Tag: tms

What Is the Difference Between TMS and rTMS?

Posted on by Jordan Zommick

If you’ve ever wondered about TMS therapy and keep seeing terms like TMS vs rTMS, you’re in for clarity through this friendly, thoughtful breakdown. Let’s explore the key differences, why they matter, and how each approach can benefit you.

Understanding the Basics

TMS therapy – The broad concept

TMS therapy stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. In simple terms, it’s a noninvasive treatment where magnetic pulses are delivered to specific brain areas to influence neural activity. It’s often used for mood-related conditions when standard approaches don’t work.

rTMS – A focused, repetitive delivery

When you add the “r” to TMS, it stands for repetitive TMS. That’s right, this method involves delivering repeated magnetic pulses in a session, aiming to build more lasting effects in brain circuits.

So in the TMS vs rTMS comparison, TMS therapy is the general technique, while rTMS is its most common form using repeated pulses.

TMS vs rTMS: How Are They Different?

Let’s break down the differences elegantly:

a) What’s actually happening

b) Coil design and depth of stimulation

  • rTMS usually uses a figure-8 coil, which targets brain areas close to the surface, about 0.7 to 1 cm deep.
  • In contrast, deep TMS (dTMS), a version of TMS therapy, uses an H-coil or similar designs to reach deeper and wider brain regions up to 3–4 cm, though still often counted as within the broader TMS scope.

c) Session duration and treatment schedules

  • TMS therapy (especially deep TMS versions) typically features shorter sessions around 20 minutes.
  • rTMS sessions last longer, often 30 to 40 minutes or more, depending on the protocol.

When to Use Each One

TMS therapy for broad impact

With its variety of coil types, TMS therapy can be tailored to specific depths or brain zones. Deep versions have approval for conditions like OCD and smoking cessation, along with depression.

rTMS for targeted, repeated practice

Since rTMS delivers focused, repetitive pulses, it’s especially effective in rewiring or rebalancing brain activity in mood-related areas. It’s widely accepted and commonly used for major depression, especially when other treatments haven’t worked.

Similarities Worth Highlighting

Even with the TMS vs rTMS contrast, they share core traits:

  • Noninvasive: Both avoid surgery or anesthesia, meaning you can resume normal activity right afterward.
  • Well tolerated: Side effects like mild headaches or scalp discomfort are common, but usually temporary.
  • Structured schedules: Both usually involve daily sessions over several weeks, often 4 to 6.
  • Coverage and access: Many insurance plans now cover treatments under the umbrella of TMS therapy, including rTMS.

The Takeaway: TMS vs rTMS in Real Life

When you’re comparing TMS therapy to rTMS:

  • Use TMS therapy when you want flexibility in targeting deeper or broader brain areas. It’s the umbrella term and includes specialized forms like deep TMS.
  • Look at rTMS if you’re after a well-studied, repetitive pulse protocol, especially for depression treatment.

Why this matters to you

Understanding TMS vs rTMS helps you talk confidently with your provider and compare available options. Knowing how long sessions take, how deep they penetrate, and which conditions each suits empowers better decisions.

Quick Summary – Your Handy Reference

  • TMS therapy is the general term that refers to all types of transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques.
  • rTMS means repetitive TMS, where pulses are delivered repeatedly in each session to build a lasting effect.
  • Deep TMS (a subtype) makes use of an H-coil that allows stimulation to reach deeper and wider brain regions compared to standard coils.
  • Session time varies between the two. rTMS sessions usually take longer, while deep TMS sessions are typically shorter.
  • Common uses overlap, as both approaches are widely used for depression. Deep TMS also has approval for conditions such as OCD and smoking cessation.

Final Thoughts

The next time you hear TMS therapy or wrestle with TMS vs rTMS, you’ll know:

  • TMS therapy is a broad category of magnetic brain treatment.
  • rTMS is the most common, repetitive variant focused on mood circuits.
  • Coil design, depth, and session patterns matter for your comfort, effectiveness, and convenience.

By knowing these distinctions, you’re better equipped to ask the right questions, understand treatment options, and feel confident moving forward. Here’s to smart, human-centered learning and making empowered choices in your wellness journey, and now you have the clear, fresh insight into TMS vs rTMS.

