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You may have heard that suicide rates are highest in the winter, and especially around the holidays, and this statement does seem to make sense. After all, it’s easy to become depressed when cold weather keeps you indoors, or when family conflict escalates during the holidays. That being said, suicide rates actually aren’t at their…

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and mental images called obsessions, coupled with repetitive behaviors called compulsions, that a person engages in to try to cope with the obsessions. When we hear of OCD, we often think of people who are fixated on cleanliness, hand-washing or having things…

Depression is common, but depression symptoms do not present the same in everyone, nor does everyone respond the same way to treatment. Some people may find that the first medication they take relieves their depression symptoms, whereas other people may need to try a few different treatments to find one that works. In some cases,…

Depression can become a chronic health condition, even with quality treatment. In fact, studies involving patients with depression show that over a 10-year period, 85% will experience a recurrence of symptoms. In addition, at least 50% will experience a recurrence within six months of going into remission if their treatment is stopped. Among those who…

Listening to a podcast can get you through a long commute or a tough workout, or provide you with entertainment while you do chores around the house or eat a meal on your own. Maybe you’re used to listening to podcasts that discuss current events or a specific area of interest, like fitness or health.…

Understandably, most of us associate postpartum depression with women who have just given birth. After all, research shows that around 12% of healthy mothers with no history of depression will experience a bout of postpartum depression. What is perhaps less discussed is the fact that men can also develop postpartum depression, but their symptoms may…

You’ve probably heard someone say something like, “That’s so OCD,” or, maybe someone in your life refers to themselves as “being OCD.” While it is common for people to throw around this term, the reality is that only 1.2 percent of American adults have OCD within a given year, and just over 2 percent will…

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, abbreviated as TMS, is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes a device that is placed against the head to deliver pulses to areas of the brain associated with mood. This form of treatment is FDA-approved for individuals with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and migraines. TMS is perhaps best known for treating cases of…

In 2019, there were 47,511 sucide deaths in the United States, equal to 14.5 deaths per 100,000 people in the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data also shows that there has been a steady increase in suicide deaths over the last two decades; from 1999 to 2018, there was…

Depression is a common mental health condition. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, (NIMH) 7.8 percent of American adults experience one or more episodes of depression over the course of a year, which is equal to 19.4 million adults in the U.S. One belief that exists in regards to depression is…

If you live with OCD, you probably know what it’s like to experience common OCD symptoms, including having ongoing thoughts and urges that cause you significant anxiety, as well as the compulsion to engage in behaviors like constant checking, or perhaps excessive cleaning, to help you cope with these unsettling thoughts. For instance, you may…

The importance of taking care of health during pregnancy is pretty well-known. For most women, this means giving up alcohol, modifying their diets to ensure proper nutrition for the growing baby, and stopping the use of medications that can be potentially harmful. What may not be as well understood, however, is the fact that mental…

Depression is an incredibly common mental health condition. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2019, 7.8% of adults in the U.S. had at least one episode of major depression. Among young adults aged 18 to 25, the prevalence of depression within a given year jumps to 15.2%. There is not…

October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month, which means it is an ideal time to have deeper conversations about depression. The reality is that this mental health condition affects a significant portion of people in the United States. According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), within a given year, around…

Most people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which involves symptoms that occur after the experience of a traumatic event like abuse or violence. What may be less well-known, on the other hand, is that a traumatic experience can sometimes also lead to symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. Recent research in the mental…

Depression is a common mental health condition in the United States. According to recent data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 7.1 percent of adults experience a depressive episode within a given year. Despite the high prevalence of depression, slightly over one-third of people with the condition do not receive treatment. Part…

For many, heading off to college is an exciting time. It involves leaving home, gaining independence, and meeting new friends, while enjoying novel experiences and making decisions about the future. While college is a positive experience for many, a significant number of today’s college students live with anxiety or depression, which can make it difficult…

With the stressful circumstances surrounding a global pandemic and its aftermath, burnout seems to be a frequent topic of discussion. Whether it is about frontline workers putting in extra hours to keep their communities safe, or families doing their best to make ends meet, most people have experienced feelings of burnout on at least one…

