u/Aware_Jury5774

I've had Depression along with OCD for years, and recently I heard about TMS and decided to try it out. I got approved which felt like a miracle, because insurance hates TMS. However, I have a few concerns:

1. Can TMS cause mania in some patients? I'm not bipolar, although my uncle is.
2. Some people describe a "dip", where depressive symptoms get worse? How likely is that? I'm also concerned about TMS spiking my OCD.
3. Did you ever need to retake TMS therapy after a few months? The form I signed mentioned a third of patients needed it after six to eighteen months.
4. My final question is: will I lose the sense of who I am? It's an unpopular opinion on Reddit but I believe humans are more than just flesh and brain chemicals, yet I'm still worried that I might experience some dramatic personality change. The woman at the office herself suggested I go through therapy during the treatment, as some patients "Don't know who they are without their depression".

I think blind trust in TMS is just as bad as being too paranoid about it, hence I'm looking for honest answers. I do notice there's a lot of complaints about TMS on this sub, but I imaigne people with problems are more likely to make a post about it.

I suffered from a very bad OCD episode a few days ago. I was ruminating so hard that I really thought I wouldn't get out of it, when I decided to do a modified form of ERP where I intentionally would challenge my OCD. When the intrusive thoughts bugged me, I'd say things like "Come on, is that all you got?" or even "No, give me MORE intrusive thoughts, do YOUR WORST".

In the past two days my intrusive thoughts have devolved from a giant monster eating my mind to pesky mosquitoes. One thing I noticed is that my OCD tried to engage in "theme leaping", bringing back old themes from long ago that I no longer cared for. I realized my OCD had writer's block! Hah!

Sometimes, this does cause temporary anxiety, but after awhile it feels empowering. Instead of engaging in compulsions you actively engage in "risky" behavior and your thoughts slowly start to feel like well, thoughts again. Now when the thoughts arise, I'm like "Come on, do we really have to do this now?"

It's not a perfect cure-all, I've found that I still suffer from baseline anxiety, OCD's just my brain's way of "solving" that problem.

I heard about its benefits so I ordered a 500g bag from Health Through Nutrition (idk if it's a good brand). I've heard varied reports on how much one should take: some people suggest only 1 or 2 grams, others recommend servings as high as 18g! I hope I can get something out of a lower dose, as that much a day would bore a hole in my wallet. For those who've taken Inositol, what was a therupetic dose for you?

I've suffered from both of these nasty diseases for years. I've tried therapy and medication and nothing's really working, no one really seems to know how to help me. My depression usually manifests in lower motivation and an inability to focus, with periods of either 1) numb adhedonia or 2) deep, deep, sadness, as I just fall down crying randomly. OCD on the other hand is mostly Pure O obsessive thoughts, often with bizarre obsessions no one can really relate to. My thoughts are unorganized, chaotic things, like little flies buzzing around my head.

I've considered trying a few supplements. Currently, I take Vitamin D, Zinc, B12, and sometimes GABA and I've noticed...no changes. I've been considering others, but I tend to fret about side effects (hard to get my brain to NOT worry about something). Have any supplements helped you?

For context, I've been suffering from Depression and OCD for years. I heard about TMS yesterday and looked up clinics in my area. I gave one a call, sent in some paperwork, and they actually got me in for a consultation appointment tomorrow. It appears my insurance will cover the treatment (I have a $15 copay per session, but my out-of-pocket max is $330).

I'm so sick of both Depression and OCD. They've cost so much damage to my life and I'm excited to try this treatment. Therapy and medication have helped some, but not much, and I'd like to at least give it a shot.

There's a chance I'll experience some side effects, but that's a risk I'm willing to take if it means I might get better. There's also the chance that it won't do anything, which worries me a little. Are treatments for OCD and Depression different? How long did the treatment last for you? When did you start feeling better?

The same clinic also offers Esketamine treatments, I've been wondering if I should try that too.