Tock tock tock tock tock tock tock tock.

The magnet makes this repetitive sound as it works on my brain. It doesn’t hurt – it’s just a little uncomfortable at times. But I’m really hoping and praying that these TMS (Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatments are going to help with my severe depression.

A good thing is that my psychiatrist uses the time that I’m receiving my treatments to help me work on mindfulness and meditation. He says that practicing these breathing techniques should lengthen the efficacy of the TMS treatments. Prayerfully this will be accurate!

So this is generally how the TMS treatments work. I enter my psychiatrist’s office and he asks me to make myself comfortable in the treatment chair. He positions my head in the correct spot, and then lowers the magnet to cover it. I must remain as still as possible during the treatment, as the machine has been calibrated to stimulate a precise area of my brain.

I remain this way for about forty minutes. The magnet makes the “tock tock” sounds around every thirty seconds (when the magnet is delivering the current), and is quiet in between.

While the magnet is doing it’s thing, my psychiatrist has me practice several breathing techniques. The focused breathing helps me to stay relaxed and to combat any anxious or obsessive thoughts.

I have had fifteen treatments, and so far I have seen some progress. My sleep is better, and my negative thoughts are more controlled. Regarding my depression, I have also seen some improvement – and it seems to get a little better each day.

Thank you for everyone’s prayers and support. I need them on this new journey! ❤

 

Photo by Lesly B. Juarez on Unsplash