Ruth and Darrin’s Story of Healing and Hope with TMS and Ketamine Therapy

For individuals living with treatment-resistant depression, life can feel like a cycle of silent suffering. Days can stretch into years, smiles feel forced, and hope becomes a distant memory. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we know how heartbreaking this struggle can be, not just for the person experiencing it, but for their family too. Ruth and her husband Darrin lived that reality for over two decades. But with the help of a compassionate psychiatrist and innovative treatments like TMS therapy and ketamine infusion therapy, Ruth finally found her way out of the darkness.

The Weight of Living with Depression

Ruth had been battling depression symptoms for most of her life. For years, she pushed forward despite feeling broken inside, hiding her pain behind her role as a mother and a woman of faith. But when suicidal thoughts took hold, Ruth's condition became life-threatening.

“I’ve been suicidal for many years,” Ruth shared. “I’ve attempted suicide multiple times and been hospitalized three times. It goes against everything I believe in. But the depression was stronger than what I believed.”

Her husband, Darrin, a clinical social worker and therapist, stood by her side through every hospitalization, every trial of a new antidepressant, and every emotional crash. He sadly had to watch helplessly as Ruth’s condition deepened into major depressive disorder (MDD), sometimes accompanied by psychosis. They had tried everything until they found Serenity.

When Nothing Else Worked, TMS and Ketamine Gave Them Hope

As a mental health professional, Darrin had long been aware of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). But finding a local psychiatrist and clinic that offered TMS therapy for depression had proven difficult for both of them. Then they found one of our clinics.

Ruth and Darrin sat down with Dr. Nyberg at Serenity and discussed a treatment plan that combined TMS therapy with ketamine infusions. “Dr. Nyberg explained that ketamine could act quickly to stop the suicidal thoughts, while TMS would help with long-term healing,” Darrin recalled. “It was the first time in a long time we felt there was an option that hadn’t already failed us.”

What is TMS? Understanding the Science

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a medication-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Specifically, it targets the prefrontal cortex, where low activity is often linked to major depression. When antidepressants fail or cause too many side effects, local TMS doctors like those at Serenity offer a safe and alternative path. For Ruth, this therapy was life-altering.

“I’ve had twenty TMS treatments now,” Ruth said. “There’s been improvement every day. The negative self-talk is gone. My reasoning is clear. There are no more signs of depression. It’s like I’m getting my life back.”

The Immediate Impact of Ketamine for Severe Depression

While TMS treatment gradually rewires brain activity, as Ruth mentioned, ketamine acts rapidly. It stimulates glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, learning, and memory. For patients in crisis, ketamine can provide immediate relief by disrupting harmful neural patterns.

Ruth was in crisis when she received her first ketamine infusion. “I was crying nonstop. I couldn’t control myself. I was suicidal again,” she said. “And after that first treatment, I had presence of mind again. The suicidal thoughts were gone. The psychosis was gone. I was clear. It was amazing.”

Although not every patient responds this quickly, Ruth’s results show how powerful this combination can be, especially when guided by a TMS specialist who understands both the science and the person behind the symptoms.

The Neuroscience of Recovery: Why These Treatments Work

TMS enhances communication between neurons by stimulating underactive regions of the brain, particularly those involved in decision-making and emotional control. It promotes neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to provide healthier responses to stress, sadness, and trauma.

Ketamine, on the other hand, boosts synaptic growth within hours of administration, helping to repair damage caused by years of severe depression. For someone like Ruth, who had cycled through countless antidepressant medications without relief, this was a game-changer. The combination of both therapies allowed Ruth to stabilize quickly and build a resilience that would last.

Signs of Depression You Shouldn’t Ignore

Ruth’s story is a reminder that depression can run deep, even when it’s hidden. Signs of depression can include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Psychosis in severe cases

If you or someone you love shows these signs, it may be time to contact a local psychiatrist or TMS clinic for help.

Healing as a Family

For Darrin and their children, Ruth’s recovery meant more than words could say. “It’s brought hope back into our family,” Darrin said. “Our children suffered through this with her. Watching her transform has been a miracle.”

Ruth reflected on the emotional toll her depression had on those closest to her. “If I had had this treatment when my kids were little, what a blessing that would’ve been. They suffered along with me,” she said through tears. “Now I want other people to know about it. They don’t have to go through this alone.”

Spreading the Word: Sharing Hope with Others

Today, Ruth is a beacon of light for others struggling in silence. She’s already helped a friend begin TMS therapy, and she’s determined to help more. “I tell people, you shouldn’t have to hurt this bad. Life is meant to be happy, and this can help. It really can.”

She went on to share how she feels today: “I can laugh again. I can smile. I’m myself again. After so many years of trying everything, I’ve finally found something that worked.”

A Message from Serenity Mental Health Centers

At Serenity, our team of experienced psychiatrists and TMS specialists is here to help you find a path forward, even when it feels like you’ve exhausted every option. Whether you’re exploring what TMS is for the first time or looking for local TMS doctors who understand your story, we’re ready to walk this road with you.

You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again

If you’ve been suffering from depression symptoms for years, if medications haven’t worked, or if you feel like there’s no one left to turn to, please know you are not alone.

Like Ruth, you can get better. You can live a life filled with joy, peace, and hope. Book your consultation with a psychiatrist today and find out why our patients rave about TMS therapy. We can’t wait to meet you, and we’re eager to watch you blossom!