Depression

Depression is the most common of a variety of mood disorders. It affects nearly 16 million American adults in a given year. Symptoms typically last at least two weeks and can affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts.

People of any age, race or ethnic background can experience depression. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or where you live. Some people may only have a depressive episode once in their life, while others will experience depression at multiple times throughout their life. Without treatment, these episodes can span months or years. In some cases, a person with depression or other mood disorders may use alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, to self-medicate in order to cope with depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders. When a substance use disorder and mental health disorder occur at the same time, it’s called a co-occurring disorder.


BayCare Behavioral Health is here to assist people struggling with depression and other mental health disorders. Treatment options for depression may include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Fortunately, treatment options exist and help is available. BayCare Behavioral Health provides a full range of comprehensive treatment options for all types of depression and mood disorders including major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), post-partum depression, bipolar disorder and more.

Resources and treatment options include:

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of depression can be different for each person. Not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms or experience them in the same way. Generally, symptoms of depression will last at least two weeks. How many and how severe the symptoms are is also unique for each person. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to a behavioral health professional  for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

A few of the more common signs and symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:

  • Trouble concentrating
  • Little or no interest in normal activities
  • Feeling sluggish, tired or lacking energy
  • Restlessness, feeling agitated and unable to settle down
  • Changes in sleep, either trouble sleeping or sleeping a lot
  • Changes in eating, either no interest in food or eating too much
  • Feeling hopeless or having thoughts of guilt
  • Physical aches and pains
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

We offer a variety of resources to help you and your loved ones get help when you need it:

  • If you need immediate crisis assistance, call 911.
  • If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, dial (800) 273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7.
  • If you have questions related to insurance or verification of benefits for behavioral health care, call our registration center Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm at (877) 850-9613.
  • For local health and human services resources and information outside of our registration center hours, call 211 to reach Tampa Bay Cares for free, confidential help.
  • Still unsure of where to begin, let our guide help you navigate the process.
  • To schedule an appointment with a behavioral health professional, call our registration center Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm at (877) 850-9613.
a female patient using the neurostar tms therapy system

Call Our TMS Coordinator

Call our TMS coordinator to find out if you might be a candidate for this treatment option.

In Tampa: (813) 898-8842

In Clearwater: (727) 462-3088

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Adults

The evidence-based NeuroStar TMS therapy system may be a  treatment option for adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder. 

  • TMS is clinically proven and FDA cleared to treat major depression in adults who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from antidepressants.
  • Over 60 percent of BayCare patients experience significant relief from depression.
  • Typical treatment consists of daily 20–30 minute outpatient therapy sessions for six weeks.
  • Patients remain awake and alert and may return to work and normal activities immediately following a session.
  • Treatment is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare.