June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. According to the National Center for PTSD, “7 to 8% of the U.S. population will have PTSD at some point in their lives.”1
PTSD is more common in veterans since they are exposed to different types of traumas than regular civilians. “About 11-20 out of every 100 Veterans (or between 11-20%) who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Enduring Freedom (OEF) have PTSD in a given year.”2
There are several options for PTSD treatment, and while many are successful, too many people continue to suffer despite years of treatment and the use of many medications. Personalized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS) at the Brain Waves Maui in Makawao, Hawaii, helped United States Air Force veteran, Bobby, get himself out of a dark place.
PrTMS identifies brainwave arrhythmias during the brain mapping process and then stimulates particular areas of the brain to help restore neuronal synchrony and harmony. Patients experiencing symptoms associated with PTSD, depression, anxiety, Autism, sleep disorders, migraines and other mental health conditions will receive a customized treatment that is non-invasive and drug-free.
Before Treatment: Depressed and Anxious
Bobby was reeling for many years with minimal relief and was getting worse. He was suffering from severe Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and “Brain Fog”. He had received multiple treatments for many years. Despite his best efforts, his mindset always went to a negative place and had him struggling to find meaning in his life.
“I was experiencing a lot of depression, anxiety, and existential dread that would just not go away. And always going to the worst-case scenario,” explained Bobby.
These feelings started to impact him on a daily basis. He could not turn his mind off and get a good night’s rest. His inability to sleep is what propelled him to seek out PrTMS treatment.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, yet only 1 in 3 people seek treatment. Nearly half of people who are diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can stem from factors such as brainwave arrhythmias, traumatic events, and other risk factors.
Through following the PrTMS treatment plan, Bobby was able to reduce many symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and he was sleeping better than ever.
After Treatment: Serenity and Sense of Calm
The first time Bobby sat down for a PrTMS treatment was incredibly impactful. Within minutes he felt a new sense of serenity, a calmness he didn’t even recognize.
“The first night after my treatment, I went to bed, and I slept like I had never slept before,” Bobby explained with relief.
The immediate effect of the treatment is what solidified his dedication to continue this journey. His customized plan required him to start with five sessions a week which trickled down over time.
The commitment was well worth it because PrTMS worked. He was finally able to experience restful sleep and relief from depression, anxiety, and his PTSD.
When asked what advice he would have for others considering PrTMS treatment, Bobby shared “It is a commitment. I do think it’s worth preparing yourself for a journey. It’s not a long one, but if you’re all in, you’re better off.”
Galler Rimm Behavioral Health Services offers this powerful new therapy at their Brain Waves Maui.
1 National Center for PTSD https://pueblo.g
2 U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp