April’s Story: Facing Fear, Finding Freedom Through TMS and Ketamine Therapy

For much of her life, April felt like she was just surviving and going through the motions, but never truly living. She was diagnosed with depression at 16, but was aware of her emotional struggles even earlier. April spent over two decades cycling through dozens of medications, trying to find something that worked. But even with treatment, she felt stuck. The world outside her home seemed too overwhelming to face. Her agoraphobia and anxiety kept her isolated and, for her, happiness felt like something meant for other people.

But today, April is living differently. She’s smiling again, running errands, enjoying time with her family, and experiencing moments of joy she never thought she’d feel again. What changed her life? A combination of TMS therapy and ketamine treatment at Serenity Mental Health Centers. The unwavering support of a compassionate care team reminded her that she was worth fighting for.

More Than Just Depression

April first noticed she was different from the other kids when she was just eight years old. While her friends played and laughed with ease, she struggled with an underlying sadness she didn’t yet have words for. By the time she was 16, she was receiving psychiatric care for depression. What followed were years of trial and error: new providers, new medications, and new combinations. But nothing brought lasting relief.

“I felt like I was just making it through,” she shared. “I wasn’t really happy. I just felt kind of numb.”

This emotional numbness became her norm. Her anxiety disorder and agoraphobia made everything harder. Leaving the house more than once a week felt impossible, and even thinking about consistent treatment filled her with dread. Life shrank down to the smallest, safest routines.

But inside, April wanted more. She wanted to be present for her family, and she wanted to feel something again.

The Turning Point

April’s breakthrough didn’t come overnight. She had heard about TMS therapy (a medication-free treatment for depression and anxiety) but the idea of committing to regular appointments terrified her. Her agoraphobia made it hard enough to leave the house once a week, let alone several times. But one day, something shifted.

“I realized that not only do I need to do this for myself, but my family needs me too.”

The thought that her loved ones needed her as much as she needed healing was the push she needed. That’s when she made the call to Serenity Mental Health Centers and scheduled her first appointment.

What she found at Serenity was different than anything she had experienced since she began treatment at age 16. For the first time in decades, she felt completely supported by people who believed in her even before she could believe in herself.

“Every single person here made me feel like I was worth it. Like they’d do anything to help me.”

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a breakthrough in mental health treatment for individuals like April with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and even agoraphobia. It uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the brain responsible for mood regulation.

Unlike medications that affect the whole body, TMS therapy targets only the brain and is administered in short, comfortable sessions. At Serenity, each session is overseen by a TMS specialist and tailored to meet the patient’s needs and comfort level.

For someone like April, who had tried nearly everything else, TMS treatment became a turning point.

Adding Ketamine Therapy: A Layer of Peace

In addition to TMS, April also began ketamine infusion therapy, another powerful treatment for depression and anxiety. While some people feel nervous before trying ketamine, April described her sessions as calming and peaceful.

“It wasn’t scary at all. I listened to music and relaxed.”

After her second infusion, she experienced something she hadn’t felt in a very long time: happiness.

“I remember crying and asking the nurse, ‘Is this what happy feels like?’”

That moment, simple but profound, marked the beginning of her transformation. She wasn’t just surviving anymore; She was finally starting to feel alive.

A Return to Life

The combination of TMS therapy and ketamine treatment changed more than April’s symptoms… It changed her entire relationship with the world around her.

“I like the fact that I take a shower every day now. I like that I can run errands. I like that I can spend quality time with my husband and step-kids.”

These everyday moments that once felt so out of reach are now meaningful parts of her life. Her family sees the difference too. They talk with her more, come to her for support, and notice the change in her energy and presence.

A Message for Others Living with Fear

April understands what it’s like to be scared of getting help. She knows how daunting it can be to leave the house, to trust a new provider, to risk trying again after so many treatments have failed. But she also knows what’s waiting on the other side of that fear.

“No matter how scared you are—try it. Believe in yourself. Believe that you deserve it.”

For people living with agoraphobia, anxiety, or depression, those words carry extra weight. Healing isn’t always easy, but it is possible. It all starts with taking that first step, even if it’s the hardest one.

April encourages others to remember that their lives are valuable. Not just for themselves, but for the people who love them.

“Believe that your family and your loved ones deserve to have you. Even though it’s scary, it can change your life for the better.”

Why Serenity Mental Health Centers?

At Serenity, we specialize in helping patients who feel like they’ve tried everything. Our psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and TMS specialists are trained in advanced, evidence-based treatments like TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and medication management. But more than that, we provide care rooted in compassion, connection, and hope.

We understand that every patient’s journey is different. Whether you’re living with depression symptoms, agoraphobia, or anxiety, we tailor each treatment plan to fit your life and your needs.

Let April’s Story Be Your Inspiration

If you’ve felt stuck for years, if medications haven’t worked, or if fear has kept you from getting the help you deserve, know this: healing is possible. April is living proof.

She found the strength to take that first step, and you can too. Today, April is living a life full of smiles, movement, connection, and peace. We’re here to help you find that, too!

Schedule a consultation with one of our TMS specialists today, and let us help you reclaim the life you deserve, one step at a time.