Depression and Decision Fatigue: Why Even Small Choices Feel Impossible

Posted on by Jordan Zommick

Ever found yourself staring at a menu and feeling like you might cry? Or putting off something as simple as choosing what shirt to wear? If you live with depression, this might be a daily struggle.

Decision fatigue is not just being “bad at decisions.” It is the mental exhaustion that sets in when even simple choices feel like monumental tasks. For people with depression, this challenge is magnified, leaving them frozen, frustrated, or overwhelmed.

The Science Behind It

Your brain is wired to make thousands of decisions every day, big and small. Normally, it uses efficient shortcuts to simplify choices. But when you are battling depression, those shortcuts break down.

Depression disrupts the brain’s reward system. The motivation center goes quiet, making every choice seem equally dull or pointless. Add to that a tendency toward rumination, where thoughts loop endlessly, and you get paralysis instead of progress.

Another factor is reduced cognitive energy. Depression drains mental resources, so your brain tires faster. Imagine trying to run a marathon without food or sleep. That is how your brain feels when forced to decide something in the middle of a depressive episode.

Why It Feels So Heavy

It is not just the act of choosing. It is the weight of the consequences that depression convinces you are monumental.

People with depression often fear making the “wrong” choice and catastrophize possible outcomes. Even deciding what to eat might spiral into worries about health, money, or self-worth.

Choices that once felt automatic now require exhaustive analysis. This cycle deepens the fatigue and fuels avoidance, which then worsens depression.

Breaking the Cycle

The good news is you do not have to stay stuck in decision fatigue. Small, compassionate shifts in your daily approach can help.

Limit Your Options

Too many choices can be overwhelming. Simplify your life by reducing decisions where you can.

  • Meal plan in advance.
  • Lay out clothes the night before.
  • Rotate simple, predictable meals or routines.

Fewer choices mean less energy spent deciding.

Use “Good Enough” Thinking

Perfectionism often drives decision paralysis. Practice choosing what is “good enough” instead of perfect.

Remind yourself that most daily decisions are low-stakes. It is okay to pick the quicker, easier option and move on.

Rely on Routines

Routines automate choices so your brain does not have to work as hard.

  • Wake up and bedtime rituals
  • Standard work or study blocks
  • Built-in relaxation time

The more your day runs on rails, the fewer micro-decisions drain you.

Write It Down

Journaling or making lists can help un-jumble thoughts. Seeing your options on paper makes them more manageable.

Even listing pros and cons can bring clarity to bigger decisions without spiraling.

Ask for Help

You do not have to carry every choice alone. Lean on friends, family, or therapists.

Saying “I’m struggling to choose” is not a weakness. It is honesty. Others can offer perspective or share the burden of decision-making.

Giving Yourself Permission to Pause

It is okay if you cannot decide right now. Giving yourself permission to rest instead of forcing a choice can be a relief.

Depression tells you you are lazy or incapable of needing breaks. The truth is your brain is working overtime just to function. Pausing is not failing. It is caring for yourself.

Embracing Compassionate Change

Decision fatigue with depression is real. It is not about willpower or laziness. It is a brain running on empty, trying to keep you safe.

By understanding why decisions feel impossible and adopting gentle strategies to simplify them, you can reclaim small victories. These moments of ease and clarity add up, helping you move through the fog of depression one choice at a time.

If you find yourself stuck in cycles of avoidance or overwhelm, consider reaching out for professional support. No one needs to navigate this alone. You deserve help, hope, and the freedom to choose your own path forward.

How Traumatic Brain Injuries Impact Mental Health and Personality

Posted on by Jordan Zommick

A traumatic brain injury is more than just a physical blow to the head. It can quietly alter the very core of who a person is. After a concussion, a fall, or a car accident, the immediate concerns are often visible injuries or memory problems. But what many people do not realize is that traumatic brain injuries can have a powerful and lasting impact on mental health and personality.

These changes can be subtle at first, a short temper, trouble sleeping, or increased anxiety—but over time, they can reshape how someone feels, thinks, and connects with others. Understanding this emotional aftermath is key to supporting recovery and compassionately navigating life after a brain injury.