Mental illness is relatively common in the United States. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that about 20% of U.S. adults have a mental health condition. While mental health disorders have significantly impacted the United States, the country is not alone in its plight against mental illness. Mental health conditions affect people…

July is recognized internationally as Bereaved Parents Awareness month to support those who have experienced the devastating reality of losing a child. The support is more than warranted, as the loss of a child is arguably one of the most challenging hardships a person can face. In fact, a recent study in Psycho-Oncology found that…

Depression is a common mental health condition. According to a report in JAMA Psychiatry, 10.4% of American adults experience depression in a given year, and 20.6% have lived with depression at some point during their lives. Unfortunately, many cases of depression are moderate or severe, meaning they can cause significant impairment in daily life. Finding…

People with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety have not always been treated fairly or even humanely. In fact, historical practices for treating mental illness included bloodletting and vomiting to remedy unbalanced humors within the body. The practice of bloodletting, which sometimes required the use of leeches, was also used to treat conditions like…

Depression is a common mental health condition, affecting about 17.3 million American adults per year, equivalent to 7.1 percent of the adult population. These are the statistics for major depression, so even more Americans are affected when considering other diagnoses, such as persistent depressive disorder or seasonal affective disorder.  Unfortunately, depression can be a debilitating…

The weight is finally lifting off of us. The dark clouds that have catapulted so many individuals into a deeper state of depression are beginning to clear up. With vaccination numbers on the rise and COVID-19 restrictions decreasing, the life that we once knew is right around the corner.  Though depression is not something that…

When analyzing depression, times have certainly changed. The understanding and assessment behind depression, and mental illness as a whole, has completely shifted for the better. With mental illnesses now receiving the attention they deserve, we are currently at the forefront of understanding and treating depression.  With each passing day, the scientific and medical communities understand…

It is challenging to have a disorder and not understand why or how this affliction is happening to you. Those individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder know precisely this feeling of unaccountability for their particular unique actions daily. Whether it be repeated activities like hand washing, checking locks, turning on/off lights, or any of the many other…

The old phrase ‘You Are What You Eat’ involves believing that the food you consume controls your health. There is some truth to that expression if you consider it essential to eat fresh foods to feel healthy and be in good physical shape. For that reason alone, a person’s diet directly correlates with how someone…

People who suffer from an obsessive-compulsive disorder have excessive, recurring, and undesired thoughts (obsessions) or feelings that lead them to perform repetitious behaviors (compulsions). OCD involves a communication breakdown within an individual between the frontal lobe and the brain’s deeper structures. It can affect anyone or any person of any age to the point where…

Those who cope with depression understand that it can be a draining experience that limits yourself-confidence, stamina, and motivation to try new things. Hiding away indoors, disinterested in the ongoings of everyday life, and having feelings of sadness can damage a person’s psyche. There is life blossoming and blooming on the other side of the…

The stereotypical depiction of a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) feels compelled to engage in rituals like repeatedly switching a light on and off. They may also wash their hands excessively or repeat specific phrases. But the condition can be more pervasive and less evident than the descriptors outlined above. OCD can become integrated into…

Love is all about connections. When you plan a romantic evening or buy a sentimental present, you want to make sure it excites your special someone’s soul. But depression can dull the senses and diminish the outward expression of joy. You may need to consider that if your partner is experiencing psychological distress, it can…

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. It affects about 7.1% of American adults, which is roughly equal to 17.3 million people. Data shows that depression rates are highest among young adults between the ages of 18-25, and the disorder is most likely to affect women compared to men.  Depression is a…

The year 2020 was a challenging season for so many people. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, nationwide shutdowns, political turmoil, and social injustices, people worldwide have been experiencing anxiety and uncertainty about the future.  One of the most significant stress and anxiety sources during 2020 was the news, particularly for people who use social media daily.…

The COVID-19 pandemic has put everyone on edge. We are living in a time of great uncertainty and almost a year later, there’s still no guarantee of when this pandemic will end. If you are feeling more depressed, anxious, or stressed than normal, know that you’re not alone. Research shows that mental health diagnoses are…

Living with OCD can be incredibly challenging. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many OCD sufferers are struggling more than ever before. Daily routines have been broken, millions of people are working from home, and mask-wearing has become the new normal. Not to mention, fears around germs and contamination are on everyone’s mind. It’s been almost one…

