by Abie, TMS Technician
Manchester TMS Technician Abie gives her expert views on how to maintain the benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment.
Since I began working as a TMS technician for Smart TMS in Manchester, I have treated a number of patients who have responded positively to treatment, who have seen a reduction in their symptoms and as a result an improvement in their quality of life.
These patients have all been interested to know how to maintain the positive effects of treatment after their rTMS sessions have come to an end. This post will focus on answering this question.
Self Care
It is important to take care of your own well being. Take some time for yourself, whether this be having a bubble bath in the evening, reading a book or painting your nails. Meditation is a useful way to improve self care, as it will allow for relaxation, reflection and self awareness. It has been suggested that self awareness is essential in the healing process, as it can lead to a deeper understanding and provide clarity on your own feelings. In addition to this, meditation can improve sleep, creativity and productivity. Here is a helpful guide to meditation for beginners: https://zenhabits.net/meditation-guide/
Nutrition
What you put into your body has a significant impact on your mental health. Although foods high in sugar provide a transient burst of energy, this will wear off, resulting in fatigue and a low mood. Choosing fresh, healthy food over processed, sugary food reduces inflammation, and improves the immune system, in addition to improving your overall mental health.
Exercise
Research has found that exercise can reduce stress and have a beneficial impact on mental health. So, good news if you love to exercise! Allow yourself some time to go to the gym or go for a run, and you may find that this simple activity improves your mood. If exercise hasn’t been your thing in the past, it may seem like a daunting prospect, but it doesn’t have to be a chore! Why not learn some easy stretches, go for a twenty-minute stroll every evening, or join a yoga class with a friend?
Maintaining a positive attitude
Disputing negative beliefs is important, and can take practice. Learning to counter this negativity and replace these thoughts with positive ones is an essential step towards becoming resilient. Remember that you don’t have to be perfect at everything.
Talk
Make sure to keep your social support network around you. Discussing your feelings with family or friends can help to alleviate worries, as voicing your feelings can help to put them in perspective. This will also ensure that you feel connected to those around you, and avoid a sense of isolation. If you don’t have a close support network, why not join a social club, or start volunteering for a local charity?
Continuous Care
Smart TMS have a continuous care program, which can help to maintain the benefits of treatment. For more information, call 0345 222 5678.
Abie, TMS Technician
Abie is a member of the the Smart TMS team of technicians at our Manchester TMS Clinic.
Her qualifications and experience prior to working at Smart TMS include:
- Psychology Bsc (Hons) at Lancaster University, with a certificate of distinction
- Currently studying MSc in Developmental Disorders
- N-compass Northwest volunteer – advocacy and carer support
- Experience of peer mentoring, supporting disaffected youth and co-facilitating support groups for mental well-being
Smart TMS
Smart TMS was established in 2015, dedicated to providing TMS treatment in London at their South Kensington/Brompton Cross centre. The company opened a second clinic in Birmingham in September 2017 and also has a base in Northampton. The first Irish clinic was opened in Dublin in October 2017 and in 2018, Smart TMS opened further locations in Manchester, Bristol and Havant (South Coast).
Contact Us
For any queries or for patients wishing to book an appointment at one of our UK clinics, please contact us:
- Tel: 0345 222 5678
- Email: info@smarttms.co.uk
Irish patients may contact Our Dublin Clinic direct on:
- Email: info@smarttms.ie
- Tel: 353 (01) 254 2514
- Website: www.smarttms.ie