When nothing else worked, TMS changed a life

Depression is something Tyler has gotten to know well over the last four years. 

Since he was 16, Tyler struggled to find solace from his depression. He tried different medications to help manage his symptoms and therapy to talk through his emotions. But no matter what he tried, nothing helped.

“I took seven different medications over four years and none did what they needed to do,” Tyler recalled. “I was stressed about everything. I was sad all the time. I had no motivation. When I was done with work, I did not want to do anything. I didn't even have the energy to play my video games or talk to people. I isolated myself.” 

After years of battling depression with not much relief, Tyler was ready to try something new.

Tyler spoke to his psychiatrist who recommended he try Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to help treat his depression, and he did. 

What happened next is what Tyler had spent years hoping for – he finally found a treatment that worked for him. 

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)? 

TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses repetitive magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, helping alleviate symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. TMS is recommended when other methods of treatment have not been successful. 

Beginning his TMS treatment at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital

Tyler began TMS treatment in February 2025. 

As part of his treatment plan, Tyler visited Ascension St. Elizabeth five days a week, for approximately two months where he received 20-30 minutes of magnetic stimulation each session.

“Having to go somewhere five days a week was hard, but when I went, it was enjoyable,” Tyler said. “My experience was very good. My nurses Courtnee and Emilia were very nice. They obviously cared about what they were doing. They wanted to make sure that I was okay and I was getting what I needed. They really shaped my experience.”

Regaining enthusiasm and motivation after treatment

After completing his TMS treatment, Tyler saw significant improvement in his mental wellbeing. He found a new sense of joy and excitement that had been missing from his life for years:

“I feel like everything feels different but in a good way, even driving. Before TMS it was harder to want to go out and do things. Now, I want to be in my room less. Last summer I didn’t do much, and this year I want to try and do more.”

Not only has TMS helped transform his personal life, it has also played a role in his desire to go after new career opportunities. Tyler recently was offered a position as an HR expert, an opportunity he credits TMS for giving him the courage to take. 

“I probably would not have taken that position or had that courage to do that job before TMS,” Tyler said. “I didn’t think I wanted that important of a role. I didn’t want to let people down before. Now I know the stakes are higher in this role, but I am willing to try it.” 

Tyler is excited to see what the next few months have in store for him and is grateful for all the ways TMS has changed his life for the better. 

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The initial launch of TMS at Ascension St. Elizabeth in 2021 was made possible thanks to donor generosity — and thanks to the continued support of people like you, the TMS program is expanding. Ascension St. Elizabeth was recently equipped with a second TMS chair, making it possible for even more patients to receive the treatment they need. TMS is also available at Ascension All Saints, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee and Ascension Mercy — all thanks to donors like you.