Many people will say that Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday. Every year, they look forward to feasting on turkey and pumpkin pie as well as spending quality time with friends and family. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time of gratitude, connection, and even relaxation. However, people who struggle with depression may have a difficult…

Most people have heard the phrase “If you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.” While good in theory, that’s a pipe dream for a majority of job hunters. Not everyone has the ability to land their dream job given their credentials and life circumstances. However, everyone hopes to land a…

Society has conditioned us to believe that money can solve all our problems. We think we’ll finally find happiness when we buy a bigger house, drive a more luxurious car, and have nicer clothes in our closet. But here’s the truth—money is not the ultimate key to happiness. Having money doesn’t solve all your issues,…

The rate of addiction and mental health distress has been spiking since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. More people are turning to drugs and alcohol to deal with the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty of this time period. Unfortunately, we’re also seeing that COVID-19 is causing an increase in deaths of despair as a side…

OCD sufferers deal with a wide range of symptoms and side effects. There’s the extreme anxiety, difficulty concentrating, poor sleep, and irritability. Some people struggle to maintain relationships, hold a steady job, and keep up with everyday responsibilities. OCD is different for everyone, and the side effects can range from mild to severely impairing.  However,…

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) impacts roughly 1 in 100 adults. It typically starts in childhood, but some people aren’t formally diagnosed with OCD until their adult years. It’s an anxiety disorder that is characterized by obsessions and compulsions that stem from extreme fears. Everyone’s OCD is different. Some people suffer from severe OCD, which makes…

OCD is a condition that affects roughly 2.3% of the American population, which is about 1 in 40 adults. People who suffer from OCD experience obsessions and compulsions which are fueled by certain fears and anxieties. If you have OCD, then you know just how difficult it can be to live with this disorder. Getting…

Depression is a mental health disorder that impacts about 264 million people around the world. It’s considered to be one of the most common mental health conditions, only behind anxiety. Everyone experiences depression differently, and it can range from mild, to severe, to chronic. Although depression isn’t curable, it is highly treatable, despite the fact…

Many people who suffer from depression are able to recover with conventional treatments, like talk therapy and medication. However, a smaller group of people experience treatment-resistant depression, which does not improve with traditional therapies. For many years, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to successfully treat people with resistant forms of depression. Until this…

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 264 million people around the world suffer from depression. Depression is a serious mental health condition that can lead to other issues if it goes untreated. While depression isn’t a curable disorder, there are a variety of effective ways to manage symptoms and keep the disorder…

When we think about mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety, we usually view them as a type of brain malfunction. A combination of environmental and biological factors that create an imbalance of neurotransmitters which cause distress. However, researchers have found new evidence that shows mental health conditions could be an evolutionary adaptation, rather than…

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people suffer from depression. While clinical treatments for depression are incredibly effective, there is no cure for the disorder. If you suffer from depression, understanding the disease and how it affects the body can…

Postpartum depression is a condition that affects new mothers shortly after giving birth. It can also affect new fathers but is much less common in men. Postpartum depression is increasingly common, and it can affect a woman’s quality of life and make it difficult to care for her baby. While the condition isn’t curable, there…

New research on mental health disorders gets published every month. It allows us to learn more about common conditions, what causes them, and how they can be treated. Some of the most compelling research is on depression, which has led to a number of valuable scientific breakthroughs in recent years. Today, we have a better…

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects about one in 40 adults in the United States and one in 100 children. Worldwide, OCD is one of the top 20 leading causes of illness-related disability for people between the ages of 15 and 44. While there isn’t a cure for OCD, most people are able to manage their…

Our global society is facing unprecedented times as coronavirus (COVID-19) threatens public health and our economy. Around the world, people are being ordered to shelter in place, stop working(or work from home), and limit travel. Most of us are living a very different lifestyle than we were several days (and for some weeks) ago. In…

When you think about treatments for depression, antidepressants, and psychotherapy are probably the two things that come to mind first. Although these are the traditional methods, doctors and mental health researchers are working to uncover different forms of treatment for people who haven’t had success with these forms of treatment. One of the experimental forms…