The Brain’s Role in Regulating Emotions

The brain is responsible for everything we feel, from love and joy to fear and frustration. When parts of the brain like the frontal lobe, limbic system, or temporal lobes, are injured, the brain’s ability to regulate mood and behavior can be thrown off balance. A person who was once calm, friendly, and confident might now experience sudden anger, emotional numbness, or episodes of deep sadness.

These shifts are not a choice. They are the result of damaged brain pathways that once kept emotions in check. Many survivors feel a loss of control over how they react. They may cry unexpectedly, become easily overwhelmed, or lash out in anger. Others may withdraw entirely, feeling detached from loved ones or uninterested in things they once enjoyed.

Anxiety and Depression After TBI

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues following a traumatic brain injury. It can be triggered by the injury itself or by the stress of adjusting to a new way of life. Imagine waking up one day and finding it difficult to concentrate, remember things, or control your emotions. That sense of loss can weigh heavily on the mind and lead to feelings of hopelessness.

Anxiety is another frequent companion. Survivors may feel nervous in situations that never bothered them before, like crowded rooms or unfamiliar places. Some live in fear of having another injury. Others feel anxious about work, relationships, or simply keeping their emotions in check.

These emotional shifts are not always easily recognized. Friends or family might assume the person is just being difficult or distant. In reality, their brain is working overtime to manage tasks that once came naturally.

Changes in Personality and Social Interaction

For many, personality changes after a brain injury are some of the most confusing and painful symptoms to experience. A person who was once easygoing may now be irritable or impulsive. Someone who was once outgoing may become withdrawn and distant.

These changes can affect relationships, careers, and self-esteem. Loved ones may feel like they are living with a stranger, and survivors often struggle with guilt or confusion about who they have become. It can feel like grief, grieving the version of themselves they remember but can no longer access.

In some cases, these personality changes may soften over time as the brain heals and adapts. But healing does not always mean returning to exactly who someone was before. It may mean learning new coping tools, adjusting expectations, and building a new sense of self.

Finding the Right Support

The emotional and psychological impacts of brain injury deserve just as much attention as the physical ones. Therapy, especially when trauma-informed or neurologically focused, can help individuals regain emotional balance. Support groups and mental health professionals can guide survivors and families through the storm of emotional changes.

Recovery is not a straight line. There will be progress and setbacks. But with patience, support, and the right tools, it is possible to find a new rhythm, a new version of life that includes healing, understanding, and connection.

A traumatic brain injury might change the brain, but it does not erase the person. With time and care, people can continue to grow, rediscover their strengths, and feel like themselves again—even if that self looks a little different.

The Mental Toll of Tinnitus: When a Ringing Ear Becomes a Constant Companion

Posted on by Jordan Zommick

For most people, silence offers comfort. A quiet room, a peaceful walk, a moment of stillness at the end of a noisy day. But for someone living with tinnitus, silence is never truly silent. Instead, it’s filled with a persistent ringing, buzzing, humming, or whistling sound that only they can hear. Over time, that sound can do more than irritate. It can deeply affect mental health, emotional balance, and overall quality of life.

Tinnitus is often dismissed as a minor ear problem, something to be tolerated. But if you speak with someone who’s been dealing with it for months or years, you’ll hear a different story. Chronic tinnitus does not just reside in the ears. It can settle into the mind, subtly influencing everything from mood and sleep to concentration and social interaction.

The Weight of Constant Noise

Tinnitus isn’t just a sound. It’s an interruption. And it’s relentless. The brain, designed to focus and filter, begins to spend more energy just trying to ignore that background noise. This constant internal distraction can wear down a person’s ability to stay present, focus at work, or even enjoy simple pleasures like reading or resting.

When someone can’t escape the noise, their nervous system often stays in a state of heightened alertness. Over time, that sustained stress response can trigger symptoms of anxiety or worsen existing ones. Heart racing, tension in the shoulders, restlessness, and irritability become common companions. The body and mind are not designed to be in fight-or-flight mode all day, but for those with severe tinnitus, that’s sometimes what life feels like.

