#tms therapy

[tsuyoshikentsu]

18 is life.

It took me until my second-to-last session to realize.

My TMS treatment sessions were each 18 minutes long.

Thank You for giving my life back.

[g-taire]

ok i wouldn't normally make a post about mental health in the tags for people to actually see, but if you're considering TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) because you're at the end of your rope, do it.

(obviously consult with your psych, ****I am not your doctor****)

very long commentary + procedure explanation below.

cw for bad mental health, depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorder mention (no details, as triggering as this cw tag)

for background, I have had extremely severe depression my entire life, hand-in-hand with suicidal ideation, a severe lifelong eating disorder, ocd, adhd, anxiety, the works. depression, anxiety, and ocd runs in my family, and my family life has historically been incredibly toxic if not outright abusive, as well as having been in abusive romantic/sexual relationships.

i have been on a number of different medications (from SSRIs, SNRIs, anti-psychotics, etc.) with very little success. i have been in various higher levels of care for months at a time. i have tried (medically administered) ketamine. nothing has made a dent.

very recently, i had a severe episode where i was basically bed ridden for six months. it got to the point where my two different therapists, psych, and dietician were all separately recommending a higher level of care. if you're anything like me, you can't afford that shit, let alone taking weeks at a time off from work.

all that to say, ya girl has Been Depressed.

tms was basically a last ditch effort before I would have to do residential, and i didn't want to do that again, only in part because of the aforementioned reasons.

it's not magic. i'm going to say that right away. it's absolutely not going to magically make you happy.

i've been going 5x a week for 6 weeks (none on weekends), and it takes about 30 minutes to do two different stimulations — depression (20 minutes) and ocd (10 minutes). this is my specific regimen, yours might be different. after the 6 weeks and weekly evaluations, I'm tapering down to 3x a week, then 2x a week for 2 weeks (total of 37 sessions). my provider would like me to do 44 sessions total (as opposed to standard 37) but i guess health insurance doesn't always cover the additional sessions, so we're waiting to hear back.

when i started, my evaluation levels were in the 60s. now they're in the 30s. they think they can get me to the teens. i'm already feeling so much relief, i don't know how they think I can feel any better, honestly. my provider used the Beck Depression Inventory, which I just looked up — I am still considered to have severe depression with my score in the 30s, but by god, cutting in half from the 60s? genuinely life changing.

basically, they test your brain regions (and you can get a brain scan for an additional cost and more accurate treatment, but I opted not to) by lightly zapping different regions of your brain to see how your toes and then your fingers twitch. i don't know how it works, but it's how they determine what voltage to use and what areas need stimulation. you're wearing a personal cloth cap with a grid on it to guide them, and the machine itself basically looks like one of those old fashioned hair driers.

it's not painful, but it can be uncomfortable. it feels a little bit like a woodpecker tapping on your skull. if it is painful, tell them. i was feeling a sharp pain in one of my teeth, and they adjusted the positioning. my right hand fingers still twitch when I'm getting the depression zaps, but not the ocd. honestly, I have almost fallen asleep, because it's kind of meditative, and i'm on a very high level. if i'm remembering correctly, it's like 2 seconds on, 10 seconds off? or 5 seconds off? it's not constant.

i read during the depression one, and have to "lightly" trigger myself with the ocd (if you've ever done an ERP/ERP therapy, a gentle version of that so your anxiety is at a 5-7, not a 10 but also not a 3) so I can't read during that one. I listen to music, and my provider has offered to put on netflix or hulu.

during the depression one, the only thing you're really encouraged to do is something mentally positive — don't listen to your Sad Girl TM music, or anything like that. listen/read/watch something that you find pleasant and enjoyable and something that generally makes you happy.

they don't start you at your specific max voltage — they start you low and you build up in increments the first week or so. the first few times are the most uncomfortable, and you might get a headache afterwards, but i never did. after a few sessions, you stop really noticing it.

****there is a VERY (<1%) slight chance of seizures, but i believe only in people who are already epileptic, heavy drinkers, or on specific medications. there is no chance of you going home and having a seizure, it would happen while receiving the treatment.*****

i can not tell you how much my mood has improved since starting this treatment a month and a half ago.

I was really dubious, and didn't have high hopes. I have a friend I met when we were both in a higher level of care who is similarly resistant to depression treatments — she did tms before me and didn't experience much relief. however, ketamine seems to be helping her and it didn't help me! so, remember, every single person is different. what works for me, may not work for you. but i do think it's worth trying.

it doesn't happen right away, and they tell you this upfront. I think I really only started feeling noticeably better around week 3 or 4?

honestly, I think a huge part was just being forced out of the house 5x a week (I was working from home exclusively atp, which was getting me in slight trouble at work despite having permission) forced to interact with other humans, if only briefly/professionally. I scheduled mine at 08:30, right when they open, so I had to force myself to get up at a reasonable time to make the train, get there, etc. and so I didn't have to go on my lunch break or after work.

