Looking after yourself during TMS treatment

To get the most out of your time at Sydney TMS we have come up with some recommendations on “looking after yourself during TMS treatment”.

Medication

During your initial consultation, our doctor will ask you many questions to ensure you are a suitable candidate for TMS. Bring along information about any medication you are currently on. Our TMS psychiatrist can direct you in regards to your meds.

Support Person

If you are anxious about coming to your appointments, bring someone along with you. A support person is always a great idea.

Commit to the treatment

Bring your diary or calendar to the first appointment and book your appointments in early. That way you get your preferred time for treatment sessions. Commit to the treatment plan and attend all the sessions so that you give TMS the best chance of working for you.

Be patient

The treatment takes time to work. Please be patient and give the treatment an opportunity to work. Don’t give up. If you want to accelerate things, book frequent appointments, that way you will get things moving a lot quicker.

Talk and Listen to people who care about you

Take the time during the sessions to talk to the TMS nurse on duty. Our nurses have great listening ears and are there to help you get well.

Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.

Please do not drink alcohol or use any recreational drugs.  This can have a significant impact on your mood and interfere with the treatment. Looking after yourself during TMS treatment and beyond is important for you.

Rest and get Quality sleep

Get yourself good quality rest and sleep. Quality sleep is very important as it allows time for the body to repair itself. Meditation apps can help with this. Also check out your local community hubs and the library, sometimes there are classes available for free or at little cost.

Diet

What you are eating can impact on your mood. In particular, poor nutrition can negatively effect your overall health. Have a look at your diet and see where you can make improvements to eat a healthier diet.

Exercise

Go for a walk, swim, yoga or anything to get you moving. If you can enjoy the morning sunlight and fresh air. Exercising can also help with better sleep and can reduce stress.  Going for walks and exercising not only gets you out and active, but can also condition your muscles and cardiovascular system, helping to improve your functioning. It can also provide a sense of achievement and positivity when you see yourself making improvements.

Do something you love to do

Do something you have loved to do in the past. This might be a hobby, an activity or an interest you have. If you can’t think of anything, try doing a word puzzle or crossword, an actual puzzle, or colour in. There are plenty of mindfulness books on line that may help with this. Click here to check out Dr Jason Pace’s mindfulness colouring in book.

Professional support

We would encourage you to see a psychiatrist and a psychologist if you have never or don’t currently see one. Developing a care team that includes a GP, psychologist and psychiatrist allows you to be supported in a multifaceted way with a team approach, and can support long term recovery.

Your overall health can be broken down into different parts. This could include physical, emotional, environmental, social, intellectual, financial and spiritual aspects of your overall health and wellbeing. We would encourage you to look at things such as your career and work, your quality and quantity of sleep, your relationships and social exposure, and other stressors that may be preventing you from thriving, or contributing to your mental health condition. We could encourage you to examine these aspects of your life, and see if there can be any changes or improvements made in these areas as well. Approaching these types of things with a psychologist, psychotherapist or counsellor can be very helpful.

Thanks for taking the time to reading our tips to getting the most out of TMS treatment. While you are looking after yourself during TMS treatment we will be looking after you too. At Sydney TMS you’re in great hands. To call Sydney TMS CLICK HERE for our contact details