Sleep: The First Casualty

One of the first things many tinnitus sufferers report losing is restful sleep. When the distractions of the day fall away and the world grows quiet, the inner ringing becomes even more noticeable. What might start as trouble falling asleep can quickly turn into full-blown insomnia. Without enough sleep, mood stability begins to erode. The brain’s ability to manage emotion, think clearly, and make decisions is compromised. That lack of rest can also intensify the experience of tinnitus itself, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.

Isolation and Social Strain

Tinnitus is invisible. There’s no cast, no scar, no visible cue that something is wrong. For this reason, people often feel alone in their suffering. It’s easy for others to underestimate how disruptive tinnitus can be. This misunderstanding can make it hard for those with the condition to explain what they’re going through. Some begin to withdraw from social gatherings, avoid loud environments, or turn down invitations simply because their tolerance for overstimulation or strain is too low.

And the more a person isolates, the more vulnerable they become to depression. Human connection is a buffer against sadness and stress. Without it, the emotional burden of chronic tinnitus can become even heavier.

When It Feels Like Nothing Helps

Perhaps the most disheartening part of tinnitus is the uncertainty. For many, there is no clear cause and no known cure. That sense of helplessness can quietly evolve into hopelessness. People try white noise machines, dietary changes, sound therapy, and still, the ringing remains. This leads some to believe they must simply “live with it,” even when the psychological toll becomes too steep.

For individuals already struggling with anxiety or depression, tinnitus can act as an amplifier, pushing symptoms to the surface. And for others, it becomes the unexpected trigger that ushers in their first experience with mental health challenges.

Finding a New Kind of Support

Living with tinnitus requires more than physical ear care. It demands emotional and psychological support as well. Talking with a counselor, therapist, or psychologist who understands the mental impact of chronic conditions can make a meaningful difference. Therapy helps reframe the experience of tinnitus, reduce the distress it causes, and build coping strategies that restore a sense of control.

Mindfulness practices, though not a cure, have shown promising effects in helping individuals change their relationship with the sound. By learning to observe without judgment, some people find that the ringing loses its sharp edge. And when used in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness can support the reduction of both anxiety and depression symptoms.

A Sound You Didn’t Ask For, But Can Learn to Live With

There’s no denying that tinnitus changes things. But it doesn’t have to define everything. The sound may remain, but the way you relate to it can shift. With time, support, and the right resources, the mental burden of tinnitus can be lightened. It begins with recognizing that the struggle is valid. That the impact is real. And that help is available.

You are not alone in this. Millions are learning how to live with the noise and still build lives filled with joy, connection, and peace. The journey may start with a ringing ear, but it can lead to a stronger mind, a deeper sense of resilience, and a renewed commitment to your well-being.

The Silent Stressor: How Insomnia Fuels Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout

Posted on by Jordan Zommick

Most people brush off a rough night of sleep. You wake up groggy, power through the day with coffee, and tell yourself you’ll catch up on rest later. But when sleepless nights become the norm instead of the exception, the consequences don’t just show up under your eyes, they show up in your mental health, too.

Insomnia is one of the most underestimated triggers of emotional distress. It creeps in quietly, disrupts your natural rhythm, and slowly chips away at your emotional resilience. What begins as “just a little trouble sleeping” can spiral into something far more serious: chronic anxiety, depression, and even full-blown burnout.

When the Body Doesn’t Sleep, the Mind Doesn’t Heal

Sleep is not just rest, it’s a form of repair. During deep sleep, your brain clears waste, resets neurotransmitters, and processes emotions. Without this essential reset, you’re left operating on fumes.

Insomnia disrupts this process. And when the brain doesn’t get the downtime it needs, emotional regulation begins to suffer. You’re more irritable, less patient, and easily overwhelmed. Tasks that once felt manageable start to feel impossible. Over time, this creates a snowball effect. Your mental capacity shrinks as stress builds.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. And insomnia quietly drains it, drop by drop.

The Anxiety-Insomnia Cycle: A Vicious Loop

One of the most common emotional companions of insomnia is anxiety. And frustratingly, they tend to feed each other in a loop.

