TMS treatment helps patient find relief from severe depression

During Mental Health Awareness Month, one patient shares how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) helped restore hope after years of treatment-resistant depression

For years, Chris Lawrence felt like life was something to endure – not enjoy.

“I was simply surviving,” said Chris, a 24-year-old tech repair specialist who now works in the same industry doing sales operations support.

Depression had been part of their life since childhood, with symptoms beginning in elementary school and worsening through adolescence. “I had this sinking feeling that something was wrong,” they recalled. “I didn’t feel happy, and it showed up in how I interacted with my peers.”

By Chris’ teenage years, everyday life had become overwhelming. Basic tasks such as doing laundry, washing dishes or spending time with friends felt out of reach.

Chris tried numerous treatments over the years, including more than a dozen antidepressant medications and outpatient therapy, but nothing provided lasting relief. At times, the depression was so severe it became life-threatening and twice led to hospitalization.

“I had an awareness that if I didn’t get help, I would end my life,” they said.

Finding a new treatment path

Thanks to Chris' mom, they learned about transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive treatment option for people whose depression has not improved with traditional therapies. After being referred to the neuromodulation services team at Allina Health Mental Health and Addiction Services, at age 22 Chris began treatment at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

“At first, it [the treatment] took me by surprise,” Chris said. “I hadn’t experienced happiness for 10 years. So, to finally feel things like happiness, bliss and love – it was remarkable.”

TMS is an outpatient treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Patients typically come in for treatment five days a week for eight to nine weeks and can perform normal activities before and after each 20-40-minute session.

The schedule can be demanding, Chris noted. “The biggest hurdle was just showing up.”

But over time, they began to notice a positive shift.

“Before, it was like walking through life with blinders on,” Chris said. “Now I have reduced my medication dosage without worrying that something bad would happen. When I encounter a negative event, I can deploy the skills I’ve learned to cope and function. I have perspective.”

A life-changing impact

Today, at age 24, the difference is clear.

“I don’t mean to be dramatic, but everything is dramatically different,” Chris said. “I can do dishes or fold laundry. I can enjoy drawing, painting or playing piano. I can spend time with people I love – and my cats! I don’t have barriers to doing things like there used to be.”

Chris describes the treatment as life-changing, not only for themself but for those around them.

“My family is thrilled that I can go out and live life,” they said. “A close friend told me, ‘Before, your light had gone away. Now I can see it again.’”

While Chris continues to take medication and has completed two rounds of TMS treatments, they said the difference since undergoing TMS is “like night and day.”

“TMS has allowed me to live the life I had hoped for,” they said.

How TMS works and typical results

Bennett J. Poss, MD, a psychiatrist and department chair for neuromodulation at Allina Health, said TMS is an established treatment for patients with major depressive disorder who have not responded to other therapies. It has been used for decades in clinical research and was FDA-cleared in 2008. 

Allina Health began offering TMS in 2015 and since then has completed thousands of treatments for patients with treatment-resistant depression.

“We often describe TMS as exercise for the brain,” Dr. Poss said. “Each session stimulates an underactive area, helping strengthen its function over time.”

“Clinical outcomes can be significant. About 60% of patients see meaningful improvement in their symptoms, and approximately 30% experience full remission,” explained Dr. Poss. “TMS is safe, effective and well-tolerated. For some patients, it can work in a way that no other treatment can.”

Expanding access to care

As demand for advanced mental health care grows, Allina Health is expanding access to TMS services.

In addition to offering TMS at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus, TMS is now available at United Hospital in St. Paul.

The expansion allows more patients to access care closer to home, particularly those who have not found relief through medication alone.

Patients can be referred by a provider or self-refer to the program.

A message of hope

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Chris hopes their story encourages others to explore if TMS is an option and seek help rather than endure life clouded from depression.

“It [severe depression] is not the end of the road,” they said. “TMS is one of the most worthwhile treatments I’ve experienced. If my story can help anyone, that’s all I care about.” 

Visit Allina Health Mental Health and Addiction Services to learn more about TMS and other treatment options.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, or needs mental health support, call 911 for immediate help or text MN to 741741 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available to help at 1-800-273-8255.