Struggling with the waiting period before TMS starts

I remember this exact feeling. The gap between "there might be hope" and actually starting treatment was so hard. What helped me: I made a simple daily checklist — shower, walk for 10 minutes, eat one real meal. Just small things to get through each day until it started. You've already done the hardest part by getting approved.

I had a 3-week wait and used the time to prepare. I read about other people's experiences (this forum would have been great), figured out my schedule for daily appointments, and told my employer what was coming. The waiting is awful but you CAN get through it.

Dr. Jennifer Anderson, MDVerified Specialist

3mo agoedited

Mike, what you're feeling is completely valid. The frustration of having to wait when you're suffering is real. A few suggestions: - Call the clinic and ask to be put on a cancellation list — sometimes spots open up earlier - Continue any current medications as prescribed - Try to maintain basic routines even when it's hard - If you're in crisis at any point, please reach out to 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) You're doing the right thing by reaching out to this community.

Sending you strength, Mike. I was in the same spot 4 months ago. Now I'm on session 24 and feeling better than I have in years. The wait is temporary.

Thank you all. I called the clinic and got on the cancellation list like Dr. Martinez suggested. They already moved me up by a week! Also, Rachel's checklist idea is exactly what I needed. One day at a time.

Waited 9 weeks for prior auth. Used the time to do a med washout under supervision and start journaling daily — both ended up helping the TMS work better.

The waiting was the worst part for me too. Try to lock in a daily routine — same wake time, walk, structured meals. Helped me stay above water.

Therapy intensification while waiting saved me. Twice-weekly CBT instead of weekly. Felt like I had something to do with my hands.

Six weeks of insurance back-and-forth before I started. I'm now at session 24 and so glad I pushed through. You will too.

Walking 30 min outside every morning, even if I cried while doing it. The structure mattered more than the mood lift.

Reach out to your TMS clinic's intake coordinator, not the front desk. They can sometimes pull you forward when there's a cancellation.

Crisis lines don't fix the wait but they got me through three really bad nights. 988 if you're US-based.

If you're suicidal — call 988 and consider a higher level of care while you wait. There's no shame in stepping up. TMS will still be there.

Started yesterday after a 7-week wait. Want to tell anyone reading this: the wait ends and the work begins. You're not stuck forever.

Asked my psychiatrist about ketamine as a bridge during the wait. Wasn't right for me but worth asking your provider about.

I'm starting next week and reading this thread back-to-front. Thank you all for being here.

I'm so tired of waiting and so tired of being tired. Reading this thread for the third time tonight. Just here.

@above — I see you. The waiting room phase is its own form of suffering. Please tell someone today.

Update — finally started yesterday. The first session was anticlimactic in the best way. The wait is over.