You lie in bed worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list. Your mind races. You check the clock; it’s 2:00 AM. The anxiety about not sleeping makes it even harder to fall asleep, and you wake up exhausted. As the cycle repeats, your brain starts associating bedtime with stress.

The more nights you spend tossing and turning, the more anxious you become. It’s a loop that’s tough to break, but it starts with recognizing that insomnia isn’t just a symptom of anxiety; it’s often a driver of it.

Depression: When Sleeplessness Steals Your Joy

Sleep disturbances are a core feature of depression. But insomnia doesn’t just tag along for the ride, it can help drive the condition forward.

People with chronic insomnia are significantly more likely to develop depression. Why? Because sleep deprivation alters brain chemistry, particularly in areas tied to mood regulation like serotonin and dopamine. Over time, this imbalance can drain your energy, numb your emotions, and strip away your ability to feel joy or connection.

The worst part? When you’re depressed and not sleeping, it becomes harder to find the motivation to seek help. You may isolate, withdraw, or assume this is just your “new normal.”

It’s not. And you don’t have to live this way.

Burnout: The Slow Fade Caused by Sleeplessness

Burnout isn’t just about long work hours or high-pressure jobs. At its core, burnout is about depletion of energy, patience, and mental bandwidth. And chronic insomnia is a fast track to that depletion.

You may still be going through the motions, showing up to work, handling responsibilities, but you’re emotionally checked out. The passion you once had is replaced by numbness. Small tasks feel monumental. And because burnout is so often associated with productivity, people ignore the role poor sleep plays in it.

When your brain doesn’t get rest, your body can’t recover. And when you ignore that fatigue, burnout comes knocking.

The Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Insomnia often doesn’t come alone. If you’re dealing with consistent sleep disruption, it’s worth paying attention to the following signs:

  • Persistent low mood or irritability
  • Racing thoughts or constant worry
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
  • A sense of emotional numbness or detachment
  • Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues
  • A loss of interest in things you once enjoyed

These aren’t just signs of a bad week. They’re signs that something deeper is going on, and that support might be needed.

What You Can Do

The good news is that insomnia isn’t a life sentence. It’s treatable, and addressing it can have a profound effect on your mental health.

A few approaches that help:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): One of the most effective treatments that addresses both sleep habits and thought patterns.
  • Sleep hygiene improvements: Consistent bedtimes, reduced screen time, and winding down rituals make a difference.
  • Stress-reduction practices: Mindfulness, gentle exercise, and breathing techniques can ease both anxiety and sleep disruption.
  • Professional support: Sometimes, sleep issues are tied to deeper emotional concerns. A therapist can help untangle the root causes and provide tailored solutions.

In Closing

Insomnia might seem like a background issue, just something to deal with on top of everything else. But the truth is, it’s often the silent engine behind much deeper struggles with anxiety, depression, and burnout.

If you’ve been running on empty, consider this your reminder: your mental health is worth the rest. You deserve nights of deep sleep and days full of energy. And with the right support, healing is possible.

Let your rest become a priority again. Your mind will thank you for it.

Living with Chronic Pain? Here’s How TMS Therapy Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Posted on by Jordan Zommick

Living with chronic pain is exhausting—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It affects everything, from mobility and daily activities to sleep and mood. Many individuals try countless treatments, from medications to physical therapy, only to find temporary relief or frustrating side effects. If you’ve been searching for a non-invasive, drug-free option that targets pain at its source, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy might be the answer.

TMS is emerging as a promising treatment for chronic pain by rewiring the brain’s pain-processing networks, improving function, and enhancing overall well-being. If you’re struggling to reclaim your life from pain, here’s how TMS can help.

The Hidden Toll of Chronic Pain

Pain isn’t just a physical sensation—it changes how your brain works. When pain persists for months or years, it can lead to:

  • Reduced mobility and function – Everyday activities like walking, cooking, or even sitting comfortably become a struggle.
  • Emotional distress – Anxiety, frustration, and hopelessness often accompany chronic pain.
  • Depression and isolation – Pain can make it difficult to engage in social activities, leading to loneliness and mood disorders.
  • Sleep disturbances – Many people with chronic pain experience insomnia, further worsening their physical and mental health.

