02|2026

1. Addressing Seasonal Depression: Healthcare workers in Kanawha County, West Virginia, are focusing on helping individuals with seasonal depression, a condition exacerbated by winter weather and holiday stress. Many people experience worsening depression during this time, with some finding that traditional antidepressants no longer provide relief.
2. NeuroStar TMS as a Solution:
– Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: NeuroStar TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is presented as a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for treating depression, particularly effective for those with seasonal or major depression.
– Mechanism: TMS uses a magnetic coil to stimulate underactive parts of the brain, specifically areas responsible for mood regulation. The magnetic pulses help “wake up” neurons, improving mood and energy levels in patients.
3. Rapid Improvement:
– Quick Results: Many patients have reported improvements after their first TMS session, with some experiencing positive changes within just one treatment. This contrasts with traditional antidepressant medications, which can take several weeks (4 to 12 weeks) to show effects.
– Short Session Duration: TMS therapy sessions last only 19 minutes, with mild side effects reported, such as minor scalp discomfort, which is much less severe than those associated with medications.
4. Clinical Impact:
– Healthcare professionals, such as psychiatric nurse practitioner Lindsey Davis, have observed great outcomes with TMS, particularly in terms of fast symptom relief.
– Richard Gray, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, highlighted the significant neurochemical imbalances in the brain that cause depression, which TMS therapy targets directly.
5. Availability and Hope for the Community: The healthcare workers at Harmony, a mental health service provider in Charleston, emphasize the value of having such a treatment option locally, expressing hope that more individuals struggling with depression can access this advanced therapy to improve their quality of life.
Conclusion:
The use of NeuroStar TMS Therapy in West Virginia highlights a promising, rapid, and non-invasive treatment option for seasonal depression and other forms of depression. Its ability to provide quick relief without the side effects of medications offers hope for many individuals who have struggled to find effective treatments.
Dr. Fickey, a board-certified psychiatrist, specializes in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, and also serves as a forensic psychiatric consultant. She is the founder of Embracing Life Wellness Center.
At Colorado TMS Services, we can help you overcome your depression and get you back on your way to living a happier, more fulfilling life. Call us today for more information at (720) 671-0533 or visit our website.
Categories:: Depression