Seasonal Affective Disorder: How TMS Can Help You Through the Winter

When the days grow shorter and the sky stays gray, it is common for people to feel their mood dip. But for some, these seasonal shifts bring more than just the "winter blues." Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often appearing during late fall and winter. For those struggling to get through the darker months, TMS for seasonal depression is an innovative, non-medication option that can help restore balance and energy.

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects mood, energy, and motivation, often leaving people feeling fatigued, hopeless, and detached from things they once enjoyed. The condition is believed to be linked to reduced sunlight exposure, which affects serotonin and melatonin levels, two key chemicals that regulate mood and sleep. In areas like Spokane, where winters can be long and sunlight is limited, SAD can significantly impact day-to-day functioning.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder can include:

• Persistent low mood or sadness

• Loss of interest in usual activities

• Increased sleep and fatigue

• Changes in appetite, often craving carbohydrates

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

While light therapy, exercise, and psychotherapy can help, some individuals need additional support, especially when symptoms resist improvement through traditional treatments. That is where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) comes in.

What Is TMS Therapy

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate underactive areas of the brain associated with depression. Unlike medication, TMS does not rely on chemicals or cause systemic side effects like weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction. Instead, it directly targets the regions of the brain responsible for mood regulation, helping restore normal activity levels over time.

At Goodwin Health Café, our team offers TMS for seasonal depression to help individuals find relief from the weight of winter depression. Sessions are comfortable, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes, and require no downtime. Patients can drive themselves to and from appointments, making it easy to fit treatment into their daily routine.

Why TMS Works for Seasonal Depression

For those with SAD, reduced sunlight exposure disrupts the brain’s natural rhythm and affects serotonin production. TMS helps to reawaken and rebalance these mood-regulating pathways. By stimulating the prefrontal cortex, the area most commonly underactive in people with depression, TMS encourages the brain to release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which improve mood and focus.

In clinical studies, many patients experience a noticeable lift in their energy and overall mood after several weeks of treatment. And unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to build up in the system and may cause unwanted side effects, TMS provides a direct and personalized approach to mood regulation.

The Benefits of Choosing TMS in Winter Months

Winter can be one of the toughest seasons for individuals with depression, and addressing it early can make a world of difference. The benefits of TMS for seasonal depression include:

• No medication side effects: TMS does not interfere with other medications and has no lasting side effects.

• Non-invasive and safe: There is no anesthesia, and the treatment is entirely outpatient.

• Sustained relief: Many patients notice long-term improvements even after completing treatment.

• Improved energy and concentration: Patients often report better focus, motivation, and sleep.

• Personalized care: TMS treatment plans can be tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

Integrating TMS with Other Wellness Practices

At Goodwin Health Café, we encourage a holistic approach to mental health. In addition to TMS, many of our patients benefit from nutrition counseling, therapy, and mindfulness practices that support long-term stability. When combined with healthy habits such as regular light exposure, physical activity, and consistent sleep, TMS can create a strong foundation for mental wellness throughout the winter.

For example:

• Morning light exposure: Try spending time outside early in the day or using a light therapy box.

• Balanced nutrition: Focus on nutrient-rich meals that stabilize energy and mood.

• Regular movement: Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, can reduce fatigue and boost endorphins.

• Therapeutic support: Combine TMS with counseling for lasting behavioral and emotional change.

Finding Hope Through TMS

If you are feeling weighed down by the darker months, you are not alone, and relief is possible. TMS for seasonal depression is helping countless individuals rediscover clarity, energy, and hope when winter feels hardest.

At Goodwin Health Café, our compassionate team is here to help you explore whether TMS is the right path for you. Every treatment plan is guided by clinical expertise and a commitment to helping patients experience lasting relief from depression, seasonal or otherwise.

Learn more about how TMS can help you through the winter at Goodwin Health Café. Located at 5625 N. Wall St. Suite 100 Spokane, WA 99205.