Traditional treatments like opioids, injections, or surgeries come with risks and limitations. Medications can lead to dependency, while surgery doesn’t guarantee pain relief. This is where TMS therapy offers a safer and more sustainable approach.

How TMS Therapy Reduces Chronic Pain

TMS therapy works by stimulating specific areas of the brain involved in pain perception and regulation. Chronic pain often results from overactive pain signals, where the brain keeps sending pain messages even when no physical injury remains.

By using magnetic pulses, TMS helps to:

  • Reduce pain signal intensity – It calms the overactive pain-processing regions of the brain, leading to long-term relief.
  • Promote neuroplasticity – TMS encourages the brain to form new, healthier connections, helping it “unlearn” chronic pain patterns.
  • Enhance mood and energy – Because pain and depression are deeply linked, TMS helps regulate emotions, reducing the psychological burden of chronic pain.

Studies show that many chronic pain conditions respond well to TMS, including:

  • Fibromyalgia – Widespread body pain and fatigue can be reduced as TMS improves nerve function.
  • Neuropathic pain – Conditions like diabetic neuropathy, nerve injuries, and post-surgical pain may see improvements.
  • Migraines and tension headaches – TMS has been shown to prevent and lessen the severity of chronic headaches.
  • Lower back pain – One of the most common chronic pain issues, often resistant to conventional treatments, can improve with brain-focused therapy.

Regaining Mobility and Function Through TMS

One of the biggest challenges of chronic pain is the loss of physical ability. Whether it’s struggling to get out of bed or avoiding certain activities out of fear of worsening pain, pain limits life in countless ways.

TMS therapy doesn’t just reduce pain—it helps patients regain movement and function by:

  • Improving muscle control – As pain decreases, mobility often improves, making it easier to engage in exercise or physical therapy.
  • Reduce stiffness and sensitivity – Many chronic pain patients experience hypersensitivity to touch or movement, which TMS helps regulate.
  • Restoring confidence in movement – When pain is no longer constant, individuals feel more capable of returning to activities they once loved.

Patients often find that after a series of TMS sessions, they can walk longer distances, engage in light workouts, or even sleep more comfortably, allowing them to regain control of their daily lives.

Mental Well-Being: Breaking the Cycle of Pain and Depression

Pain doesn’t just hurt physically—it weighs heavily on mental health. Many chronic pain sufferers experience depression, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion, which, in turn, worsens their pain experience.

TMS therapy is unique because it targets both pain and mood disorders simultaneously. By stimulating brain regions involved in mood regulation, TMS can:

  • Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
  • Improve focus and motivation
  • Help patients reconnect with their loved ones and activities

For many, the biggest benefit of TMS isn’t just the pain relief—it’s the ability to enjoy life again without constant discomfort and distress.

A Drug-Free, Long-Term Solution

Unlike medications that mask pain temporarily, TMS aims to rewire the brain’s pain perception system for long-term relief. Many patients report benefits lasting months or even years after treatment, with minimal to no side effects.

Because it is non-invasive and does not require sedation, TMS allows individuals to continue their daily routines without downtime. It’s an empowering alternative for those who want to avoid dependency on painkillers or invasive procedures.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been living with chronic pain, you know how much it impacts your mobility, independence, and emotional well-being. TMS therapy offers hope and a new approach—one that works with your brain to reduce pain, restore function, and improve mental health.

No one should have to suffer indefinitely. If you’re looking for a way to break free from chronic pain and regain control of your life, TMS therapy may be the key to unlocking a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Stay Active During COVID-19 with BrainStim Centers

Posted on by Admin

COVID-19 took us all by surprise and has definitely kept us under the unknown for way too long. For many of us, staying at home means giving up on a daily routine. With fitness centers such as yoga and Pilates studios closed, we have had to adapt to a new normal.

Why should I care and keep my body moving?

Working out is not only about physical appearance or feeling strong. Working out helps to decrease stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine in our bodies. After a workout, your body’s chemical balance will positively change leaving you feeling relaxed and happy.

