Depression is very isolating in nature, and starting transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is just one piece of the treatment puzzle. In addition to TMS sessions, a support system and access to reliable resources can significantly enhance your experience and contribute to your overall well-being. Explore support groups and other resources that can complement your TMS treatment:

The Power of Support Groups

Support groups can provide a unique space to share experiences, insights, and encouragement. Whether in person or online, these groups foster a sense of community and belonging, helping you form connections through your depression treatment. Meeting with others on a similar path allows you to exchange advice, receive emotional support, and build camaraderie. This shared experience and understanding can be profoundly beneficial.

Are There Different Types of Support Groups?

There are two main types of support groups:

1. In-Person Groups

Local mental health organizations, medical clinics, or TMS specialists may facilitate in-person support groups. These gatherings offer more meaningful connections as they are face-to-face. Sharing your journey and listening to others’ experiences can create a supportive network that extends beyond your TMS treatment team.

Potential downsides of in-person meetings are disruptive group members that may dominate the conversation and a lack of confidentiality within the group. If you want to remain completely anonymous, check out the second type of support.

2. Online Communities

As we live in the digital age, it’s no surprise that numerous platforms are dedicated to mental health discussions and different therapy experiences. By participating in these virtual communities, you can connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations with a degree of privacy.

In addition to the anonymity benefit, you also can participate more frequently or flexibly since you don’t have to attend a meeting at a specific time and place. Online forums, social media groups, and dedicated websites can serve as sources of valuable information and emotional support resources. However, you can more easily misunderstand written text, and being online does not provide in-person interactions and reinforces social isolation.

Within those two types of groups, you can find support for virtually anything you want. For example, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has a support group for anyone experiencing symptoms of any mental health condition. There’s a Mood Disorders Support Group (MDSG) as well. The National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) is a national organization that offers free online and in-person support groups. You can find support groups for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression (TRD), or depression as a result of another illness. There are specific groups for patients with a diagnosis of depression and a specific treatment such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or TMS. There are even support groups for your family members.

If you’re wondering how to find support groups, your TMS provider is the first place to start. They will have a large selection of mental health services in Bellingham and the surrounding areas, including support groups. Other methods are searching the National Institutes of Health (NIH) websites for specific conditions or looking up non profit organizations that advocate for your specific condition or symptom for which you seek support.

Other Mental Health Resources

Educating yourself about your mental health disorder and chosen treatments, like TMS therapy, is empowering. Use reputable sources such as medical websites, research articles (you can easily search for these on Google Scholar), and publications from Neurostim TMS centers. Being more informed allows you to take a more engaged and proactive approach to your treatment. Here are some other resources at your disposal:

Apps

Consider adding mental health apps to your phone’s home screen and actually integrating them into your routine. There are apps that specifically focus on:

• Mood tracking and treatment responses
• Mindfulness
• Daily affirmations

And so much more! These tools can help your self-awareness, motivation for treatment, and overall mental wellness.

Books and Literature

Reading books related to depression, TMS therapy, or mental health can offer valuable insights and perspectives. Look for literature written by professionals in the field or by individuals who have shared their personal journeys. Books can either serve as resources or companions, providing guidance and a sense of reassurance.

Podcasts and Webinars

Listening to podcasts or attending webinars can be both informative and comforting. Many experts and individuals utilize these platforms to share their knowledge and experiences, offering a convenient way to stay connected and informed.

Get The Most Out of Your Treatment

Remember that support groups and the other resources listed are not a replacement for your mental healthcare. However, support extends far beyond your mental health providers or TMS treatment. Embracing support groups, online communities, educational resources, and various tools can enhance your experience and contribute to the overall success of your therapy.

Seek connection, stay informed, and use the wealth of reputable resources to make your treatment comprehensive. You can navigate this chapter with resilience and confidence, and you might just make some new friends along the way.