Major depression is a serious mental health disorder characterized by a persistently depressed mood, diminished interest in activities, and impaired daily functioning. Treating depression usually involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy. For most, this course of treatment is an effective way of managing the symptoms of depression. Sometimes, however, symptoms either do not improve…
Antidepressant medications and psychotherapy provide relief for millions of people who suffer from depression. However, for some, these methods are ineffective, or the side effects of antidepressants are too much to tolerate. For these individuals, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for treating depression. TMS has also been shown to effectively treat…
World Suicide Prevention Day falls on the 10th of September every year. It is the day where people worldwide help raise awareness about the tenth leading cause of death in this country. On average, there are 132 suicides each day. This devastating issue is one that requires professional intervention as well as help from individuals…
Mental health issues are rising in the United States. Specifically, anxiety and depression rates are steadily rising across the country. These conditions are especially prevalent in young people, a major change over the last two decades. Dangers that arise with mental health issues are the unsafe coping mechanisms, such as using drugs or alcohol to…
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, referred to simply as TMS, was invented in 1985 and approved for use by the FDA in 2008. Multiple clinical studies have shown TMS to be highly effective for the treatment of depression. In addiction treatment, TMS therapy programs treat depression that either contributed to the substance use disorder or arose as…
Professionals have known for years that there is a strong connection between addiction and mental health, as it is common for them to occur together (often referred to as comorbidity). For those struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or both, it can be helpful to know why this connection exists. Mental health treatment programs are…
Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects around 2.8 percent of the adult population in the United States. This mental health issue can be treated through therapy and medication, and if you or a loved one is struggling, it’s important to reach out for help. At Westwind Recovery®, we offer dual diagnosis treatment to help…
May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States since 1949. It was created to educate the public about the wide-reaching impacts of mental illness and reduce its stigma. Organizations work to advocate for policies that support people suffering from mental health issues and their families. At Westwind Recovery®, we know…
Pain is a natural reaction to illness or injury, alerting us that something is wrong. Usually, when the illness or the injury is healed, the pain goes away. When pain persists for at least three months or longer, it is considered to be chronic. The underlying causes of chronic pain are wide-reaching. Research indicates that…
Mental health disorders are common and can range from mild to severe. There is a strong link between mental health disorders and substance use disorders, but it cannot be definitively stated that one causes the other. In fact, the two often have a cyclical relationship that is difficult to break without the proper treatment of…