Dealing with Depression in the Military

How TMS Therapy is Helping Military Members and Their Families

Depression is an often-overlooked issue in the military, affecting both active-duty members, veterans and their families. The unique challenges of military life, from combat exposure to long separations from loved ones, can lead to severe mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. While traditional treatments like antidepressants and talk therapy are commonly used, they don’t always work for everyone. For those who haven’t found success with these methods, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy offers a promising alternative.

At Advantage TMS, we are committed to helping military personnel, veterans, and their families by providing access to this innovative treatment. We proudly accept TRICARE, Champ VA, and VA Community Care Network making TMS therapy a viable option for many who serve or have served our country.

While standing in their front yard, a mid adult husband kisses his soldier wife before she leaves for an assignment. The woman is holding their baby girl.

Understanding Depression in the Military

The high-pressure demands of military life place service members at a greater risk for developing mental health issues, particularly depression. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that:

  • 1 in 3 veterans experience symptoms of depression.
  • 1 in 8 veterans suffers from major depressive disorder requiring treatment.

The transition from active duty to civilian life can be particularly challenging. Many service members struggle to adapt after leaving a structured military environment, facing new responsibilities without the support systems they rely on. Depression in military members can manifest as:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
  • Fatigue and a lack of energy.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.

These symptoms are not limited to active-duty personnel; veterans often experience them long after their service ends. At Advantage TMS, we help address these symptoms with TMS therapy, providing a non-invasive, drug-free solution that helps reset brain activity and improve mood regulation.

Mental Health Struggles in Military Families

The impact of military life extends beyond service members. Military spouses and children also face significant challenges that can contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Frequent relocations, long periods of separation, and constant worry about the safety of their loved ones are daily realities for military families. These stressors often lead to what is commonly known as spousal deployment depression or military family depression.

A 2021 survey of military spouses found that:

  • 53% reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge.
  • 38% felt down, depressed, or hopeless during their partner’s deployment.
  • 44% sought counseling during their spouse’s career.

Children in military families are also at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues. In fact, 1 in 4 children of deployed parents experience depression. These challenges make it clear that mental health support isn’t just for the service member—it’s crucial for their families as well.

At Advantage TMS, we offer TMS therapy as an effective treatment option not only for military members but also for their spouses and children (insurance covers TMS for those 18 and older) who may be struggling with depression. With TRICARE coverage, Champ VA or VA Community Care Network military families can access this innovative therapy without the financial burden often associated with cutting-edge treatments. 

Why Military Members Are Choosing TMS Therapy

TMS therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. Unlike traditional therapies, which may involve medications with unwanted side effects, TMS therapy offers a safer alternative with minimal discomfort. Military personnel and their families often turn to TMS therapy for several key reasons:

  • Non-invasive, drug-free treatment: TMS doesn’t require medication, making it an ideal choice for individuals who have not responded well to antidepressants or who want to avoid the side effects commonly associated with them, such as weight gain, fatigue, or cognitive fog.
  • Targeted, personalized care: Each patient’s treatment is tailored to their specific needs, focusing on the parts of the brain linked to their symptoms.
  • Minimal side effects: The most common side effect of TMS therapy is mild scalp discomfort during treatment, which typically resolves soon after the session.

Military personnel, veterans, and their dependents appreciate the convenience and efficacy of TMS therapy. At Advantage TMS, we make the process as smooth as possible with flexible scheduling and compassionate care, all while accepting TRICARE, Champ VA or VA Community Care Network to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.  Often there are no co-pays for TMS!

How TMS Therapy Works for Treating Depression, PTSD, and Anxiety

Military personnel often deal with more than just depression; many also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, conditions that often overlap. Studies show that veterans and active-duty service members are at a heightened risk of developing PTSD, particularly those who have been exposed to combat or traumatic events during their service. PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety can disrupt daily life and relationships, compounding depression.

TMS therapy has been shown to be effective in treating both depression and PTSD. By targeting the areas of the brain associated with mood control, TMS can reduce symptoms without the need for invasive procedures or medication. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, TMS therapy has a strong track record in alleviating treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, offering hope to those who have not found relief through traditional treatments.

In addition to depression and PTSD, many veterans experience generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Research shows that military veterans are significantly more likely to suffer from anxiety compared to the general population. TMS therapy helps reduce the constant state of alertness and tension that anxiety often causes, allowing military members to regain a sense of calm in their daily lives.

Why TMS Therapy Is a Game-Changer for Military Families

Military families need mental health treatments that fit into their busy, unpredictable lives. At Advantage TMS, we offer:

  • Flexible Scheduling: With appointment hours that accommodate busy military schedules, including evening and weekend availability, it’s easy to fit treatment into your routine.
  • No Downtime: Each TMS therapy session takes about 20 minutes, and patients can immediately return to their regular activities, whether that’s fulfilling military duties or caring for their families.
  • TRICARE, Champ VA or VA Community Care Network  Coverage: We proudly accept TRICARE, Champ VA or VA Community Care Networkensuring that active-duty service members, veterans, and their families can access this advanced treatment without worrying about the financial burden.
  • Our TMS Coordinator, Hirely Martinez, LCSW, has specialized training to work with those in the military, veterans and their families.  She is a Star Behavioral Health provider.  

By offering long-term relief without the side effects commonly associated with medications, TMS therapy is transforming how military families address depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

Find Relief with Advantage TMS

If you or a loved one in the military is struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, Advantage TMS is here to help. We are proud to offer TMS therapy as an effective, non-invasive treatment option, and we accept TRICARE to make this revolutionary treatment accessible to military families. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation (virtual or in-person) and learn how we can support your mental health journey.

 

TMS Advantage is proud to be a Star Behavioral Health provider!

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.

Provider Referral for TMS

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

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