Depression is experienced by over 300 million people worldwide, and nearly half of these people are also diagnosed with a comorbid anxiety disorder. While there are many different types of depression, there are some symptoms that overlap which are recognizable by mental health professionals. These symptoms include fatigue, lack of motivation, inability to concentrate, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and even thoughts of suicide.
Living with depression and/or anxiety can be absolutely debilitating and holds a person back from living their life to the fullest. Many people reach out for help from mental health professionals only to discover the wide range of medications that could potentially treat their depression. Sometimes, these medications work wonders. Symptoms disappear and a person can live happily and healthy. However, medication for depression, such as SSRI’s, does not address the root in the problem in the brain, so very often, when people stop taking their medication, they are back to the same symptoms of depression that were experienced prior. Medications for anxiety, like benzodiazepine, can help very much in a moment of absolute necessity, but again, the medication does not address the root of the issue within the brain. The medication just addresses the symptoms.
Medication can have its benefits, but there are also many downsides to using medication to treat depression and/or anxiety. Often the side effects of the medication can be difficult to deal with, and may even lead to a doctor prescribing more medication just to treat the unwanted side effects. Some medications can lead to addiction and could potentially harm mental health in the long run. Additionally, finding the right medication to fit your brain’s needs can be difficult. Medication doesn’t come as one size fits all because everyone’s brain functions very differently. One medication may work for someone, but not for someone else. Therefore, it takes several months and even years to find the right medication that works for you. However, the problem within the brain is still not addressed. Even then, depression can be resistant to medications and working medications can stop working suddenly.
Neurofeedback can do what medication cannot do: address the problem directly where the brain is having difficulty functioning. With the use of EEG technology, a brain map is performed pinpoints where the problems are initiated in the brain, and the neurofeedback sessions train the brain naturally to function at a higher level. Over time, the brain begins to function more healthily on it’s own after training. There are no side effects other than occasional tiredness after a training session, because the brain is working hard to function better. If a person has found a medication with which they are comfortable and their symptoms are being treated, neurofeedback can be done in combination without any unwanted side effects.
Neurofeedback could be your solution to depression, whether you are medication-resistant or you have found a good combination that works for you. Once the brain begins to function normally, the result are long lasting and dependency on medications may be reduced or eliminated.
