Experts acknowledge that mental health is one of the most significant secondary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just about everyone has felt some change to their mood or stress levels during this frightening, uncertain situation. If you’d already been struggling with anxiety and depression, your condition may be harder to manage than before.
If you’ve developed certain behaviors or coping mechanisms in response to the pandemic, which are affecting your mental wellbeing, you’re not alone. Signs of increased anxiety and depression levels include:
- Poor sleep patterns
- Bad eating habits
- Worsened physical health
- Intense fear and worry about you and those close to you
- Heavier use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
If you notice a decline in your mental health due to COVID-19, Dr. Anca G. Zinnes, Dr. Alvaro Guzman, and the rest of our team at Vital TMS Therapy in Washington, DC, can help you.
If medication and talk therapy haven’t been effective in the past for treating your depression or anxiety, we offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as an alternative. TMS is effective for many people who haven’t responded to standard treatments.
What is TMS therapy?
The advanced TMS therapy system uses magnetic energy to activate your brain’s nerve cells to alleviate feelings of depression. The procedure doesn’t require surgery or implanting electrodes. You don’t need anesthesia before receiving TMS therapy either.
This safe, noninvasive, painless treatment helps improve your mood. It releases chemicals in your brain, like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, that help regulate your mood.
How does TMS therapy work?
When you come in to see us for the procedure, we make sure you’re relaxed in a comfortable chair. We then place an electromagnetic coil on your scalp that’s close to your forehead.
The activated coil sends pulses of energy to a specific, targeted part of your brain. During your 30-minute session, you might feel light tapping on your head, but it’s not painful. You can watch television during this time, or talk, if you’d like. We stay by your side throughout your procedure.
Does TMS have side effects?
Side effects, if any, are mild. They might include a headache, a little bit of irritation at the place of previous coil attachment, and slight dizziness. We can adjust your levels of stimulation during your procedure to reduce any negative after-effects, or we can recommend pain medication to help you manage any discomfort afterward.
To experience a successful outcome, we recommend an average of five treatments a week for six weeks. We monitor your progress, and may recommend increasing or decreasing the number of sessions you should receive.
When you’re dealing with depression and anxiety, it helps to know that you’re not alone. If so, you might like to read these testimonials to hear how we’re helping others.
Call us at 202-335-4114 or request an appointment online. You can also send a message, if you’d like.
