Sam’s journey: finding hope through TMS

Sam had been living with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for years, trying various treatments without lasting success. His struggles began in childhood, when he experienced intense anxiety about school that often left him feeling physically unwell.

“The first time I can remember there being a problem was when I was in primary seven. I just never wanted to be in school… I would panic so much at the thought of going, I didn’t know why. It became a huge factor in my life.”

At 15, he was diagnosed with autism, and after being excluded from school, he was placed in a center for adults with learning disabilities. This experience distanced him from his peers and had a significant impact on his self-esteem and mental health. During this time, he was introduced to prescription medication to manage anxiety, marking the beginning of a long search for effective treatment.

Over the years, Sam tried numerous approaches, including CBT, anger management, psychotherapy, EMDR, psychiatric care, and multiple medications. He also explored alternative ways to cope, but nothing seemed to bring sustained improvement. Eventually, his mother, looking for non-invasive alternatives to ECT, came across Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and encouraged him to try it.

Exploring a new treatment option

Initially, Sam was hesitant about TMS and uncertain about what to expect. However, he agreed to undergo an intensive course of treatment at the Dublin clinic, traveling daily for sessions that used magnetic stimulation to target areas of the brain linked to mood regulation.

Over time, he began noticing subtle but meaningful changes. A moment that stood out to him was when he attended a music event and realized he was noticing details in the ceiling—something he had never done before.

“I had always been looking at the floor. I never had a feeling that I wanted to lift my face. It was like I was witnessing a new color, and from there, I just started grabbing on to these little emotions.”

This shift in awareness and engagement marked an important change in how he felt day to day.

Gaining a sense of control

As treatment progressed, Sam found himself feeling more in control of his emotions and decisions.

“I feel like I am back in the driver’s seat of my life. Everything I had been through made me feel like I had no control. It’s amazing. I feel like I’m in a completely different place, like I’m responsible for me and not fighting chance—it feels limitless.”

His experience with TMS provided him with a new perspective and a sense of agency that he hadn’t felt in a long time. While no single treatment is a cure-all, he found that TMS played an important role in his overall recovery process.

Moving forward

Since completing his sessions, Sam continues to focus on his well-being and future goals. His journey with mental health has had its challenges, but he remains committed to finding effective ways to manage his symptoms.

Sam’s experience reflects the importance of exploring different treatment options, especially when conventional approaches have not provided sufficient relief. His story highlights how TMS can be a valuable tool in a broader mental health care plan, helping individuals regain a sense of stability and engagement in daily life.