Magnetism for Mental Health: Demystifying TMS for Anxiety

Anxiety. It’s a word most of us are far too familiar with these days. Whether it’s the nervous jitters before a big presentation or the paralyzing fear that creeps in for no reason at all, anxiety can show up in many forms—and stick around longer than it should. For some people, anxiety becomes more than just an occasional visitor. It takes up residence, interfering with daily life, relationships, sleep, work, and overall health.

Thankfully, we live in a time where mental health is being taken more seriously, and treatments are expanding beyond the basics. In fact, May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Whereas anxiety was once overlooked, we now have an entire month dedicated to strong mental health and treatment options that can serve everyone. One newer approach getting lots of attention? Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. Sounds futuristic, right? Don’t worry—it’s not sci-fi. It’s science. And it could be a game-changer for those battling anxiety that won’t back down.

Let’s dive into what anxiety really is, how it’s usually treated, and how TMS is shaking up the mental health world—without the need for more pills.

What Exactly Is Anxiety?

At its core, anxiety is your brain’s natural response to stress or perceived danger. It’s that "fight or flight" instinct kicking in to keep you safe. And in moderation, it’s actually helpful. It helps you stay alert, prepare for challenges, and avoid risky situations.

But when anxiety becomes constant, intense, or shows up without a clear reason, it’s more than just a normal response—it’s a problem. We call this anxiety disorder. There are several types, including:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Chronic worry over everyday things.
Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense fear episodes (aka panic attacks).
Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
Phobias: Intense fear of specific things, like flying or spiders.

In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders with over 40 million American adults having a diagnosis of some kind. No matter the type, anxiety disorders can hijack your peace of mind and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Please do not feel like you are the only one!

Traditional Treatments for Anxiety

If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, chances are you’ve heard of—or tried—some of the go-to treatments:

1. Talk Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard. It helps people reframe anxious thoughts and gradually face fears. And it works—for many.

2. Medication

Antidepressants like SSRIs (think Zoloft, Lexapro, or Prozac) are often prescribed. They adjust the brain's serotonin levels, which can help regulate mood and anxiety.

3. Lifestyle Changes

Exercise, sleep, mindfulness, and cutting back on caffeine can make a big difference. These aren’t always enough, but they’re important.

But here’s the thing: not everyone gets relief from therapy or medication. Research suggests that up to fifty-percent of those diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder do not find relief with traditional treatment protocols. Some people try multiple drugs, wait through side effects, and still feel like they’re treading water. Others don’t like the idea of being on medication long-term. That’s where TMS enters the picture.

So… What Is TMS?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It’s a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation—mainly the prefrontal cortex. While TMS does reach below the surface, there is not needling, poking, or prodding involved.

No surgery. No sedation. Just you, a comfy chair, and a magnetic coil placed gently against your head.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

Sessions are short—usually 5 to 30 minutes at Goolsby and Associates.
You’re awake the whole time and can drive yourself home afterward.
It’s safe and FDA-cleared for depression, and there's growing evidence for anxiety treatment as well.
It’s drug-free, which means no daily pills or chemical side effects.

How TMS Helps with Anxiety

Now, you might be wondering: “If TMS is mostly known for depression, how does it help anxiety?”

Great question.

TMS targets the brain's neural circuits that are out of balance in mood and anxiety disorders. In people with anxiety, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that helps regulate emotion—often isn't working quite right. This area tends to be underactive, while the amygdala (the fear center of the brain) is overactive.

Think of it like a volume knob. The amygdala is cranked up too high, while the part of your brain that tells it to chill out is turned down too low. TMS helps bring things back into balance by stimulating the underactive areas, helping to regulate anxious thought patterns over time.

In fact, research shows that many people with anxiety—especially those who also struggle with depression—respond well to TMS. Some experience significant improvement, even when other treatments have failed.

Who Should Consider TMS for Anxiety?

TMS isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth exploring if:

Therapy and medications haven’t worked for you.
You’ve had intolerable side effects from anxiety medications.
You’re looking for a non-drug option that won’t interfere with the rest of your life.
You also have depression symptoms, which often go hand-in-hand with anxiety.

And here’s the best part—TMS is personalized. Treatment protocols can be adjusted based on your symptoms, brain activity, and how you're responding. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here at Goolsby and Associates, we schedule an initial consultation to review your needs and determine if TMS is the best fit for you. From there, we tailor your TMS experience to your unique needs and make adjustments as needed.

What Does a TMS Session Feel Like?

People often imagine it’ll feel like an MRI or even electroshock therapy. But TMS is nothing like that.

Most people describe it as a tapping or clicking sensation on the scalp. Some feel a little scalp discomfort at first, but it usually goes away after a few sessions. You can listen to music, scroll your phone, or just relax during treatment.

You’ll usually need a series of sessions—five days a week for 4 to 6 weeks—to get the full benefit. But many say the results are worth it. Your case may be different which is why we always meet with you before treatment begins to discern your unique needs.

Final Thoughts: TMS Is Changing the Game

Anxiety is more than just stress. It’s a real condition that can take over your life—but it’s also very treatable. And while therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can help, they don’t work for everyone.

TMS offers a new path—one that’s science-backed, gentle, and doesn’t rely on daily meds. If your anxiety has been resistant to other treatments, or you’re just curious about alternative options, it might be time to explore what magnetism can do for your mental health. Because sometimes, getting your brain back on track doesn’t take a pill. It just takes a spark.

Interested in TMS for anxiety? Reach out to Goolsby and Associates today for more information. A simple consultation could be the first step to feeling like yourself again. We want to see you well and thriving. We welcome all inquiries and cannot wait to discuss the life-changing impact TMS may be able to provide for you.