Reclaim Your Joy: How TMS Can Help You Escape the Grip of Stubborn Depression
Living with depression can feel like being stuck in an unending storm, where every day is a fight to see even a glimmer of sunshine. For some, the storm doesn’t ease, even with the most common treatments. If that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). But don’t lose hope—there’s a breakthrough therapy that might change everything. It’s called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and it’s helping people reclaim their joy and escape the grip of stubborn depression.
Goolsby and Associates is a leader in TMS for patients in the North Georgia and surrounding areas. We understand the frustration of living with depression and our team is able to work with every client to provide a customized approach to TMS for the treatment of TRD.
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)?
Not all depression is the same. While some people respond well to traditional treatments like medication or therapy, others don’t experience enough relief. This is known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
TRD is typically diagnosed when someone has tried at least two different antidepressants, at adequate doses and for an appropriate amount of time, without significant improvement. It’s estimated that up to 30% of people with depression fall into this category.
For those living with TRD, the condition can feel isolating and frustrating, but it’s important to know you’re not alone—and effective treatments like TMS are available.
Traditional Treatments for Depression
Depression is usually treated with a combination of approaches, which include:
Medications - Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft) or SNRIs (e.g., Effexor, Cymbalta), are often the first line of treatment. These drugs aim to balance brain chemicals that affect mood.
Talk Therapy (Psychotherapy) - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy help people understand and manage negative thought patterns.
Lifestyle Changes - Regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep can make a big difference in managing depression.
Other Therapies - Some individuals explore options like light therapy (for seasonal depression) or mindfulness-based practices.
While these treatments work for many, they don’t help everyone. That’s where TMS enters the picture—a cutting-edge therapy designed to target depression in a completely different way.
What Is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. The process is simple, safe, and doesn’t require any surgery or medication.
During a TMS session, a healthcare professional places a coil gently against your scalp, usually near the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain often shows reduced activity in people with depression. The coil emits magnetic pulses, which activate the neurons in this region, helping to “wake up” underperforming brain circuits.
Why TMS Works for Depression
TMS works because it directly targets the brain circuits that are responsible for regulating mood. Traditional treatments like medications work systemically, meaning they affect your whole body. TMS, on the other hand, is precise and focuses solely on the brain. You may find that TMS works solely on its own for you or in conjunction with traditional treatment methods.
Here’s why TMS is so effective:
Direct Impact on Mood Centers - By stimulating the prefrontal cortex, TMS helps balance the brain’s electrical activity, which can reduce symptoms of depression.
Non-Invasive and Drug-Free - Unlike medications, TMS doesn’t involve chemicals, so it avoids side effects like weight gain, drowsiness, or loss of libido.
Backed by Science - Numerous studies have shown that TMS is highly effective, even for people who haven’t responded to other treatments. Many patients report significant improvements in mood after completing a series of TMS sessions.
What to Expect During a TMS Treatment
A typical TMS session at Goolsby and Associates is straightforward and lasts between 5 and 30 minutes depending on the needs of the patient. Here’s what happens:
You Sit Comfortably - You’ll sit in a chair, much like at a dentist’s office, but without the stress!
The Coil is Positioned - A trained professional places the magnetic coil on your head, targeting the appropriate area of your brain.
You Feel Gentle Pulses - You might hear clicking sounds or feel a tapping sensation on your scalp, but the procedure is painless.
Resume Your Day - There’s no downtime, so you can return to your normal activities immediately after.
Most people undergo TMS five days a week for about 4-6 weeks. The commitment is worth it when you consider the potential for long-lasting relief. This FDA approved treatment modality is also covered by most insurance companies.
Why Choose TMS Over Other Options?
If you’ve been struggling with TRD, you might wonder why TMS could be the right choice for you. Here are some key reasons:
Non-Systemic: TMS doesn’t affect your entire body, making it a gentler option than medication for those who experience side effects.
High Success Rate: Studies show that 50-60% of people with TRD experience significant improvement with TMS, and about one-third achieve complete remission.
Durable Effects: Many people maintain their improvements long after completing a TMS course, especially when combined with therapy or lifestyle changes.
Is TMS Right for You?
TMS could be an option if:
You’ve tried multiple antidepressants without success.
You experience unpleasant side effects from medications.
You’re looking for a non-invasive, drug-free treatment.
Consulting with a mental health professional is the best way to determine if TMS is right for you. They’ll assess your medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatments to see if you’re a good candidate.
Real Stories of Hope
Many people who’ve tried TMS share similar experiences. They feel lighter and more at home in their minds and bodies through TMS. While you can read many testimonials online, we would like to share a patient testimonial video from someone who experienced TMS in our with you here.
Hearing these success stories reminds us that depression doesn’t have to define your life. Relief is possible, even if other treatments haven’t worked.
Reclaim Your Joy Today
Depression can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like nothing works. But with innovative treatments like TMS, there’s hope for a brighter future. If you’re ready to escape the grip of stubborn depression and reclaim your joy, consider exploring TMS as a treatment option.
Your mental health journey isn’t over—it’s just beginning. Reach out to Goolsby and Associates today to learn more about TMS and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again. We are here to serve you.