If you struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), you know how difficult everyday activities can be. Obsessions and compulsions can be extremely powerful, and they might hinder you from going to school, the grocery store, or even leaving your house. For many people with OCD, one of the most challenging situations they face is traveling.…

Your mind is an incredibly powerful force. It’s what keeps you motivated, optimistic, and driven to reach your goals. It’s also what allows you to function in your everyday life—go to work, care for your family, and complete errands. But there’s also a dark side to your mind that bruises your self-esteem, and creates harmful…

Being in a healthy relationship is an amazing experience. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of mutual love and support between two people. Around Valentine’s Day, the awareness of our relationships is heightened. Celebrating Valentine’s Day can bring two people closer together, and it provides an opportunity for growth and conversations about the future of…

Living with a mental health condition like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be extremely isolating. It’s common to feel abnormal, misunderstood, and even “damaged” because of your disorder. According to BeyondOCD.org, about 1 in 40 adults in the United States have OCD, which is about 2.3 percent of the population. If you suffer from OCD,…

The start of a new year always brings a fresh start. It’s the perfect time to create resolutions, set new goals and recommit yourself to living a healthy lifestyle. But if you struggle with depression, sticking to your new year’s resolutions can be tough. Depression often makes you feel hopeless, unmotivated, and generally mentally exhausted.…

Self-care is a must for your depression. In a given year, it’s estimated that over 25% of all Americans over age 18 suffer from a mental health disorder. Depression and anxiety are the most common, impacting a combined 340 million people, on average. Mental health disorders can be a debilitating illness for many people and…

There are an estimated 46.6 million people in the United States living with a mental health disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Some mental illnesses are considered minor and eventually disappear on their own, but other mental conditions are serious, and they have the ability to affect a person’s everyday life. Serious…

On November 23, 2019, those who survive individuals lost to suicide come together for support.  This year marks the 20th International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.  We understand that the holidays can be especially difficult for those who have lost family or friends to suicide.  This November you can be around others who understand how…

November is Transgender Awareness Month, and at Pulse TMS, we proudly support trans and nonbinary communities in their continued fight for rights.  We are here to celebrate the gains in visibility and respect, but also to shine a light on the many protections denied to those in the trans community and the high costs they…

Some people are fortunate enough to work for companies that encourage employees to bring their dogs to the office. Dog-friendly companies are becoming so common that Pet Sitters International enacted “Take Your Dog to Work Day” in June, which concludes an entire, “Take Your Pet to Work Week.” And it’s not just startups that are…

TMS isn’t just for those who don’t respond to antidepressant medications. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a scientifically-proven way to help treat depression, OCD, and PTSD.  Many people with these and other mental disorders are already pursuing treatment through other avenues.  That doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t also benefit from TMS.  In fact, studies have…

There’s an App for That—and That’s Just the Beginning Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the US, affecting an estimated 20 million Americans ranging from teens to the elderly.  Many seek treatment through therapy; others may use antidepressant medications to help get a handle on their symptoms.  As our knowledge of…

For those wondering about drinking and depression, it can be confusing to navigate the abundance of mixed research available today. Some studies suggest that just one serving of alcohol per week can lead to cancer and other serious diseases, while others find that alcohol consumption is linked to longevity and better overall health. But despite…

Human connection comes in many forms. We crave understanding, affection, and yes, even sexual satisfaction. The less connected we are, the more alienated we feel, which can weigh on our psychological state in calamitous ways. These are the hallmarks of depression, and it can be a vicious cycle. When individuals seek treatment for depressive disorders, they often…

Happiness is as essential as it is difficult to quantify. How happy are you, and how can you raise that quotient? These are some of the greatest quests in life, and now you can join the world in finding your happy place. August is Happiness Happens Month, a designation decreed by the Society of Happy…

Art—it’s something we all create when we’re young, but as we age, many of us tend to give it up. We may not completely turn our backs on creativity, but, as we focus on all the other important parts of our lives, making art tends to fall by the wayside. Creating art, though, is something…

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that affects thousands of Americans, but relief may come in an unexpected way—a glass of wine. Recent research has been exploring the effects of alcohol consumption on depression, and the results are surprising. It has long been thought that drinking would only have a negative impact on mental…

