When your service ends, the battle doesn’t always stop. For many veterans adjusting to civilian life, depression becomes the new fight: one that’s quiet, persistent, and deeply personal.
Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges affecting former service members, yet it often goes unnoticed or untreated. At Advantage TMS, we understand the emotional weight that veterans carry, and we are proud to offer hope through cutting-edge treatment, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, also known as TMS therapy.
If you’re a veteran struggling with your mental health, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the signs of depression, explain why veterans are especially vulnerable, and review the most effective, evidence-based treatments available today.
Depression isn’t always obvious. For many veterans, it shows up not as sadness, but as irritability, exhaustion, or even unexplained physical pain. Veterans may feel numb, guilty, or disconnected from their loved ones. And unlike a visible wound, this kind of suffering can go unnoticed by your loved ones.
Common symptoms of depression in veterans include:
If these symptoms have lasted for more than two weeks or are interfering with your daily life, it’s time to seek support. Depression is not a personal weakness; it’s a treatable condition. And there are more depression treatment options for veterans now than ever before.
Research shows that veterans face significantly higher rates of depression than the general population. In fact, one study by the Veterans Health Administration revealed that veterans are nearly five times more likely to experience major depressive disorder than civilians. Even more concerning is that the same study found that one in seven veterans who have depression may have treatment-resistant depression.
There are several reasons for this increased risk of depression:
Another study by the VA found that depression is the most prevalent mental health condition among veterans, affecting roughly 13.5% of the veteran population.
According to the VA, nearly one third of veterans with depression also have PTSD, and about one in five also struggle with substance use disorders. These overlapping conditions make it even more important to seek comprehensive, individualized care.
Healthcare providers like Advantage TMS offer integrated treatment models, which address multiple conditions at the same time. This approach has been shown to reduce substance use, improve mental health outcomes, and increase the likelihood of lasting recovery.
If you’re struggling with more than one issue, know that you’re not alone—and that help is available. When considering depression treatment options for veterans, look for a provider who will design a tailored care plan to meet all of your needs.
The good news is that effective, research-backed treatments for depression exist, and they’re accessible. Depression treatment options for veterans often include a combination of therapy, medication, and alternative treatments such as TMS therapy.
Therapy Through the VA
The VA offers several evidence-based therapy options for depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Behavioral Activation and Problem-Solving Therapy. These treatments have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life. Many VA facilities offer these therapies both at in-person VA facilities and through telehealth appointments.
While these services can be helpful, they may not work for everyone—or be easily accessible. That’s why many veterans turn to private providers like Advantage TMS for more specialized, cutting-edge care.
Some veterans benefit from antidepressant medications, particularly when their depression symptoms are moderate to severe. Medications can help regulate your mood, improve your sleep, and reduce overall anxiety. However, not everyone responds well to medication, and some veterans experience unwanted side effects. That’s why it’s important to consider alternative treatments if medication alone isn’t enough to alleviate your depression symptoms.
TMS therapy is one of the most promising non-drug depression treatment options for veterans experiencing treatment-resistant depression. TMS works by delivering short magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. These pulses stimulate underactive neural circuits, helping to restore healthy brain function.
Unlike medications, TMS is non-systemic—meaning it doesn’t travel through your bloodstream—and it avoids the typical antidepressant side effects including weight gain, sedation, and sexual dysfunction.
TMS therapy at Advantage TMS is:
TMS is especially well-suited for veterans who haven’t found relief through traditional therapies. Clinical studies show that approximately 75% of patients see significant symptom reduction, and the majority maintain these improvements over time.
Depression can feel isolating, but you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face this struggle without support. Whether you’ve tried traditional treatments or are just beginning your mental health journey, Advantage TMS is here to help. We proudly work with TRICARE, ChampVA, Community Cares, and other insurance providers to make TMS accessible and affordable for veterans.
You’ve served your country with strength and resilience. Now it’s time to care for your own mental well-being. Set up your free consultation now, or call us at (727) 609-3657 with any questions you may have. We’re honored to serve those who have served.
From group therapy and antidepressants, to TMS treatment, there are effective depression treatment options for veterans. Let Advantage TMS help find the one that’s right for you.
Zhao, X., Karkare, S., Nash, A. I., Sheehan, J. J., Aboumrad, M., Near, A. M., Banerji, T., & Joshi, K. (2022). Characteristics and current standard of care among veterans with major depressive disorder in the United States: A real-world data analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 307, 184–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.058
Trivedi, R. B., Post, E. P., Sun, H., Pomerantz, A., Saxon, A. J., Piette, J. D., Maynard, C., Arnow, B., Curtis, I., Fihn, S. D., & Nelson, K. (2015). Prevalence, comorbidity, and prognosis of mental health among US veterans. American Journal of Public Health, 105(12), 2564–2569. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302836
Our office is closed Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10, 2024, due to the storm. If you have any questions or urgent requests, please email us at info@advantagementalhealth.com.
Please fill out the form if you have a patient interested in learning more about TMS treatment. We appreciate the referral and partnership.
Next Steps:
• Our TMS Coordinator will contact the patient to schedule a complimentary information session.
• If the patient decides to seek TMS treatment with Advantage TMS, we will communicate with you when necessary and the patient will continue to work with you while receiving treatment.
Questions?
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 727-600-8093 or info@advantagementalhealth.com
