Rebekah’s Story: From Rock Bottom to Resilience with TMS Therapy

Rebekah spent most of her life trying to push through overwhelming depression, anxiety, and PTSD. On the outside, she kept up appearances and did what she had to do. Whether it was getting out of bed in the morning or simply trying to function; she forced herself to push forward. But on the inside, she was unraveling. After decades on psychiatric medication, a devastating loss, and a dangerous spiral into suicidal thoughts, Rebekah reached her breaking point.

What she found at Serenity Mental Health Centers didn’t just help her survive; it gave her the tools to finally thrive.

A Lifelong Struggle with Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD

Rebekah’s mental health challenges began early. She was just eight years old when she started taking medication for depression and anxiety. These treatments would continue for years, but never quite bring lasting relief.

“I was a good ‘fake it till you make it’ kind of person,” she shared. “I would get out of bed because that’s what I had to do.” But even when life looked stable on the surface, Rebekah was barely holding on. Each day felt like something to endure, not something to live.

Then, a year before starting treatment at Serenity, Rebekah lost her mom. For anyone, something that devastating is a life-altering moment that adds weight to the mind. For Rebekah, it crushed her to the point where her feelings of hopelessness increased tenfold. Her depression deepened, and the final spark she had left dimmed. Despite having a newborn daughter at home, Rebekah reached a place where she truly didn’t see a way forward.

“I wasn’t thinking about anybody else. Not even myself. I just knew that I didn’t want to be here anymore.”

It was during one of these dark moments that something shifted. A sudden moment of clarity, as she describes it. A realization that she needed help… not tomorrow, but now.

Finding Serenity and the TMS Specialists Who Changed Her Life

That realization led her to Serenity Mental Health Centers, where she was introduced to TMS therapy. TMS is an innovative, FDA-approved treatment designed for individuals who have struggled to find relief with traditional medications. With the guidance of an experienced psychiatrist and the support of a compassionate TMS specialist, Rebekah finally felt seen, heard, and supported.

“I didn’t know what to expect at all,” she said, reflecting on her first day at her local TMS treatment center. “But my technician was just amazing. She walked me through everything, and let me know I could speak up anytime I felt uncomfortable. She held my hand—without actually holding my hand—through the whole process.”

This kind of support is what sets Serenity apart. Every TMS therapy session is built around the patient’s comfort, trust, and healing. Whether it’s the first day or the 30th session, our team meets each person where they are.

What Is TMS Therapy, and Why Did It Work?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), is a medication-free therapy that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain linked to mood regulation. It is particularly useful for people experiencing treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

While medications affect the entire body and can cause a range of side effects, TMS only targets specific brain regions, helping to retrain neural pathways without sedation or systemic effects. For patients like Rebekah, who have spent years cycling through medications, this personalized neurological approach can be a game-changer. After a few weeks of treatment, Rebekah began to notice something different.

“Right around the three-and-a-half to four-week mark, I started to feel more clarity. I felt a little bit of relief. When I woke up, I actually thought, ‘Today’s going to be a good day.’”

For Rebekah, this wasn’t just a fleeting thought; it was a shift in her entire mindset. The dread that once consumed her mornings was replaced with hope.

From Surviving to Living Again

The impact of TMS therapy didn’t stop at improving Rebekah’s depression symptoms. It changed how she viewed herself, how she engaged with her family, and how she approached her future.

“The biggest change I’ve seen is my outlook on myself,” she shared. “Before TMS, my thoughts were ‘You’re nothing. You’re not worth it. You’re not going to make it.’ I’d actually think, ‘You’ll be lucky to make it until your daughter turns five.’”

Now, things look very different. Rebekah feels more energized, more focused, and more grounded. She’s learning how to communicate better with her wife, and she’s more patient with her daughter.

“I just take it in stride now, and I actually want to connect. I want to be present in those relationships.”

When asked to sum up what TMS therapy has meant to her, Rebekah didn’t hesitate: “This treatment saved my life.”

A Message to Others Who Are Struggling

For anyone out there living with PTSD, anxiety, or depression symptoms (especially those who have tried everything else) Rebekah wants you to know you’re not alone and, more importantly, that real healing is possible.

“This was worth it,” she says. “You have to believe you’re worth it. And if you’re unsure, ask yourself: what else do you have to lose?”

That question might feel heavy in the moment, but it’s one that opens the door to hope, just like it did for Rebekah.

Why Serenity Mental Health Centers?

At Serenity, we believe no one should face mental illness alone. Our team of experienced psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and TMS specialists create personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each patient. Whether it’s through TMS therapy, ketamine treatment, or medication management, we will help you take back your life with compassion, understanding, and cutting-edge care.

Every day, patients like Rebekah come through our doors exhausted from the fight. But over time (with the right support) they rediscover joy, strength, and self-worth. That’s the power of a treatment plan designed around you.

You Deserve to Feel Better

If you’re dealing with persistent depression symptoms, unresolved PTSD, or overwhelming anxiety, it’s okay to ask for help. Serenity’s local TMS treatment options have helped thousands of patients across the country, and we’d be honored to walk this journey with you.

Like Rebekah, you deserve more than just getting by. You deserve to feel better, to feel whole, and to believe that your life is worth living again.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation with a Serenity psychiatrist or TMS specialist. Your path to healing might start with one call, but it can lead to a completely new chapter.