Moreover, working out has similar effects as antidepressant medication. The purpose of antidepressants is to increase the amount of serotonin—your happy hormone. Working out can also help manage anxiety and panic attacks. The American Psychological Association (APA) states that physical stress during working out mirrors those attacks. The more you work out, the better your response will be during those overwhelming moments. According to the APA, it has been proven that at least 30 minutes a day of any type of physical activity can make a huge difference and increase the amount of serotonin in your body!

What can I do when my gym is closed?

Gym closures don’t mean we can’t work out anymore. There are numerous physical activities to choose from such as walking, bike riding, dancing, hiking, yoga, Pilates…you name it! You can stay active outside of your house, get some fresh air, and go for a walk or hike. If you prefer to stay indoors, YouTube has a great selection for at-home workouts or you can find workout applications for any smart device. We recommend checking out Pamela Reif for workout videos and Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. These two women can change your life and you don’t even need to leave your living room!

Here at BrainStim Centers, we offer free classes via Zoom. Join us for one of our Zumba, Meditation, Yoga, or Pilates classes. This is a great opportunity to explore new outlets to help manage any stressors you may be facing.

Our upcoming Zoom classes are:

Monday, November 30 -Zumba with Dario at 7 pm

Monday, December 14- Breathwork & Meditation with Wendy Hassenpflug 7 pm

Tuesday, December 29- Pilates with Cristina 11:30 am

Send an email request to info@brainstimcenters.com to receive a link to our zoom classes.

Personal Stories of Success through TMS Therapy

Posted on by Admin

Below is a spotlight on our recent program success story with our patient Nikki, who has bravely offered to share her journey and speak up about her experience with us at BrainStim Centers, in order to support and help others who may be struggling with challenges.

When I caught up with Nikki, she said, “For the first time in many years (and with the observation of a psychiatrist) I am finally off of medication.” An impressive shift for sure. Let’s review her experience in her own words:

BSC: How did you hear about BrainStim Centers and the TMS program?

Nikki: I am a patient of Dr. Liker. When I saw him at my first appointment for a spinal surgery, I asked him about his mental health care program and if he could help me. I had noticed when reviewing Dr. Liker before my appointment, that not only is he a neurosurgeon, he is an advocate of TMS and the owner of a TMS facility.

BSC: Tell us about your first impression of BrainStim Centers, and about the initial treatment.

Nikki: After my first consultation with Dr. Reyes and completing the assessment tests, which were fun and interesting, I had to wait for a bit for insurance approval before starting my treatments. Although, during the pandemic, it did take a little more time than usual to get approved, I have to say that I have never in my life ever had anyone or any group of people advocate for me as well. I have never had a group regularly keep me updated on the progress of approval the way you and your team did for me. I felt like you really did care about and for me. I know for a fact that you all worked like crazy to get me this treatment! I am eternally grateful to you and to the BrainStim Centers team. I will never forget what you did for me.

BSC: Tell us about your overall experience with BrainStim and the TMS treatment. What were the reasons you sought treatment?

Nikki: As a child, I had a very dysfunctional and difficult upbringing. This has resulted in having several different mental health challenges. The one common denominator within all of my challenges is major depression. After receiving several treatments, maybe somewhere around four weeks, I started noticing a difference in my overall attitude. It’s hard to explain, but if you are someone that does or has ever experienced severe depression, you know what a game changer this truly is. After about the first two weeks of my treatment, I noticed that I felt so much “lighter”. You could say that depression is like a constant storm cloud above your head that’s always there raging, following you everywhere you go and only you. I can honestly tell you that the cloud is gone completely! Before treatment I hardly ever even got out of my bed. I hardly went anywhere or did anything unless I absolutely had to. When I did, I did the absolute bare minimum. In fact, most of my life, I hardly ever wore make up, and showering, brushing my teeth?! Forget about it. When I’m depressed, nothing matters. I don’t do even the slightest things I should do just to take care of myself. Now, I get up out of bed every morning, thankful and feeling blessed for another day. If I go out, I shower and put make up on! I can honestly say without a doubt, that I have never felt so good since I was a teenager!