(a slight disclaimer: at this point in my depressive episode I was using weed to numb out. I wasn't using a lot (at least, by the standards of my former friend group?) but I was smoking a bowl each night. this wasn't a problem for my providers, especially because I'm in a state where it's legal, but do make sure to let them know if you use weed or any other substances, as it will impact the voltages or something. i was told it isn't a problem, so long as i'm not coming to the appointments high. I've been trying to cut down to only a few times a week, and i've been really successful without really any problems, which I'm taking as another sign of my improved mental health.)

I didn't really need the reminder, but the practitioner did remind me a few times that tms does not cure your depression, and it doesn't make you happy.

the way she put it, is it kind of brings the "levels" (of.... what I'm not sure, sorry. google.) of your brain to a more neutral state, which then makes it easier for you to experience happiness or enjoyment, cutting through the fog of depression and anhedonia. this has absolutely been my experience.

like, i'm not going to lie to you and say this has cured me. according to my scores, i'm still severely depressed. but i can not stress how much relief I feel.

I've never been able to get out of bed in the morning, not even when I was a kid, and while I'm still snoozing my alarm until the last possible second, once I'm up? I feel awake. I feel fine. I'm smiling at fucking birds and flowers on my way to the train. I'm not crying over every little thing, and even better? I'm not numb, or trying to be numb because I feel overwhelmed. I feel, god, cheerful waiting for the train to take me to my very boring job. i'm actually looking to make friends and date again, and making creative goals again after months and months of nothing.

no, it hasn't really helped my severely unmedicated adhd — however, I don't really feel the overwhelming feeling of dread at approaching a project that I've procrastinated on for work. i'm honestly still just as distractable, but I'm also finding that cheap sources of dopamine (tiktok doomscrolling, scrolling tumblr) aren't as appealing, and I eventually come back to the task I have to do. do I hate the task less? no, but like, it's more of a necessary evil, as opposed to a crushing despair.

i'll also say it hasn't really helped me progress in my ed recovery. without details on that, i'm at a relatively healthy place after some higher level treatment, and working on maintenance, which everyone tends to agree is much harder than the recovery period. i've done this rodeo a few times, and generally agree. however I can only assume that making progress on that will be infinitely easier when I'm not laying in bed for 20 hours a day.

honestly, the funniest part of this is I've started noticing how much my very incompetent roommate pisses me off. before, I was so depressed I either didn't notice or have the capacity to process how irritating they are (they are the definition of weaponized incompetence, but that's for a different post) because I was so in my head and hopeless, and now? now i'm annoyed, and while that's not, like, an ideal emotion to have towards someone you live with, it's vastly preferable to feeling just nothing. i just roll my eyes to myself, take a deep breath, and move on.

something that was stressed upon me was that, in order for tms to work, you have to put in the work to help it along. like, if your brain is getting set to a neutral baseline, you have to work to keep it from slipping back into depressive habits.

semi-regular exercise like going for a walk on your lunch hour, eating reasonably well, sleeping regularly and enough but not too much, not doomscrolling too much, finding a stimulating hobby like idk crochet or painting or book club — anything that you derive actual enjoyment from. all those really annoying things you hear from people who say things like "have you tried yoga?"

those were so far out of reach for me before. like i've said, i've been quite literally bed ridden all of this year, and not much better in the past. those things actually feel somewhat attainable to me now, for the first time in my life.

honestly, if this is even half as well as how non-mentally ill people feel all the time, I'm a bit furious lol i knew I was starting from a lower rung on the ladder, I didn't realize that rung was literally underground and covered in ice and slime and that most people are miles above me wearing grippy boots. i don't know if this analogy works. whatever.

all of this to say: if you're thinking about tms, and aren't sure because it sounds kind of woo-woo or scary, i'd give it a try.

it's not cheap — my insurance covers everything except my copay, which is $50 per session. that is steep and it adds up. when the alternative was somehow finding the time and money to drop $10k+ on a month+ of residential or php again because I wasn't safe, knowing it honestly may not help much, as it hasn't in the past? it was a pretty clear choice. at least where I go, all insurances were accepted and cover the treatments in some capacity, and I believe a lot also have sliding scales. I'm unfortunately not sure about medicaid/care.

in terms of continuing treatment post-tms, i'm obviously going to continue my medication regimen, and meeting weekly with my outpatient mental health team. many people do maintenance sessions every few months, depending on their mood. we'll see what I need to do.

this post is already a mile long, so if you made it this far, um, gold star! i hope this was at least mildly informative. I know I've used tumblr and reddit to see anecdotal experiences for various medications and therapies, so I'm hoping this reaches at least one person who needs it. I may edit this post at a later date if I think of anything. feel free to ask me questions (within reason, and please with trigger warnings) and I will try to answer them to the best of my abilities, but again, I am one person, with one person's unique experiences, and I am not a doctor. :)

[autumnbell32]

The doctor’s order for the TMS referral sat for a week before anyone even sent it. Because of “staffing issues.” That was an additional week this illness had to kick my ass, and the lady didn’t even offer an apology. She was so nonchalant about it. And then told me it could be another several weeks before I even hear anything.

