Giving Voice to Depression Depression Treatments That Work: Finding Hope Through TMS, ECT, and Support
In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer returns to share her deeply personal journey of living with major depression for nearly three decades. From countless hospitalizations and medications to breakthrough treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Jennifer’s story illustrates both the painful persistence of depression and the importance of holding on to hope.
She describes what it felt like to finally wake up one morning without depression after years of relentless suffering, why support from loved ones matters, and how she learned to ask for what she needs.
This conversation is both realistic and inspiring—reminding listeners that while treatment journeys can be long and difficult, recovery is possible, and hope is always worth fighting for.
Link to ECT article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/electroconvulsive-therapy/about/pac-20393894
Link to TMS article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625
Primary Topics Covered:
- Jennifer’s decades-long journey with depression
- Experiences with psychiatric hospitalizations and failed medications
- How TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) provided temporary relief
- How ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) led to a dramatic transformation
- The importance of supportive relationships in managing depression
- Learning to ask for what you need when struggling
- Holding on to hope—even when progress feels impossible
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the episode and quotes about hope
02:21 – Jennifer re-introduced: her history with depression and hospitalizations
03:30 – Trying TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and initial results
04:49 – Moving on to ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)
05:13 – A life-changing morning: waking up without depression
07:20 – Living “without depression”: what normalcy feels like
08:38 – Jennifer’s decades-long mental health journey since age 12
09:38 – Medication frustrations and trials with nearly every antidepressant
10:09 – The role of sleep, food, and self-care in stabilizing mood
11:01 – The power of a supportive husband and family
12:56 – Learning to ask for help and what support looks like
15:22 – Why being listened to (without judgment) makes a difference
16:03 – Lessons Jennifer would share with others living long-term with depression
17:13 – Clinging to small moments of hope and joy
19:09 – How little distractions (like TV or hobbies) can help shift depression
20:24 – Jennifer’s message: keep hope alive, even when it feels impossible
21:34 – Closing thoughts and resources on TMS and ECT
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