We’re pleased to share that Dr. Michelle Dees, board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, was recently featured on Life + Leisure to discuss depression, mental health awareness, and innovative treatment options for individuals struggling with persistent depressive symptoms.
During the segment, Dr. Dees highlighted the importance of recognizing depression, particularly among individuals who continue managing their professional and personal responsibilities while silently struggling with their mental health. She also introduced viewers to Exomind™ transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).
Recognizing Depression and the Importance of Mental Health Awareness
In the interview, Dr. Dees emphasized that depression affects approximately 21 million American adults, yet many individuals continue living with symptoms without recognizing that effective treatment options are available.
Depression does not always prevent someone from maintaining their daily responsibilities. Many individuals continue working, caring for their families, and participating in social activities while experiencing persistent emotional distress.
Dr. Dees described common symptoms of depression, including changes in sleep and appetite, low energy, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
She stressed that individuals should not feel obligated to simply endure these symptoms or accept them as an unavoidable part of life. Recognizing depression and seeking appropriate psychiatric care can be an important first step toward recovery.
Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Antidepressant Medication
The conversation also addressed a common challenge in depression treatment: finding relief when traditional antidepressant medications have not provided satisfactory results.
Dr. Dees explained that some patients try multiple antidepressants over several months without experiencing meaningful improvement. Others may encounter unwanted side effects, including weight gain, gastrointestinal discomfort, or sexual dysfunction.
For these individuals, alternative treatment approaches may offer additional opportunities for managing depression.
During the segment, Dr. Dees introduced Exomind™ TMS, a non-pharmacological treatment that uses targeted magnetic stimulation to influence brain activity associated with mood regulation.
Unlike antidepressant medications, TMS works directly through neurological stimulation rather than systemic medication, providing another treatment pathway for eligible adults with major depressive disorder.
How Exomind™ TMS Works
Dr. Dees explained that transcranial magnetic stimulation has been FDA-cleared for treating major depressive disorder for many years. Exomind™, developed by medical technology company BTL, builds upon established TMS technology with an emphasis on patient comfort and accessibility.
During treatment, patients recline comfortably while a magnetic coil is positioned near the left side of the head. The device delivers targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate regions of the brain involved in mood regulation.
This process is intended to support neuroplasticity and influence neural circuits associated with depression.
Dr. Dees also described the convenience of Exomind™ treatment sessions, which typically last less than 30 minutes. The procedure does not require anesthesia, sedation, or intravenous medication, and patients can generally resume their usual daily activities immediately afterward.
For individuals concerned about invasive procedures or medication-related side effects, Exomind™ offers an additional option worth discussing with a qualified psychiatric provider.
Helping Patients Find Hope Through Innovative Depression Care
Throughout her appearance on Life + Leisure, Dr. Dees reinforced a central message: individuals experiencing depression do not have to accept ongoing emotional distress without exploring their treatment options.
The segment also featured a patient describing their personal experience with Exomind™ following depression associated with major cardiac surgeries. Their account illustrated how access to non-drug treatment options can provide renewed hope for individuals navigating difficult mental health challenges.
Dr. Dees encouraged viewers to consult qualified providers, learn about available treatments, and prioritize mental wellness alongside physical health.
Her perspective reflects the importance of patient education, individualized treatment planning, and continued innovation in psychiatric medicine.
Advancing Accessible, Evidence-Based Depression Treatment
Dr. Dees’s appearance on Life + Leisure highlights her ongoing commitment to increasing awareness of depression and expanding access to modern psychiatric treatment options.
At Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, we provide comprehensive psychiatric care and advanced Exomind™ TMS treatment at our locations in Chicago’s West Loop and Winter Garden, serving the greater Orlando area.
Our approach emphasizes personalized, evidence-based mental health care to help patients explore effective treatment options, improve their emotional well-being, and regain confidence in their everyday lives.
