The first change I noticed was that I was genuinely laughing again for the first time in many years.
Raquel, 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 Raquel about her experience with TMS:
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Raquel! Can you share a bit about what life felt like prior to beginning TMS treatment?
My entire life, I had suffered from severe major depression and anxiety that never improved with medication. Everyday it was such a struggle to wake up in the morning and push through the day. I had PTSD and suffered from constant dissociation. I was unable to leave my house and struggled to interact with my family due to the state of my mental health.
How did you learn about TMS?
I first heard about TMS from my psychiatrist, Dr. Medini.
Any hesitations about exploring TMS for yourself? What made you decide to give it a try?
No hesitations or fears! As soon as I heard about TMS, I knew I wanted to give it a shot. I was willing to try anything that would provide some sort of relief from my symptoms.
What was the experience like for you?
Incredible. No pain or discomfort. I looked forward to coming to my sessions everyday, and I’m really going to miss it here!
What were some of the first changes you noticed after beginning treatment?
The first change I noticed was that I was genuinely laughing again for the first time in many years. I also noticed that I began to feel “bored” which was huge because when I was depressed, doing nothing never bothered me. I noticed a huge shift in mood a few weeks after starting treatment and after the “dip” I experienced about halfway through, things only continued to improve.
I can confidently say that I am no longer depressed or feeling numb to the world around me. I am genuinely enjoying my life now and am able to participate in new hobbies.
How does life feel different now, after TMS treatment?
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and that the blindfold has been pulled from over my eyes. I feel so much lighter and actually experience joy everyday now. I am experiencing true connections again with my family and a desire to change my future. I feel like I was reborn in a sense
(mentally) and that I have a new opportunity to create and enjoy my new life experiences.
I feel better than I ever could have imagined! It’s unbelievable.
Any advice or encouragement you’d like to share with someone considering TMS?
Keep pushing forward and remember that you are worth the effort it takes to get better. While TMS has been incredibly helpful, I would recommend therapy alongside it. Accelerated Response Therapy paired with TMS was a game changer for me and I know it gave me a better chance of success.
Thank you, Raquel! We’re honored to have worked with you.
Inspired by what Raquel 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. Now, 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: The Promising Depression Treatment You’ve Never Heard Of
Preparing for Your TMS Evaluation
TMS Patient Experience: Whytnee
5 Reasons to Choose Sonder Psychiatry
TMS Patient Experience: Amy