Meet Jenna: A Journey Through Mental Health Struggles

At just 12 years old, Jenna Haybe’s battle with mental health began. "I couldn’t focus, multitask, or even enjoy a simple movie," she shared, reflecting on her struggles with depression and anxiety throughout her teenage years.

Tired of Traditional Treatments

Jenna tried countless medications, but they often worked for only a few weeks before losing efficacy. Now at 26, she is taking a bold step: trying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). "I figured it’s worth a good shot," Jenna said with a hopeful smile.

What is TMS? The Brain’s New Workout!

TMS is an innovative therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in areas of the brain responsible for emotional processing. Jenna visits Serenity Mental Health Center five days a week to undergo this cutting-edge treatment.

Inside the TMS Session: A Unique Experience

During a recent session, TMS technician Sarah Awad prepared her colleague Jillian DiMarco for treatment. With a device resembling a salon hairdryer placed over her head, it became clear this was no ordinary session. This device sends targeted magnetic waves to specific brain regions.

A Gym Workout for the Brain

Tricia Pease, the center’s COO, likens TMS to a workout for the brain. "We engage neural pathways, prompting them to fire rapidly during quick 25-minute sessions," Pease explained. This targeted stimulation is a game-changer compared to traditional electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which affects the brain more broadly and can lead to memory issues.

Scientific Backing from Experts

Dr. Peter Rosenquist, a leading psychiatrist, has dedicated two decades to researching TMS. He notes that strategically stimulating regions of the brain can enhance emotional control, enabling better management of anxiety and depression.

Harnessing the Power of Gratitude

During therapy, patients are encouraged to focus on gratitude, which can release healing chemicals in the body and alleviate negative emotional responses. Jenna reports a significant shift: "I don't know how, but it’s helped me immensely. Now, I can get through my workday with more focus and less anxiety."

A Glimmer of Hope for Those Struggling

For people like Jenna, TMS offers a glimmer of hope in reclaiming mental wellness. As research continues to evolve, the prospects for effective, non-invasive treatments like TMS are brighter than ever.