How TMS Can Help You Through Winter and Seasonal Depression

When the days get shorter and the skies stay gray, many people in the Pacific Northwest notice a change in their mood. You might feel more tired than usual, struggle to stay motivated, or start to pull away from activities you normally enjoy. These seasonal mood shifts are common, but for some people, they develop into something more serious known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This type of depression tends to appear at the same time each year, most often in late fall or winter.

At Goodwin Health Café, we believe that understanding your mental health is the first step toward recovery. As Spokane’s winter brings darker days, it is important to know that you are not alone. There are effective, evidence-based treatments available that can help you feel balanced and motivated again. One of the most promising options is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Understanding Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression is not just the “winter blues.” It is a clinically recognized condition connected to changes in light exposure. When daylight decreases, the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, can become disrupted. This affects serotonin and melatonin levels, which are key to regulating mood and sleep.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or low mood

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Difficulty concentrating

• Increased sleep or appetite changes

• Loss of interest in hobbies or socializing

• Feelings of guilt or hopelessness

If you relate to several of these symptoms, you may be experiencing seasonal depression. Fortunately, new advances in mental health treatment are helping patients find relief without relying only on medication.

What Is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to activate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike medication that works throughout the entire body, TMS targets precise regions, especially the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This area of the brain often shows lower activity in people who experience depression.

During a TMS session, you sit comfortably while a small device rests gently on your scalp. The treatment delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate brain cells, helping restore normal neural activity. There is no anesthesia, no downtime, and no systemic side effects. Most patients can read, listen to music, or relax during the session.

Why TMS Can Help With Seasonal Depression

When sunlight decreases during winter, activity in mood-related parts of the brain can slow down. TMS helps reawaken those circuits, encouraging healthy communication between brain regions that affect mood and motivation.

Clinical studies show that patients with major depressive disorder, including those whose symptoms are seasonal, experience significant improvement with TMS. Over the course of several weeks, many people report increased energy, better focus, and a more stable mood.

For residents of Spokane, where winters can feel long and overcast, TMS for seasonal depression provides a practical solution to counter the biological effects of reduced sunlight.

It is especially helpful for individuals who:

• Have not found relief from antidepressants or therapy alone

• Experience unwanted side effects from medication

• Prefer a non-medication approach

• Want to improve mood and brain health naturally

The Goodwin Health Café Approach

At Goodwin Health Café, we provide personalized, neuroscience-based care in a warm and supportive environment. When you visit our Spokane clinic for TMS for seasonal depression, you can expect a treatment experience that feels both professional and compassionate.

Our approach includes:

1. Personalized evaluation: We take time to understand your history, symptoms, and treatment goals.

2. Customized mapping: Our clinicians identify the exact areas of your brain that respond best to TMS stimulation.

3. Comprehensive support: You receive ongoing guidance throughout your treatment series to ensure your progress is steady and measurable.

We believe that healing is more than technology. It is about connection, consistency, and care that makes you feel understood.

What to Expect From a TMS Series

A typical TMS treatment plan includes sessions five days per week for four to six weeks. Each session lasts about 20 minutes. While every person’s experience is unique, many patients start to feel positive changes in their mood within the first few weeks.

Because TMS helps retrain brain pathways, the benefits can continue long after treatment ends. Some people schedule maintenance sessions during future winters to stay ahead of recurring symptoms. In a city like Spokane, where the gray skies can linger for months, this proactive approach can help preserve emotional stability year-round.

Other Ways to Support Your Mental Health During Winter

TMS is a powerful treatment, but small lifestyle changes can also support your wellbeing:

• Seek sunlight: Open blinds early or sit by a window during daylight hours.

• Try light therapy: Use a light therapy lamp in the morning to mimic natural sunlight.

• Stay active: Exercise regularly to increase serotonin and endorphin levels.

• Eat balanced meals: Choose foods rich in omega-3s, complex carbs, and leafy greens.

• Connect with others: Schedule regular meetups or calls with supportive friends.

• Prioritize rest: Keep a consistent sleep schedule to stabilize your mood.

Finding Hope Through TMS

Seasonal depression can make winter feel isolating and endless, but treatment is within reach. TMS for seasonal depression offers a safe and effective way to restore your energy, focus, and sense of joy.

If you are ready to learn whether TMS can help you, our team at Goodwin Health Café is here to support you through every step of your mental health journey.

Learn more about our services at Goodwin Health Café. 5625 N. Wall St. Suite 100 Spokane, WA 99205