Members of the US military are known for being strong, disciplined, and dependable above all else. But underneath that strength, many military service people are struggling with deep emotional pain. Depression isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a normal health concern worsened by the unique pressures of military life. Thankfully, there are more treatment options than ever before to help our nation’s heroes overcome the emotional battle against depression.
Military life comes with extraordinary demands: deployments away from family, sudden reassignments, intense physical exertion, exposure to trauma, and neverending uncertainty. These recurring stressors can take a toll on service members’ physical and mental health. Studies show that rates of major depressive episodes in active duty military members can range between 15% and 23%, significantly above the 8.3% rate seen in civilian populations.
As much as talking about mental health and seeking treatment for depression has become more socially acceptable, many members of the military worry that admitting they’re struggling could harm their reputation or their career trajectory. This, unfortunately, means that depression in active duty military members often goes unreported–and untreated. But pretending the pain isn’t there means it only grows deeper.
Depression isn’t always emotional. While we tend to think of it as simply feeling sad, depression in active duty military members can manifest in many different ways. People suffering from depression may feel tired no matter how much rest they get. You may feel more irritable than usual, unable to concentrate, or completely unmotivated. You may show up physically, but feel mentally absent.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer, you may be experiencing depression:
It’s important to note that none of these symptoms are character flaws; they’re signs to get help.
It hasn’t always been easy to seek mental healthcare as a member of the military. Prior to 2008, on Standard Form 86, a form used for obtaining federal security clearance, applicants had to disclose any mental health counseling they’d received in the past seven years—even routine, self‑initiated care. This was viewed as a strike against eligibility for security clearance for service members who had a history of struggling with their mental health, regardless of whether they were currently symptom‑free and fit for duty.
Thankfully, now, seeking support for your mental health support no longer affects your career or your clearance. Instead, pursuing treatment is viewed as a sign of responsibility, not of weakness. Today, the Department of Defense emphasizes that getting help for depression in active duty military members is not only safe, but it’s encouraged. Seeking mental healthcare is no longer viewed as a liability; it shows a commitment to staying fit to serve.
Unfortunately, many service members still worry that seeking treatment—whether it’s taking antidepressants, trying TMS therapy, going to counseling, or even undergoing a mental health screening—could put their clearance, duty status, or future promotions at risk. However, it’s important to remember that untreated mental health conditions pose a far greater threat to not only your well-being, but also to your long-term career success.
Every year, service members undergo periodic health assessments that include mental health screening. These catch potential cases early and connect individuals to appropriate resources, such as mental health clinics on base, TRICARE-covered counseling, or the 24/7 military support and resource network Military OneSource.
Screening can feel uncomfortable, but it’s an important, proactive step to make sure you stay ready to serve. Remember, early detection means early help. If you do find that you’re struggling with your mental health, counseling, peer support, or advanced interventions like TMS therapy are all helpful steps you can take towards healing.
What do you do when counseling and antidepressant medication aren’t enough? That’s where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation—TMS therapy—comes in.
TMS uses brief magnetic pulses, similar in intensity to an MRI, directed at areas of the brain proven to be underactive in those with depression. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and doesn’t carry the harmful side effects found in other depression treatments (weight gain, nausea, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, etc). Patients remain fully awake and can return to their day immediately after treatment.
Advantages of TMS for depression:
TMS therapy can offer hope for service members who’ve already struggled with standard treatments and whose duty-readiness, morale, or career have been jeopardized by persistent depressive symptoms.
When depression begins interfering with your duty, training, deployment readiness, family life, relationships within your unit, or financial responsibility, it’s no longer just a private battle—it has become a mission risk. Depression in active duty military members can escalate quickly if left untreated, placing your well-being (and life) in jeopardy.
With TMS therapy, you can regain your mental clarity, motivation, and emotional stability without the side effects or trial-and-error period of other treatments. Military personnel can return to feeling more like themselves—and more capable of fulfilling their duties.
You don’t have to face this process without support. Here’s how to start:
Committing to service doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your mental health. Depression in active duty military members is common, understandable, and treatable. You’ve already served with honor. Now, it’s time to serve yourself by prioritizing your own well-being.
Advantage TMS is part of the Community Cares program. We can help you get approval to do TMS at our office so you don’t have to drive to a facility in Tampa or in St. Petersburg. We handle all the paperwork for you and can discuss a Community Cares option at your free TMS consultation.
Military members who try TMS therapy at Advantage TMS often report better sleep, improved relationships with loved ones, more confidence in their roles, and a newfound sense of hope. That change matters in uniform—and it matters at home.
If you’re feeling disconnected or struggling to cope, reach out now. We offer TMS therapy to active-duty service members and veterans through TRICARE and Champ VA.
Find relief with Advantage TMS and schedule your free TMS consultation. You served us—now, let us serve you.
Moradi, Y., Dowran, B., & Sepandi, M. (2021, October 15). The global prevalence of depression, suicide ideation, and attempts in the military forces: A systematic review and meta‑analysis of cross‑sectional studies. BMC Psychiatry, 21(1), Article 510. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03526-2
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Major depression: Statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved July 25, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
Henderson, W. (2013, October 15). Changes to the security clearance mental health question. Fedcas. https://fedcas.com/changes-to-the-security-clearance-mental-health-question/
Aker, J. A. (2024, October 3). Get the facts about mental health and security clearances. U.S. Department of Defense. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3925742/get-the-facts-about-mental-health-and-security-clearances/
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
