Jeff’s journey through mental health challenges has been a long and arduous one, spanning over 50 years of battling depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Despite seeking help from various counselors and trying different medications, he found little relief.
However, everything changed when he discovered the Family Care Center and its innovative approach to treatment, mainly through an advanced treatment for depression called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Early Struggles With Mental Health
Jeff’s struggles began in grade school, shaped by his upbringing as the son of a single mother in East Tennessee. He often felt isolated, preferring the company of books over peers.
As he transitioned into high school and college, his social interactions remained limited, and his mental health deteriorated. By the time he met his wife at age 36, his depression had intensified, leading to negative self-talk and a growing sense of hopelessness.
Despite his efforts to seek help, Jeff faced challenges in finding effective treatment. The limited availability of qualified mental health professionals in his small town meant that he often relied on his primary care doctor for medications that provided only temporary relief. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated his isolation and mental health struggles. He knew he needed something more to help him heal.
Discovering Family Care Center and TMS
After years of searching for answers, Jeff turned to online research. While exploring mental health providers in Colorado, where he and his wife considered retiring, he discovered Family Care Center. Learning they had recently opened a West Knoxville office 110 miles from his home, Jeff felt a renewed sense of hope.
Intrigued by Family Care Center’s comprehensive approach to mental health care, Jeff and his wife dug into the treatment options as explained on their website. That’s when they learned about TMS, a proven and non-invasive therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
TMS is an FDA-approved therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. For Jeff and others like him, TMS can offer several key benefits:
- It effectively improves mood in individuals struggling with depression.
- It’s especially effective for those who haven’t responded to traditional treatments.
After consulting with Family Care Center providers and working with their insurance company, Jeff was approved for 36 TMS sessions over six weeks. This treatment plan was thoughtfully paired with talk therapy and medication management, providing a well-rounded approach to his mental health care.
A 6,300-mile journey to recovery
The journey to the West Knoxville office was significant for Jeff and his wife. They drove back and forth multiple times each week, racking up over 6,300 miles on their vehicle to complete their care journey. Despite the long hours on the road and the cost of hotels, Jeff felt it was worth every mile.
“I am 61 years old; I don’t want to spend the last third of my life like the first two-thirds,” he shared.
Throughout his TMS treatment, Jeff experienced more than just expert care—he found a supportive, compassionate environment that made all the difference. The team at Family Care Center—Rebecca, Meredith, Marie, Krystal, Briana, Skyler, Emily, Tyler and Dr. Weber—delivered exceptional care with empathy and understanding.
“They are lifesavers,” Jeff expressed. “I’ve never encountered such caring healthcare professionals.”
Progress Through TMS Treatment
From the very first session of TMS, Jeff felt hopeful. He recognized that talk therapy alone wouldn’t be sufficient given his family history of depression—his father and grandfather had both committed suicide. He needed a multi-faceted approach to tackle his mental health challenges.
As the treatments progressed, Jeff began to notice significant improvements in his mood and energy levels. For the first time in years, he felt motivated to engage with life again. “I don’t want to stay in bed anymore; I’m looking forward to the future,” he said.
A Message of Hope to Patients Considering TMS
Now that he has completed his TMS journey, Jeff reflects on how far he has come. The combination of therapies has been life-changing for him and his wife. He encourages anyone struggling with similar issues to consider Family Care Center: “You can trust these people. They really do want to help you.”
Jeff’s story is a testament to resilience and hope in the face of adversity. He urges others who may feel lost in their mental health journey to not give up; there is hope. With support from Family Care Center, Jeff found not only relief but also a renewed sense of purpose in life—a gift he wishes for everyone seeking help.
By choosing to embark on this journey, Jeff and his wife demonstrated that when it comes to mental health, the right treatment is worth traveling any distance. Their story serves as an inspiration to others who may be hesitating to seek help, highlighting that with determination and the right support, positive change is possible at any stage of life.
Explore More Patient Stories
To learn more about how Family Care Center has helped others on their mental health journeys, we invite you to explore additional patient stories. These narratives showcase the diverse experiences of individuals who have navigated their challenges with the help of our comprehensive services. From therapy and medication management to TMS treatment, our patients share how they found hope, healing and connection.
Your Journey Starts Here
At Family Care Center, we are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. If you’re curious about how our services can support your mental health journey, we encourage you to reach out. Whether you’re considering therapy, psychiatric services, or TMS, our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.
