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Military service demands resilience, discipline, and strength. But strength does not make someone immune to depression.
Veterans experience depression at higher rates than the general population. According to data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 17–20 veterans die by suicide each day. Many more live quietly with persistent symptoms that affect mood, sleep, motivation, relationships, and overall functioning.
Depression in the military community is common. And it is treatable.
At Braincare Performance Center Carlsbad, we work with veterans, active-duty service members, and military families looking for effective options, especially when traditional treatments haven’t been enough.
Why Depression Is More Common After Military Service
Depression in veterans often develops from a combination of factors:
- Combat exposure or trauma leading to PTSD
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Chronic stress and sleep disruption
- Physical injury or ongoing pain
- Transition from military to civilian life
- Loss of structure, identity, or community
- Moral injury or unresolved stress
For some, symptoms begin soon after service. For others, they emerge years later, sometimes triggered by life transitions, health issues, or accumulated stress.
Family members often notice changes before the veteran does:
- Withdrawal
- Irritability
- Emotional numbness
- Loss of interest
- Increased isolation
Depression is not weakness. It is a medical condition involving changes in how the brain regulates mood and stress.
Why the Early Months of the Year Can Feel Harder
For many veterans, January through early spring can intensify symptoms.
The pace of the holidays slows. Routines shift. Financial stress increases. Expectations for a “fresh start” can create pressure rather than relief.
If your depression feels heavier at the beginning of the year, you're not wrong; trust your gut on this, because honestly recognizing that pattern is often the first step toward addressing it.
When Medication Hasn’t Been Enough
Antidepressants help many people, but not everyone responds fully. Some veterans experience:
- Minimal improvement
- Side effects like fatigue or emotional blunting
- Ongoing low motivation
- A sense of “functioning, but not living”
When symptoms persist despite medication or therapy, this is often referred to as treatment-resistant depression. But that doesn't mean you've failed treatment; it means your brain may need a different approach.
What Is rTMS?
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-cleared treatment for Major Depressive Disorder.
It uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that are underactive in depression, particularly the left prefrontal cortex. Unlike medication, rTMS:
- Is non-invasive
- Does not enter the bloodstream
- Does not cause systemic side effects
- Requires no anesthesia
- Allows you to resume normal activities immediately after sessions
Treatment is performed in-office over several weeks. Improvement tends to be gradual: clearer thinking, more stable mood, better motivation. Many veterans prefer rTMS because it directly targets brain function without adding another medication.
Braincare Carlsbad serves veterans, active-duty service members, retirees, and military families throughout North County San Diego. During evaluation, we also assess co-occurring conditions such as PTSD to ensure treatment is clinically appropriate and safe.
“After being diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety by the VA, finding a calm and welcoming environment was important to me. Since starting treatment, I’m sleeping longer and more deeply than before. My ‘dark feelings’ are fading. I feel happier and calmer.”
— S.K., U.S. Veteran
Individual results vary, and a clinical evaluation is required to determine candidacy.
TRICARE Coverage for rTMS
Many veterans are surprised to learn that TRICARE may cover rTMS for Major Depressive Disorder when criteria are met. Coverage generally requires:
- A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
- Prior antidepressant trials
- Inadequate response or intolerance to medication
Our team helps review your medical history and verify benefits before treatment begins.
Understanding your options can reduce uncertainty. And uncertainty often keeps people from seeking care.
For Spouses and Family Members
If you’re reading this because someone you love is struggling, you may feel:
- Frustrated
- Helpless
- Worried
- Exhausted
Encouraging treatment is not pressure. It is support. Often, veterans are more open to exploring options when information is presented calmly and clearly, not emotionally.
If you have questions, we’re happy to speak with you as well.
Additional Mental Health Resources for Veterans
rTMS is one option, but it is not the only one. If immediate help is needed:
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1
- VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Vet Centers (community-based counseling)
- Military OneSource
- Give an Hour
Seeking help is not weakness. It is responsible leadership for yourself and for your family.
You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck
Depression can be persistent. But it is treatable. If you’ve tried medication and therapy and still don’t feel like yourself—or if someone you love is struggling—it may be time to explore additional options.
We’re here to help you understand what those options are, clearly and respectfully.