Depression affects millions of Americans each year, often blurring joy, motivation, and energy from everyday life. While traditional antidepressants work for some, many continue to struggle despite multiple medication trials. Fortunately, new evidence-based therapies are offering real hope and lasting results for those living with treatment-resistant depression.
Q&A with Pathways to Wellness
What is depression, and how does it impact my life?
Depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand. They can affect the way we think, feel, and function in daily life. Symptoms may include sadness, lack of enjoyment, tension, worry, fear, and overthinking. These feelings can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming — but effective treatments are available.
What can I do when multiple medications have failed?
Innovative treatments are now available that provide quicker, longer-term relief for depression and anxiety. These include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (Esketamine) therapy — both proven to help patients who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressants.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for TMS or Spravato?
“Treatment-resistant depression” sounds intimidating, but it simply means that two or more antidepressants have failed to provide relief. In fact, nearly 31% of depression cases fall into this category. Our mental health professionals take a personalized approach, tailoring each treatment plan to your individual needs and history.
When will I see results?
Many patients report noticeable improvement in depressive symptoms within their first three Spravato treatments — a revolutionary development that brings hope to those struggling with chronic depression. TMS treatment has shown a 63% remission rate, and about 90% of patients report at least a 50% reduction in symptoms. These outcomes are helping patients reclaim their quality of life.
What makes these treatments different from traditional antidepressants?
Unlike oral medications that affect the body systemically, TMS and Spravato target specific areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. This precision makes them highly effective for patients who haven’t responded to other forms of therapy, offering a more direct path to healing.
Are these treatments safe? What should I expect during a session?
Both TMS and Spravato are FDA-approved and administered under professional supervision.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and pain-free procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Each session typically lasts about 20–40 minutes, and patients remain awake, alert, and able to return to their usual activities immediately afterward. Most people describe the sensation as a light tapping on the scalp rather than pain.
Spravato (esketamine) is delivered as a nasal spray in a comfortable, controlled environment at the clinic. After administration, patients relax under observation for about two hours while trained medical staff monitor their response. Temporary side effects, such as dizziness or mild dissociation, can occur but usually fade quickly. Most patients can resume normal activities later the same day once the effects wear off.
For more information or to make an appointment, visit Pathwaystoday.com or call 901.878.3332.
John Redmond, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a dedicated Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and serves as the CEO of the Pathways to Wellness. He specializes in the treatment of adults and adolescents grappling with a range of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders.
By John Redmond, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
