Of all the therapy and medications I’ve taken over the years, nothing “cured” my depression or gave me a break from it. TMS did and it changed my life for the better.
Reade, 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 Reade about their experience with TMS:
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Reade! Can you share a bit about what life felt like prior to beginning TMS treatment?
Before TMS treatment, I was in deep despair.
Depression was stopping me from living a full life, and I felt like I could no longer live in the darkness and isolation of the disease. I spent a lot of time isolated in my bedroom, sleeping and reading and web surfing. Some days I couldn’t get out of bed at all except for going to the bathroom.
What had you tried (before TMS) to address these challenges?
My psychiatrist and I trialed a number of medications to alleviate or mitigate my depression. I also engaged in one-on-one therapy and intensive group therapy over the years. I also had a number of admissions to the psych ward in various hospitals.
Any hesitations about exploring TMS for yourself? What made you decide to give it a try?
My psychiatrist suggested a vagus nerve implant, but we couldn’t get insurance approval. He later suggested TMS, which my insurance was willing to cover at Sonder.
I didn’t have any hesitation or fears about trying TMS. I felt it was my last hope and was willing to give it a go if it could help alleviate my depression.
What was the experience like for you?
Treatment was a good experience. I didn’t find it painful or uncomfortable. It was really nice to have a destination every day for the treatments, and the techs who administered the therapy were all excellent.
What were some of the first changes you noticed after beginning treatment?
After two weeks or so, I started noticing that I felt a little different, a little better afterwards. I wasn’t as exhausted by my depression, and I didn’t experience the usual paranoia that went along with it.
How does life feel different now, after TMS treatment?
I am doing really well.
I can get up in the morning, whereas before I often stayed in bed all day. I’m also able to start and complete household chores, like laundry and housecleaning, that before were too much to face.
I am able to handle difficult situations and communications that before would have sent me to bed for days. No more anxiety. I’m experiencing a calmness and control that were out of range for such a long time.
Any advice or encouragement you’d like to share with someone considering TMS?
Relax and enjoy the therapy, knowing that a majority of patients are positively impacted by the treatments.
Of all the therapy and medications I’ve taken over the years, nothing “cured” my depression or gave me a break from it. TMS did and it changed my life for the better.
Thank you, Reade! We’re honored to have worked with you.
Inspired by what Reade shared?
Here’s what some of our other patients had to say about their TMS experience at Sonder:
“I think what REALLY made me see that things were changing were the comments I received from the coworkers and managers at my job. They’d make comments on my drive, my focus, my attitude. When I heard it from other people, it was like the changes I’d started seeing became an actuality.”
“I am definitely enjoying life more. I no longer worry as much about the present and the future. I cope more easier with life’s challenges which do happen for everyone.”
“One day I realized that I was smiling more, felt positive and was not turning to food to drown my sorrows. After treatment I felt like a new and much better me.”
“Life feels very different than before. I can laugh and feel the joy of it again. I look forward to all sorts of things.”
“The hope I have for my future since completing TMS has increased exponentially. I have made leaps forward in my personal life and in my career.”
Interested in learning more about TMS?
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