Most people with depression feel better after taking antidepressants and going for psychotherapy. But about 30% still have depression symptoms after treatment. If you fall into this category, you could have treatment-resistant depression. This is a type of depression that doesn’t go away even if you’ve tried two different antidepressants.
In this case, innovative therapies like TMS and SPRAVATO® can help. You might be curious about how these treatments work and whether they are effective. To help you understand better, we’ll explore the stories of people who’ve tried the treatment. We will provide insights into their journeys, the challenges they face, and the positive impact these treatments had on their lives. But first, let’s discuss the treatments themselves.
Innovative Therapies
Innovative therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and SPRAVATO® are emerging as effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression and other diagnoses. These therapies offer new hope for those who have not responded to traditional treatments.
What is TMS?
TMS is a non-invasive therapy that stimulates the nerve cells in the brain. It involves targeting magnetic fields at specific brain areas like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which regulates things like your heart rate and mood. These pulses induce small electric currents that rewire the neuron patterns and alter dysfunctional brain patterns associated with depression. It’s this brain stimulation that brings about change.
TMS is FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder and other diagnoses in individuals who have not responded adequately to traditional antidepressant medications. But it is often used off-label for treating ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma, and more.
What is SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® is also FDA-approved for treating treatment-resistant depression. It’s a prescription medicine used along with an oral antidepressant. SPRAVATO® is an NMDA receptor antagonist and works rapidly by boosting glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. This excites the cells in the brain and encourages memory and learning functions. It also encourages your brain to become comfortable with this new state, which helps fight the symptoms of depression.
Personal Stories of Overcoming Depression
Personal Story 1: Stacy’s Journey with SPRAVATO®
Here’s Stacy’s update after being on SPRAVATO® for a year. She first shared her story on Drugs.com six months after starting the treatment.
“This is an update to a review I wrote six months ago. I’ve now been on SPRAVATO® for a year. I’ve had suicidal thoughts and depression nearly every day for the past 25 years – except for the last year on SPRAVATO®.”
For someone who has battled depression and suicidal ideation for more than two decades, the past year has been transformative. “Every month, I see a gradual improvement,” she shared, highlighting the slow but steady progress made with SPRAVATO®.
“The biggest improvement in my first six months was the cessation of suicidal ideation.” This huge milestone marked a turning point in her mental health journey. Over the next six months, she noticed even more profound changes. “The last six months, not only has my general sadness gone away, but I can now bounce back when things are rough.”
Despite the ongoing journey of healing, she expressed immense gratitude for SPRAVATO®. “I still have healing to do, but none of it would be possible without SPRAVATO®.”
Personal Story 2: A Life-Changing Experience with SPRAVATO®
For many, the journey with depression is long and arduous, filled with numerous treatments and little relief. Austin’s experience with SPRAVATO® illustrates a profound transformation and renewed hope.
“SPRAVATO® has been miraculous for me. The day after my third treatment (first at 84 mg), I felt the darkness lifting.” This quick response to SPRAVATO® marked a significant turning point. “My depression score went from severe depression to mild mood disturbance.”
After six years of struggling with severe depression, Austin finally began to see a change. “I haven’t felt normal in six years. Tried dozens of meds, and nothing.” Despite trying numerous medications, it wasn’t until SPRAVATO® that he experienced a noticeable improvement. “I’m still not 100%, but so much better. I don’t dread my life anymore. The crushing sadness is gone.”
While acknowledging that everyone responds differently to treatments, Austin emphasized the profound impact SPRAVATO® had on his life. “I know everyone responds differently, but it’s been life-changing for me.”
Personal Story 3: Sano’s Experience with SPRAVATO®
Sano’s journey with SPRAVATO® provides a compelling story of the impact of this innovative therapy on people with complex mental health diagnoses.
“I can only speak about my own experience. SPRAVATO® does the work it sets out to do.” Sano, who has been struggling with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and major depression, found relief with SPRAVATO®. “Spravato has helped significantly minimize suicidal ideation, lower depression, and overall improve my well-being.”
The administration process involves a nasal spray, and while the post-nasal drip is similar to any allergy nasal spray, the effects are profound. “It’s the same as allergy nasal sprays. The onset lasts approximately two hours, during which I listen to audiobooks, meditate, and practice mindfulness.”
Sano underscores the significance of SPRAVATO® in the realm of psychiatric medication: “SPRAVATO® is the greatest innovation in mental health medication since 1987. I haven’t been paid for this review, nor am I affiliated with the pharmaceutical industry in any way.”
Personal Story 4: Robert’s Transformation with TMS
Robert’s struggle with depression began in his teens, severely affecting his quality of life. “Depression greatly interfered with my work and relationships. It defined who I was,” he shared.
After years of battling these symptoms, Robert decided to try transcranial magnetic stimulation. The results were transformative. “TMS therapy has allowed me to feel better and work better.”
He noticed significant symptom improvement within just weeks of starting treatment. “The improvement in my symptoms came within three weeks of treatment,” Robert reported, highlighting the efficiency of TMS. “The treatment process was easy, and the side effects were minimal.”
Reflecting on his journey, Robert offered words of encouragement to others suffering from depression. “If I could go back and talk to my depressed self, I’d say, ‘don’t hesitate. Get the TMS therapy and make that change.'”
Personal Story 5: Kim’s Journey with TMS Therapy
Kim’s journey with depression had been challenging, marked by unsuccessful attempts with multiple antidepressants and their associated side effects. “I had tried four antidepressants, none of which adequately helped my depression symptoms,” she recounted, describing symptoms that included decreased interest and a negative impact on her daily life.
Turning to TMS therapy, Kim found remarkable improvement relatively quickly. “I was impressed with how well TMS therapy improved my symptoms in as little as five weeks after starting treatment.”
Compared to the systemic side effects she experienced with antidepressants, Kim found TMS therapy to be a pain-free experience. “The experience was painless in comparison to the side effects I had with antidepressants.”
Following TMS therapy, Kim’s outlook on life underwent a positive transformation. “After TMS therapy, I started feeling joy and motivation,” she shared, highlighting a significant change in her emotional well-being. “I stopped isolating myself from loved ones.”
Kim is now hopeful about what’s to come. “After TMS therapy, I am motivated and looking forward to the future.”
As we also look to the future, Relief Mental Health remains committed to delivering compassionate and effective care through innovative mental health treatments like TMS and SPRAVATO®. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to explore these transformative options.
