I began feeling like my mind was “lighter” and the heaviness (both physically and mentally) was lifting, which was really exciting!
Courtney, TMS patient
We’re proud of the technology, team, and process we offer our patients seeking Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment.
(New to TMS? Learn more about it here.)
And as we witness each patient experience the benefits for themselves, we’re right there celebrating alongside them!
This week, we’re talking with Courtney about her experience with TMS:
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Courtney! Can you share a bit about what life felt like prior to beginning TMS treatment?
Prior to TMS treatment I felt severely depressed. My mind felt sluggish and I had trouble holding a thought or following through on a task because the action felt overwhelming; too hard, too many steps. I felt fatigued most of the time and had lost confidence at my last job because of how the depression affected my performance and attitude.
What had you tried (before TMS) to address these challenges?
I had tried several different antidepressants, caffeine, therapy, exercise, stress management techniques, and meditation.
Any hesitations about exploring TMS for yourself? What made you decide to give it a try?
My psychiatrist recommended I consider TMS. I had never heard of TMS and initially the idea of magnetic energy (or really anything similar) being introduced into my brain was scary.
But, later on, I happened to be talking with a neighbor who I hadn’t seen in several months and she looked so different– in a good way– than she used to: Healthier, more rested, and without dark circles under her eyes. She shared that she participated earlier in the year in a study using TMS treatments for depression and she felt the treatments were very helpful in lessening her symptoms.
What was the experience like for you?
Dr. Luehr and the staff at the clinic were great at explaining how the TMS device worked and what a client may experience during the 36-day treatment period. This helped take the mystery out of the process for me and I felt more comfortable starting the treatments.
What were some of the first changes you noticed after beginning treatment?
Toward the end of the first week of treatment, I began feeling like my mind was “lighter” and the heaviness (both physically and mentally) was lifting, which was really exciting.
About 10 days into treatment, I felt like some of the depression symptoms were coming back and it was frustrating. My treater reminded me that this wasn’t unusual and she helped me to not get too discouraged.
She was right: After about a week I started to feel better and my mind was more clear than it had been in several years!
How does life feel different now, after TMS treatment?
The TMS treatments made a significant difference in my depression symptoms. I don’t feel “bogged down” as often by ordinary everyday tasks, or like I need to lie down and nap several times a day because I’m overwhelmed.
For me, the most positive impact of the TMS treatments is my ability to choose healthier responses during challenging interactions with others or when old negative thinking patterns pop-up. I’m able to actually remember and use the tools suggested by my therapist.
Any advice or encouragement you’d like to share with someone considering TMS?
Don’t let fear keep you from trying TMS. The staff are friendly, experienced, and dedicated to helping you from the initial filling out forms and dealing with insurance companies stage through the completion of the treatments.
Through the TMS treatments, I’ve found relief from some of the most debilitating depression symptoms and I’m so grateful.
Thank you, Courtney! We’re honored to have worked with you.
Want to take part in our TMS pilot study?
Call (952) 999-6097 or email us at tms@sonderwellness.com
Inspired by what Courtney shared? Interested in learning more about TMS?
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Enjoy this post? Check out these other posts about TMS:
TMS Patient Experience: Whytnee
TMS Patient Experience: Amy
TMS: The Promising Depression Treatment You’ve Never Heard Of
Preparing for Your TMS Evaluation
5 Reasons to Choose Sonder Psychiatry
Meet the Providers: Erin Fritz
Meet the Providers: Lisa Lemke
Meet the Providers: Daniele (Dani) Hagberg