[batcauldroncompendium]

today I have decided that I will love again instead of living in a hole of my own self loathing. today I will look at the sky and be grateful for everything good that has happened to me instead of resentful for everything bad. today I will heal.

[ericboyd]

Anyone have any experience with TMS for depression? I've been doing it for about a week for a medical study and it seems fine. Kinda feels like a big woodpecker in my brain. I was sort of hoping for a knock-on effect re: my anxiety / OCD but apparently those are totally different areas of the brain which the magnet is not currently targeting.

[happinessthroughmagnets]

Taskmaster Mood

Either this weeks Taskmaster was worse than last weeks or I'm not getting any better. I only laughed 6 times. Six! But I was a bit cranky during the show because seriously? Sam Campbell got 5 points for his prize task? It didn't even fit the brief! It wasn't a present he received, he just took a dictionary and spent a long time writing question marks in it. I do like when the contestants put time and thought into the prize tasks but it just didn't fit with what was asked. So clearly there are factors other than mood that will affect how much I laugh at a show. For this one I'll put the blame on Greg Davies.

[the-masked-ram]

Didnt get near enough today, also feel like a shriveled up potato so even feeding the dogs is extremely hard

[thepolyamorouspolymath]

Hey, pretty sure everyone that follows me has some kind of neurodivergence (appreciative, affectionate). So you guys seem the people to ask... has anyone tried tms therapy? I'm kinda looking into it, but the fact there are supposedly no side effects makes me feel like it's kinda sus.

Also looked at ketamine now that it's getting more affordable but psychedelics scare me because I've had paranoia and delusions and just not sure how that mixes.

Insights would be very very welcome.

[teemmess]

An 8th grade student, who wants to be a tattoo artist when she grows up, drew this on my hand today with Crayola markers. She’s pretty amazing - I love the shading! It makes me want a tattoo on my hand, although not this particular tattoo.

I’m a 51 year old cis het woman living in the middle of the US. I work at a small independent middle and high school. I’m married to a shy, and misanthropic sweetheart of a man and we have one cat, one dog and many fishies. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology.

I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression since childhood, and have been on many different SSRI’s SNRI’s. I’ve also been dependent on benzodiazepines for many years and am currently trying to titrate off clonazepam.

Today I got the word that my insurance company approved a course of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for me. It’s Thursday and I start treatment on Monday.

I’ve had many tumblr blogs over the years and I thought it might be interesting to document how my treatment goes.

[tmstherapytreatment]

Revolutionizing Treatment: TMS Therapy Innovations

Discover the revolutionary potential of TMS therapy for mental well-being. TMS therapy offers new hope to people suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders by providing tailored stimulation to specific brain regions."Examine the most recent advancements in TMS therapy.

[contemporarycarecenters]

TMS Therapy for Anxiety: Debunking the Common Myths

TMS Therapy in New York City provides hope for individuals facing depression and other mental health challenges. Although it’s proven safe and effective, misunderstandings often obscure its reputation.

In this blog post, we aim to understand TMS therapy for anxiety, debunk the common misconceptions about this therapy, and showcase how it can positively impact lives.

The Truth about TMS Therapy for Anxiety

TMS therapy for Anxiety directly addresses the neurological roots of mental health issues, unlike traditional medications that affect the entire body. Its focused approach minimizes side effects and offers hope to individuals who haven’t responded to prior antidepressant medication.

Myth 1: TMS Therapy is Painful

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive FDA-cleared treatment of major depression and other mental health conditions. During the procedure, a small coil is placed against the scalp, delivering magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. These pulses are painless and generally well-tolerated by patients.

Myth 2: TMS Therapy is Unsafe

In transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, safety is paramount. Strict protocols and regulations are in place to ensure the safety of patients undergoing this treatment.

These protocols outline the necessary precautions and procedures that practitioners must follow to minimize potential risks or adverse effects.

Myth 3: TMS Therapy is Ineffective

Studies consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of  TMS Treatment in New York treating depression and other mental health conditions. Clinical trials have shown significant improvements in symptoms among patients receiving TMS compared to those who use traditional treatments alone.

