Sassy's journey: finding freedom from depression with TMS

For Sassy, depression was more than just persistent sadness. It took the form of extreme emotional swings, including fits of rage and overwhelming despair. At her lowest, she felt as though her life was over and that nothing would change if she continued relying on medication alone.

“I knew that this wasn’t going to change with the medication I was on, and that’s why I looked into having [TMS] treatment,” she recalls.

As a freelance disability worker and journalist, she wanted to reclaim her independence and energy. After years of trying antidepressants and therapy, she needed a different approach. That’s when she found Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

The "rollercoaster" of TMS treatment

Sassy describes her experience with TMS as an adventure, likening it to a rollercoaster ride. When she began treatment, she was at her lowest point, unable to see a way forward. But with each session, she felt herself climbing higher, gaining a new perspective on life.

“I was at my lowest point, and I thought that there was no point in going on. And the fact that every day, I was literally going higher and higher and higher—to the point where I could see the rest of the theme park. Instead of being terrified by the drop, I was excited for the plunge because I knew within seconds I’d be coming back up again.”

She also describes the unique physical sensation of the treatment.

“It feels kind of like a woodpecker—like pecking at your head, a tap tap tap tap constantly.”

Despite any initial uncertainty, she felt welcomed and supported by every member of the team, which made the process easier.

Life after TMS: a newfound independence

Three months after finishing treatment, Sassy’s life has transformed in ways she never expected.

“I’m independent, I’m full of life, I’ve got energy again. I’ve never felt happier than I’ve ever felt in my life before.”

She acknowledges that while antidepressants played a role in managing her symptoms, they were not a long-term solution. Over time, their side effects—including fatigue, weight gain, and emotional numbness—left her feeling disconnected from herself.

“Even though antidepressants were helping in some respect, they weren’t the be-all and end-all, and I couldn’t continue to up my dose for the rest of my life. I needed to take a stand and try something else.”

Breaking the cycle and moving forward

Sassy’s depression initially stemmed from losing her sight, leading to what was diagnosed as situational depression alongside clinical depression. Like many teenagers, she had emotional ups and downs, but sight loss amplified her struggles. Over time, her depression became more severe, leading to self-destructive thoughts and aggressive outbursts.

“Basically, for me, I just thought I was a moody, angry teenager for quite a lot of it. I was one of those people that thought, ‘I’m straight-talking, and if you don’t like it, that’s your problem, not mine.’ But as I got older, not only did this exacerbate, but my depression manifested itself into fits of rage and really, really low points where I genuinely thought my life was over.”

Now, after TMS, she no longer feels trapped in that cycle. Instead, she embraces life with energy, confidence, and hope.

“The entire experience is literally one of adventure. If you see it as an adventure and not a fix-all—because everyone takes their own time and their own journey to get where they need to be—then when you look back in a week, three weeks, three months, you actually realize: Wow, my life has changed.”

Sassy’s story highlights the power of seeking alternatives, taking control of mental health, and finding a new way forward when all else seems lost.