For over 30 years, during the time Patricia* worked to obtain her education and throughout her career, she battled with depression.  Even though she had the resources to research treatments for her condition and receive the medical care she needed, Patricia remained unsuccessful in discovering a method to end the negative, suicidal thoughts that stemmed from her condition.  In 2024, Patricia felt she had reached a severely dark place, and began intensive treatment, including partial hospitalization.  

The hospital stay, therapy, and medication offered little relief for Patricia.  She could not find comfort or stop the suicidal thoughts.  Her care team found that Patricia was resistant to common treatments and began discussing alternative methods of therapy including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).  TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses a magnetic coil to influence the brain’s natural electrical activity.
 
“I began looking for locations that provided TMS, and I was thrilled to find that Licking Memorial Outpatient Psychiatric Services located at Shepherd Hill offered the therapy,” Patricia said.  “I live in Newark, so visiting Shepherd Hill saved me over 70 hours of driving time to receive the treatment.”
 
TMS services are available at Shepherd Hill for depression.  The system was recently updated and Patricia became the first patient to use the updated equipment  to alleviate her symptoms.  The staff in the office considered Patricia’s work schedule and made accommodations to ensure she received the needed treatments when convenient for Patricia.  After six-weeks of receiving treatments, Patricia was pleased with the results.

“The process has drastically changed my life.  I have been living with depression and suffered through many episodes of suicidal ideation,” Patricia shared.  “TMS to me is a medical miracle.  I feel like my baseline of emotions has been reset, and I have not had suicidal thoughts for the first time in a very long time.  I am less distressed, more capable of dealing with frustrations and bumps in the road, slower to anger, and more patient with those around me.  If this had not happened to me, I would not have believed that it could change my life.”  

“I worked really hard to find a solution for my depression, and the research paid off.  The risk and discomfort are very low.  It felt as though someone were tapping on my head.  There was no pain, and I suffered no side effects other than a light headache after the first treatment.  Since TMS is a minimally invasive treatment, I would tell anyone considering this type of therapy that there is no reason not to take advantage of the service at Shepherd Hill,” Patricia shared.

At this time, Patricia continues to work with a therapist to address mental health issues and use of her medications.  She understands there are still processes in which she needs to follow in order to better manage the disorder, and that she may need maintenance TMS treatments in the future.  For now, she is feeling successful and grateful for the relief TMS has offered.

“Two years ago, I was spending 80 percent of my energy on just keeping alive and moving.  Now, I am thriving.  I have more capacity to perform daily life skills and my job.  The staff at Outpatient Psychiatric Services was wonderful, helpful, and encouraging.  The benefits of treatment are incredible.”

Most insurance carriers provide coverage for the TMS treatments.  The staff at Outpatient Psychiatric Services try to be as flexible as possible to schedule appointments.  Talk to a care provider about the process and to receive a referral.  

*Patricia is not the patient’s real name.