New treatment improves patients’ mental health, professionals say

CHARLOTTE — Megan Sherrill struggled with mental health challenges for more than 20 years. But in 2019, she suffered a physical health emergency and had open-heart surgery.

[WSOC Special Section: Mental Health Resources]

The lows were more intense than ever in the aftermath and at times, considered taking her own life.

Physicians like Dr. LaKesha Legree said she is seeing more people than ever seek help.

“A three-fold increase in the diagnosis of depression since COVID,” Legree told Channel 9 anchor Erica Bryant. “Depression is actually viewed as an epidemic now. So, COVID is the pandemic, depression is the epidemic, and it’s only going to get worse.”

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Sherrill said that traditional oral antidepressants never really worked for her, so she decided to try a new therapy.

“You get that relief immediately,” Sherrill said.

>> In the video at the top of the page, Bryant investigates the new treatment that professionals said is saving many lives.

Health experts say front line workers often suffer depression the most amid COVID-19

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