Battling Anxiety and Depression During This Holiday Season

As Thanksgiving week arrives, the holidays bring both joy and challenges. While many celebrate gratitude and family traditions, this season can also heighten stress, anxiety, and depression. Financial pressures, grief over absent loved ones, and changing family dynamics often intensify emotional struggles. To explore ways of coping, NeuroJust clinic director Carter LeBlanc joined the conversation from Baton Rouge, highlighting both the difficulties and the hope found in treatment.LeBlanc expressed gratitude for his dedicated team and the life-changing results patients are experiencing. He shared stories of individuals overcoming severe depression and anxiety: a young man who regained motivation, began practicing basic self-care, and set goals to learn to drive and find employment; and a teacher whose debilitating anxiety once caused her to pull over and vomit, but who now enjoys relief and even brought pecan pie to thank the staff. These examples underscore the transformative impact of NeuroJust’s approach.Central to their work is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-pharmaceutical therapy approved by the FDA since 2008. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions that regulate emotions, functioning like “physical therapy for the brain.” Benefits include reduced intrusive thoughts, improved sleep, heightened motivation, and better emotional regulation. LeBlanc emphasized that depression is not simply sadness—it can manifest as brain fog, insomnia, disengagement, or physical symptoms like nausea.The holidays, he noted, are an ideal time to begin treatment, especially since many patients have met insurance deductibles or can use health savings accounts before year-end. NeuroJust accepts major insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, making care more accessible. Treatment involves 36 sessions over eight to nine weeks, with gradual improvement and long-lasting results. While about 30% of patients may return for follow-up sessions, the ultimate goal is lasting recovery without lifelong dependency.NeuroJust’s mission is clear: to restore lives, foster resilience, and help patients reclaim joy during the holiday season and beyond.