BSC: Did you experience any pain or side effects from the TMS treatment?

Nikki: Absolutely not! Occasionally when the dosage was increased, I did notice the strength a little bit. But other than that, I never experienced any negative side effects.

BSC: Is there anything more that you would like to add that you think might be helpful to potential patients?

Nikki: Yes, I would first like to say that if there is anyone out there that experiences any of the things I have mentioned here, that dealing with depression really stifles your life. When / if you can remove this obstacle, this allows you to be able to focus on other aspects of mental health challenges. For myself, I now can say that not being depressed all the time, I have the energy, motivation and care to now actually have the ability to dig deeper into healing my other challenges without it feeling like it is such an unattainable, monumental and overwhelming task! In fact, I’m now going to be traveling on my own soon out of state, to attend a four day womens’ retreat and continue my healing journey. I would also like to add that I do still have days where I maybe feel a little down or overwhelmed by just daily life happenings. But it’s not depression. I can tell the difference, and it’s easier for me to move throughout these challenges without literally bringing me down.

Another wonderful thing I’ve been able to do now is spend more quality time with my husband doing all of the things we love. He has been talking nonstop about the changes he has seen in me and how much he is so proud of me. He is my biggest support and cheerleader. I would also like to add that Dr. Liker and the whole team at BrainStim Centers, you, Sonia, Joella, Aleks, and Crystal, are the nicest, most wonderful group of people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with! Seeing all of you every day for several weeks was really the only contact I’ve had with anyone outside of my home. I feel as though I added new people to my family and I’m actually missing seeing you all every day and talking with you and sharing my life. Not only did I receive treatment for my medication resistant depression that worked, I made new lifelong connections with a group of amazing people. It doesn’t get any better than that.

I would just like to end by saying thank you to Dr. Liker and BrainStim Centers, and all of you, the staff! You have changed my life for the better forever!

Overcome from the Anxiety

Posted on by Admin

Empower yourself with proven strategies, expert guidance, and tools designed to enhance your mental health and foster lasting positivity.

Non-invasive Ways to Treat Depression and Anxiety

Posted on by Jordan Zommick

Medication is not the only answer in treating depression and anxiety. In fact, many antidepressants do not work or leave people with multiple side effects. The best option is to combine medication with non-invasive treatments, or if possible, to eliminate medications altogether.

Fundamentally, depression and anxiety are linked to the human brain. The human brain is built of billions of neurons doing multiple tasks at the same time. These neurons receive and fire signals from different parts of our body to our brain and back. Unfortunately, if some parts of our brain are less active than others, the brain will not send and receive the signals it is meant to. Research has shown that the part of the brain responsible for depression and anxiety is the prefrontal cortex. It is believed that by stimulating the brain, our body will start producing serotonin. Serotonin is the main hormone linked to depression and anxiety. If our body has enough serotonin our mood will be uplifted.

How to increase the serotonin levels by non-invasive methods?

 

  1. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS is one of the best methods to stimulate the exact part of the brain responsible for serotonin production- the Dorsal Lateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC). TMS therapy should be repeated for about 36 sessions which will leave the patient with significant mood improvements. TMS doesn’t hurt, the sessions are short, and have very little to no side effects. The most common side effect is headache during the treatment.
  2. Working out: regular exercise reduces the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. As a consequence, our body is more relaxed and our minds are more focused. Regular workouts are linked to memory and concentration improvement, as well as being better equipped to deal with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.
  3. Meditation: just like working out, meditation helps with balancing the stress hormones in our body. Moreover, by learning how to meditate, we learn how to put our body in a relaxation stage, accept everything that is going on in our body and brain, and release those stressors.
  4. Breathing: breath control is a key component in reducing stress. Learning how to take deep breaths from your belly helps to reduce feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious.
  5. Good diet: what you eat has a huge impact on how you feel. Foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, unsweetened dairy products, and spices such as turmeric and cinnamon will improve your overall mood. Moreover, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can improve your brain work.

As you can see there are many ways that your mood can be uplifted without medication. Call us at 310.895.7122 if you would like to learn more about TMS. Our team will walk you through the process and create a plan of action best for your healthcare needs.

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