Jenny’s Story — Overcoming Depression During Pregnancy with TMS Therapy

My name is Jenny.

I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for over a decade. Though I was able to get up and go to work most days, I was exhausted and couldn’t stop crying when I was alone. I constantly wondered, “Why am I like this? Why can’t I have the energy to get up and do things?” I was uninterested in hanging out with my friends or going on dates with my husband. I would come home at the end of the day crying and begging my husband not to leave me, only to turn around and insist that he could if he wanted to. Despite these challenges, we still dreamed of starting a family together. I wanted to be a mom. When my husband and I began to consider pregnancy, I knew that things had to change. I had to change. This is what led me to Serenity.

When I first met with Dr. Dekeyser at Serenity, she asked me why I was there. I told her that I was planning on getting pregnant within the year and I wanted to be on medication that was safe for pregnancy. She asked me if I had ever tried TMS. It was the first time I had ever heard of the treatment, so she explained the process and its effect on symptoms of depression and anxiety. I remember thinking that it was impossible because it seemed so easy. I said to myself, “How has it been twelve years and I’ve never heard of this treatment?” I knew I had to give it a chance, for myself and my family.

After I began my treatment, Dr. Dekeyser told me that the changes would be so gradual I might not notice them at first. My friends and family would probably see the results before I did. She was right. After two or three weeks, my mom told me that she really believed the treatment was helping me. At first, I thought it was just the hope for change, but TMS continued to improve my symptoms with each session.

Soon after, I found out that I was pregnant. My pregnancy made me sick and was difficult due to the pandemic, but I realized I was doing okay. I could handle it. Even with all the stressors and uncertainties in my life I still felt so much better than I did before TMS. It was such a relief to see that the treatment was working for me.

If I were to compare myself today to the version of myself before TMS, there are so many positive changes. I used to be so tired for no reason. I’m still tired, but now it’s thanks to my cute little baby at home that I’m able to take care of. I don’t know if I would have had the energy to adequately care for her if I hadn’t done TMS. I am so much happier in motherhood than I thought I could be.

Having experienced TMS for myself and seeing the difference it made in my life, I want to share my experience with other people. It might sound unbelievable to say, “TMS will change your life”, but it truly did change mine. I’m so grateful that I tried it. I would recommend TMS to anyone who may be considering it!

Link to video: Jenny’s Story: Overcoming Depression During Pregnancy with TMS Therapy – YouTube