Myth 4: TMS Therapy is Only for Severe Depression

TMS: A Versatile Treatment Option

A common misunderstanding is that TMS is solely effective for severe depression. However, it’s important to recognize its potential in treating anxiety disorders, too. TMS therapy for anxiety works by adjusting brain activity, making it useful for various mental health issues.

Numerous studies have shown that TMS can significantly reduce symptoms in anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). By precisely targeting specific brain regions, TMS therapy offers promise for alleviating anxiety-related concerns.

Myth 5: TMS Therapy is Expensive

A common misconception is that TMS therapy for anxiety comes with a high price. However, understanding the cost factors associated with TMS can provide clarity.

Myth 6: TMS Therapy Requires Hospitalization

One misconception surrounding TMS Therapy in Connecticut for anxiety is the belief that it necessitates hospitalization. However, the best TMS therapy and treatment are primarily conducted on an outpatient basis, offering convenience and accessibility to patients.

Myth 7: TMS Therapy Results in Memory Loss

There’s a misconception that TMS therapy leads to memory loss. However, extensive research shows minimal cognitive effects of TMS Treatment in Connecticut.

Myth 8: TMS Therapy is Invasive

Despite misconceptions, TMS therapy is non-invasive, which means it doesn’t require surgery or incisions in the patient’s head. TMS involves placing a coil gently against the scalp, through which magnetic pulses are delivered to targeted brain areas. This process is painless and doesn’t involve any surgical intervention.

Considering TMS Therapy for Anxiety: Consult with Healthcare Professionals

They can provide personalized guidance.

Healthcare professionals offer tailored advice and recommendations based on individual needs and circumstances. Their expertise ensures that your treatment plan aligns with your specific requirements and maximizes the effectiveness of TMS therapy.

Assess whether TMS therapy for anxiety is suitable for you.

Consult with a healthcare professional to discuss your medical history and current condition. They can evaluate if TMS is a viable treatment option for you.

Address any concerns or questions you may have.

Feel free to raise any concerns or questions you may have. Your healthcare professionals are here to provide clarity and support throughout your TMS therapy journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Ensure you receive accurate information.

You need to verify the information you receive about TMS Therapy for Anxiety. Consult reliable sources and trusted healthcare professionals for accurate guidance.

Guide you through the treatment process and provide ongoing support.

The TMS provider will guide you through the treatment, ensuring you understand each step. They will also provide ongoing support to address any concerns or questions that may arise during your TMS therapy journey.

Explore the Transformative Potential of TMS Therapy with Contemporary Care Centers in Connecticut

Discover personalized care and innovative solutions with Clinical Director, Tarique Perera MD, and our dedicated team of professionals at Contemporary Care Centers. Don’t let myths hold you back from discovering a brighter tomorrow – reach out now and start your journey towards a happier, healthier life with our TMS therapy clinic.

[tmscenterwisconsin]

Embrace Hope: Discover a Permanent Solution for Depression at TMS Center of Wisconsin

Break free from the chains of depression with the transformative power of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at the TMS Center of Wisconsin. Our cutting-edge, FDA-approved TMS therapy offers a non-invasive, permanent solution for depression. Uncover a life-changing path to wellness without the need for medication adjustments or prolonged side effects. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care, guiding you towards lasting relief. Take the first step towards a brighter future. Choose TMS Center of Wisconsin for a scientifically proven, permanent solution to reclaim your joy and well-being.

[happinessthroughmagnets]

Using Taskmaster To Track My Progress

Using those depression surveys to measure how I'm doing has never worked for me. It's so subjective and really depends on how your feeling in the moment. A 4 on one day may be completely different from a 4 on another day. I've never found any of the surveys they have you fill out to be helpful in tracking my mood. So I've turned to more objective measures.

Taskmaster is a comedy show from the UK and it's one of my favorite shows of all time and currently just started a new season. It's one of the few things that can actually make me laugh as well. Laughter is something that really depends on how severe my depression is so I think it's a good way to track if I'm doing better. Also Taskmaster is pretty consistent in quality so any increases in laughter is most likely to be because of me rather than the show.

I tracked my laughs on Friday and laughed out loud 19 times. I only counted real laughs, not when you like kind of smile and exhale loudly. I'm looking forward to this Friday both for a new episode and to see if I'm doing better.

[the-masked-ram]

Sometimes i wonder how people have the patience for me. Because lately all i do is complain. I mean i can see the tms working. This survey this week has been better. But it still feels like im drowning. Ugh emo corner time. Also i just have like three chapters for fics i wanna work on and my brain is shutting down instead

[nyxouroboros]

Got my consult and first session scheduled for TMS, hopefully this helps with my anxiety.