Creating space to treat the LGBTQ community’s health and wellness needs is pivotal to eliminating gaps in the entire public health infrastructure. In order to create better health outcomes for the entire LGBTQ community, we must be inclusive. Culturally competent medical care that is welcoming and safe for LGBTQ people needs to be a higher…

Whether you’re feeling a little blue or are enjoying life, chances are, you have a song or two that fits your mood perfectly. Music has long been associated with emotion, but researchers are digging into just how music can affect our mood and even how it can affect mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety. Understanding…

Aging is a process we all must face and remaining healthy and mentally fit in our senior years is important. Doing so, though, can feel a little challenging at times. Many seniors experience life changes that can trigger mental illnesses they’ve never faced before or can amplify existing issues. Getting additional support and learning how…

Globally, depression affects approximately 300 million people. It is one of the most pervasive mental illnesses and can be deadly. Despite the severity, less than half of those affected receive any form of treatment. Lack of access to treatment, the cost of treatment, ineffectual treatments, and a lack of understanding of mental illness are some…

All around us, the world tells new parents they should be filled with joy at the arrival of their new little one. The birth of a child is a vastly life-changing experience, but all too often, new mothers struggle with the challenges of new parenthood, including postpartum depression (PPD). Celebrity mothers aren’t immune from postpartum…

Last month, an FDA advisory board recommended that federal regulators approve a new depression treatment—a nasal spray with ketamine as the active ingredient. This treatment has been marked as a “breakthrough therapy,” meaning that the review process is sped up due to the treatment being intended for a life-threatening condition. What is Ketamine? Ketamine was…

Sleep is critical for your wellbeing in nearly every aspect of your life. Without adequate sleep, you may find yourself feeling irritable, unfocused, lacking coordination, forgetful, and feeling like you’re going about your day in a fog. When we sleep, our body gets to work repairing damage, processing information about our day and resting. Unfortunately,…

Your brain is a fantastic thing. It is responsible for every second of your existence. It is both incredibly fragile and outstandingly resilient. And this week, we’re celebrating all the things your brain is capable of with Brain Awareness Week. First started by the Dana Foundation, this week is dedicated to educating people around the…

You’ve heard it all before: You are what you eat! Healthy mind, healthy body! Don’t eat your feelings! Sometimes, clichés can hurt, but they also have some truth to them. When we are depressed, our propensity for negativity snowballs. Existing disorders such as bulimia and anorexia can be amplified to the point of disaster. But…

You agonize over it. You try to ignore it. You struggle and hope and bargain, but it just won’t go away. Depression can be all consuming because it lurks within you and rages to an audience of one. But if you can verbalize your pain, you might just make a connection. That’s the genius of…

We never outgrow the pain of bullying. It can cause anxiety, depression, and trauma years and even decades after it occurs. But there’s good news: we can work together to forge a brighter future. That’s the purpose of No Name-Calling Week (NNCW), an initiative designed to teach us better ways to communicate rather than lashing…

When you skin your knee, you apply a bandage. When you break your arm, you wear a cast. But when your psychological health is in jeopardy, many often allow the issue to go unchecked. Mental wellness is complicated because it’s invisible. You can’t see a scar or visually identify the pain, but it’s there. That’s…

With a New Year almost upon us, now is generally the time we turn our minds to New Year Resolutions. Top of the list for most of us is losing weight – but there is another topic that is literally on the top of many people’s minds and that is their mental health. So perhaps…

With the holidays almost upon us, it can put some of us in the mind of charity and doing nice things for people we love. After all, that’s what the spirit of the season is all about and it’s actually proven that doing something good for others is healthy for the person doing it. Yes…

Winter is a time for merriment, family gatherings, and bundling up to weather the elements. But it can also be a period of profound depression for those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Sometimes reductively referred to as the “winter blues”, SAD is so much more than just a fleeting feeling brought on by…

The holidays magnify everything. Stress, love, longing, family, romance – all of these factors are amplified by the realities of the coming New Year as people ask themselves where they are positioned in life and what they wish to happen in the future. We all put increased pressure on ourselves during this festive season, and…

Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder that affects 19 million Americans annually (and 350 million worldwide). It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for…

The World Mental Health Day is on October 10th. The overall objective of the day, organized by the World Health Organization, is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues…

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