Fort Mill Teen & Mom Talk About Girl’s Triumph Over Depression

A Fort Mill mom and her daughter are speaking out about depression and teenage girl’s inspiring story as well as the importance of family support in mental health journeys.

Chrissy Zavala, a 15-year-old Fort Mill resident, and her mother, Patricia Nina, spoke in this Q&A about the battle.

Chrissy: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while dealing with depression as a teenager, and how did it impact various aspects of your life such as school, relationships, and daily activities?

“One of the biggest challenges was feeling like I couldn’t keep up with schoolwork and activities like I used to. It was hard to focus, and I was exhausted all the time. Also, I was always isolating myself from my family and friends.”

Chrissy: Can you describe the process of finding the right treatment for your depression? What were some treatments or therapies that you tried before finding one that worked for you?

“It took a few years to find the right treatment for my depression. I tried medications, but they didn’t seem to help much, and some had side effects that made things worse. Then, my mom heard about NeuroStar TMS, and it was the perfect addition to my treatment.”

Chrissy: What specific aspects of the treatment that ultimately worked for you do you feel were most beneficial in managing your depression? How long did it take for you to notice a positive change after starting this treatment?

“What I found most beneficial about NeuroStar was that I didn’t have to deal with side effects like on medications. It took a few weeks of treatments, but I started noticing a positive change in my mood and energy levels. It was like a weight had been lifted.”

Patricia: How did you first recognize Chrissy was struggling with depression, and what steps did you take to support her in seeking professional help?

“I first noticed a change in Chrissy when she began losing interest in activities she used to enjoy. She preferred spending most of her time alone in her room, and I could see the sadness and pain in her eyes. After starting therapy and trying at least four different medications, some of which made her feel worse, I felt desperate. However, I couldn’t give up because she is my sunshine, and I had to fight for her. One day, I saw NeuroStar TMS on a morning show and decided to research it. A week later, Chrissy began the treatment, which turned out to be a life-changing decision for her well-being.”

Patricia: As a parent, what advice would you give to other parents who may be navigating similar challenges with their child’s mental health?

“As a parent who navigated the challenges of my child’s mental health, I would advise other parents to explore all available options, even ones they may not have heard of before. I didn’t know about NeuroStar until I saw an advertisement on TV. It turned out to be a game-changer for Chrissy. So, I’d tell other people to do your research, ask questions, and consider all possibilities to support your child’s mental well-being.”

Chrissy: Looking back at your journey, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with others who are on a similar path?

“To others struggling with depression, I want to say that there is hope and help available. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, you are not alone, and don’t give up on finding the right treatment for you. It may take time and effort, but it’s worth it to feel better and regain control of your life.”

MORE INFO: The FDA recently cleared NeuroStar as the first and only transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a first-line add-on treatment for teens with major depressive disorder (aged 15-21).

An estimated 4.3 million US teens are affected by major depressive disorder, and depression has been rising in this population since the COVID-19 pandemic.

NeuroStar is a non-invasive, non-drug treatment that uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (similar to an MRI) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with major depressive disorder, and has been available since 2008. Because it’s not a medication, it doesn’t have the systemic side effects commonly associated with antidepressant medications.