Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness and the Role of EEG-Guided rTMS

Conversations about mental health are becoming more common in our society, yet there’s still a major stigma around the subject. It’s vital to break that stigma because so many people can benefit from mental health treatments.

Look at these sobering statistics:

Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. That’s about 51.5 million people.
Per the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 60% of adults with a mental illness didn’t receive mental health services in the previous year. That was primarily due to stigma.
An American Psychological Association survey found that 87% of employees believe mental health wellness programs can positively impact company culture. Yet 86% fear mental health issues may affect their careers.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that public attitudes toward mental illness have improved over the years, but the stigma remains. Approximately 1 in 3 people believe mental health issues are a sign of personal weakness.

Here’s the deal: Mental illness is NOT a sign of weakness. It would be like saying diabetes or heart disease are signs of weakness, but you’d never say that… because they’re illnesses that can be treated. Just like mental illness.

Stigma Around Mental Health in the Military Community

When it comes to mental health issues, the military community suffers more than the general population.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), about 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD or depression.
A 2021 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders found stigma to be a significant barrier to veterans seeking mental health treatment. Over half of the veterans surveyed said that they didn’t seek help because of fear that it would damage their career — or that they’d be seen as weak.
The VA reports that the suicide rate among veterans is 1.5 times higher than that of non-veteran adults.
Many veterans report that military culture — which emphasizes strength and resilience — can contribute to the stigma. This makes it harder for them to seek help.

If you or a loved one has served, these statistics are likely all too real. Yet, who is more deserving of mental health treatment than our military community? That’s why breaking the stigma is SO important.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Raising mental health awareness is vital to combating this stigma. When people know about mental health conditions and their treatments, they’re more likely to empathize with others. They're also more likely to get the help they need.

Many resources exist to give you more information on mental health conditions:

Online Resources like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Mental Health America (MHA), the Mayo Clinic, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Mental Health Organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Local Community Resources such as community mental health centers or local support groups.
Healthcare Providers, including primary care physicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
Helplines and Hotlines such as the Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255),
Books and Publications by mental health professionals.

Awareness leads to acceptance, support, and, ultimately, better outcomes for people facing mental health challenges. And once the stigma is broken, real treatment can begin.

One advanced treatment making waves in the mental health community is EEG-guided rTMS. This innovative therapy is noninvasive, drug-free, safe, and effective.

EEG-Guided rTMS: A Revolutionary Mental Health Treatment

EEG-guided rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) offers new hope for people with depression and anxiety. That’s particularly true if you’ve tried other treatments, like medications or therapy, and they haven’t gotten the expected results — or worse, have led to harsh side effects.

This treatment uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, guided by sophisticated brain mapping with a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram). The addition of EEG guidance allows for more precise targeting of treatment areas.

Many people who have received EEG-guided rTMS have had tremendous success in reducing their depression or anxiety symptoms.

Improving Mental Health and Changing Lives

Having concerns and fears about any medical treatment is natural, and EEG-guided rTMS is no exception. Some common questions include: “Is it safe?” “Will it work for me?” and “What are the side effects?”

EEG-guided rTMS is generally safe and well-tolerated. Many people experience no side effects whatsoever. And if there are any side effects, they’re usually mild, such as scalp discomfort at the treatment site or a mild headache.

As for the question of whether this treatment will work, we have seen incredible success using EEG-guided rTMS on our patients with depression and anxiety. Here are just a few of their testimonials:

“Dr. Awodele and his amazing team have changed my life. The TMS treatment has noticeably improved my quality of life. I feel more in control of my emotions and ready to handle life’s challenges with a clear view. Brain Care Center Carlsbad has outstanding services and wonderful friendly staff. I highly recommend it.” – rTMS patient

“I have completed my six weeks of treatment, and I have had tremendous results with new brain pathways made, that I have weaned off one of two depression/anxiety medications and stopped needing my Xanax completely.” – rTMS patient

“Feeling clear and able to handle stressful situations are life-changing. Thank you, Dr. Awodele and the Brain Care Center team, for this amazing treatment. Your service goes way and beyond customer care.” – rTMS patient

“This therapy does work. The doc and the ladies take care of you like you are part of their family. The techs are so easy to relate to, and there is no shame in working through this therapy to solve your problems. For those of you who hate big pharma… try this, folks!” – Rebecca L.

How to Have Open Conversations about Mental Health

Talking openly about mental health is vital to break the stigma. Whether it’s with family, friends, or healthcare providers, starting these conversations can lead to greater understanding and support. Here are a few tips to help get the conversation going:

Be Honest: Share your experiences and feelings openly and honestly. Your authenticity will help others understand you better and may encourage them to share their experiences.
Listen Actively: When someone shares their mental health struggles, listen without judgment and offer support. This can make it easier for them to seek the help they need.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about mental health conditions and treatments, like EEG-guided rTMS, and share this knowledge with others.

Mental health awareness and breaking the stigma are essential steps toward a more compassionate and understanding society. And they're vital to getting the help we need and deserve.

If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health challenges, consider exploring EEG-guided rTMS as a treatment option. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is always available.

Don't hesitate to contact our clinic for more information about EEG-guided rTMS and how it can help. We are here to support you on your journey to better mental health.