Is TMS Right for Your Depression? Understanding Your Options

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, you know how much it can impact daily life. Depression isn’t just “feeling sad” — it can affect your energy, sleep, appetite, concentration, and relationships. The good news is there are many treatment options available today, and one newer option is gaining a lot of attention for its success: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS.

Here at Goolsby and Associates, we know how life altering depression can be. We also know that many treatment options do not provide lasting results. Today we want to discuss TMS treatment and help you decide if this treatment protocol is right for you. Today will walk you through traditional depression treatments, lifestyle changes that can help, and why TMS might be the missing piece for people who haven’t found relief yet. We'll keep it simple, easy to understand, and focused on helping you feel hopeful about your mental health.

Understanding Depression and Its Treatments

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and act. It’s more than just a low mood — it’s a real medical condition that often needs treatment.

Standard Depression Treatments

Most people start with talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy), medication, or a combination of both. These are considered first-line treatments.

Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used types. It helps people identify and change negative thought patterns. Therapy can be very effective, especially when paired with other approaches.
Medication: Antidepressants like SSRIs or SNRIs are often prescribed. These medications help balance brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. For many people, they make a big difference — but not for everyone.

Unfortunately, about one-third of people with depression don’t respond well to medication or therapy alone. When this happens, it’s called treatment-resistant depression.

That’s where alternative options like TMS come in.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Support Recovery

Even when you’re doing therapy or taking medication, lifestyle factors can make a big difference. While these changes aren’t a cure on their own, they’re powerful tools that can help support your mental wellness.

Here are some proven lifestyle strategies:

Regular Exercise: Even walking 30 minutes a day can boost your mood by increasing endorphins and improving sleep.
Healthy Eating: A balanced diet full of whole foods can support brain health. Omega-3s, leafy greens, and lean proteins are all helpful.
Good Sleep Hygiene: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, limiting screens before bed, and creating a restful sleep environment can ease symptoms.
Stress Management: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, journaling, or yoga can help manage the stress that often fuels depression.
Social Connection: Isolation can worsen depression. Staying connected — even with just one trusted person — can help.
Limiting Alcohol and Substances: These can make depression worse over time and interfere with medications.

For many people, lifestyle changes along with therapy or medication are enough. But for others, depression hangs on — no matter how hard they try. That’s where it may be time to consider TMS therapy.

What Is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, non-medication-based treatment for depression.

Here’s how it works:

A small magnetic coil is placed on your scalp, usually near your forehead.
The coil delivers targeted magnetic pulses to areas of the brain involved in mood regulation — especially the prefrontal cortex.
These pulses help retrain brain activity, which can improve symptoms of depression.

TMS doesn’t involve surgery, anesthesia, or recovery time. You’re awake the whole time, and most people are able to drive themselves home and resume normal activities right after each session.

Why TMS Can Be a Game-Changer

If you’ve tried traditional treatments and still struggle with depression, TMS might be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

Here’s why so many people find success with it:

1. It’s Safe and Well-Tolerated

TMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. It has very few side effects, especially compared to medications. The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or a headache after the session — and even that usually goes away after a few treatments.

2. It Doesn’t Involve Medication

TMS is a great option for people who don’t want to take medication or can’t tolerate the side effects. It works without changing your chemistry or adding anything to your body.

3. It’s Effective — Especially for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Clinical studies show that 50-60% of people with treatment-resistant depression experience significant relief with TMS. Many go into full remission, meaning their symptoms disappear completely.

4. It Fits Into Daily Life

TMS sessions with Goolsby and Associates are typically done 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks. Each session takes between 5 to 30 depending on the individual and there’s no downtime afterward. You can go right back to work, school, or your regular routine.

Here at Goolsby and Associates we also offer accelerated TMS. This TMS treatment protocol involves multiple sessions a day for a shorter duration. We can discuss this potentiality with you.

When Should You Consider TMS?

TMS is not a first-step treatment. But it may be right for you if:

You’ve tried at least one antidepressant without success.
You’ve experienced negative side effects from medication.
You’re currently in therapy but not feeling any better.
You want a treatment that doesn’t involve medication.
You have depression that keeps coming back, even with treatment.

Your mental health provider can help you decide if TMS is a good fit, and whether you meet the requirements for treatment.

What Happens During a TMS Session?

If you’re nervous about what a TMS session is like, here’s a quick breakdown:

You’ll sit in a comfortable chair in a quiet treatment room.
The technician places the magnetic coil against your head.
You’ll hear clicking sounds and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp.
That’s it! The treatment lasts about 20 minutes.

Most people need a full course of treatment (usually about 30 sessions), but some start to feel better within the first few weeks. Maintenance sessions may be recommended later on, depending on your needs.

Final Thoughts: You Have Options

Depression can feel overwhelming and isolating, but it’s important to remember that you are not out of options. If therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes haven’t worked for you, TMS could be a powerful next step in your healing journey.

It’s a safe, proven, and effective treatment that’s helping thousands of people reclaim their lives from depression, and it might be just what you need. Don’t give up hope. There is help, and healing is possible.

If you’d like to learn more about TMS therapy and whether it’s right for your depression, contact Goolsby and Associates today. We can discuss the process with you and set up an initial consolation to determine if TMS is the best course of treatment for your depression. You don’t have to keep living in the dark — there is light ahead.