Our clinic location near I-15 and I-215 in Murrieta makes it convenient for patients in Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore to receive depression treatment in Murrieta.
Each TMS session lasts about 25 minutes, during which you’ll sit comfortably while the TMS device delivers targeted magnetic pulses to areas of your brain. The procedure is painless, and you can return to your regular activities, including driving or work, immediately afterward.
Depression Therapy in Murrieta
The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for those battling depression or anxiety, but there is help available. TMS therapy is a cutting-edge depression treatment that delivers remarkable results in patients with depression – even if you’ve been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression.
Let’s bring some enjoyment back to the holidays – and throughout next year. Contact us today to learn more about how TMS can help you or a loved one find relief from depression.
