Washington State Patients Find Relief from Depression with Advanced Neuromodulation Treatments
In a promising shift for those battling severe mental health challenges, patients in Washington State are discovering new pathways to emotional relief through innovative neuromodulation therapies, as seen in the experiences of Sylvie Sallquist and CJ Hasse.
Sallquist, who has grappled with depression and anxiety since childhood, recently turned to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) at the University of Washington’s Center for Neuromodulation. "We’re at the UW Neuromodulation and I’m about to get an ECT treatment," she shared before undergoing the procedure, which involves sending controlled electric currents through the brain to help regulate mood and emotions.
Dr. Randall Espinoza, Medical Director at the center, emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of ECT. “Neuromodulation comprises a set of treatments that utilize forms of energy to modulate neuronal function,” he explains. He likens ECT to rebooting a computer that has frozen: “When the screen freezes, you have to shut things down. And then when you turn things back up, everything is back working.”
Despite ECT’s therapeutic potential, misconceptions rooted in popular media, like the portrayal in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, contribute to the stigma surrounding the treatment. Dr. Espinoza highlights the need for a public re-education about ECT’s true nature and benefits, which can foster a more compassionate understanding of mental health treatment.
Sallquist noted immediate positive changes following her first treatment, including improved appetite, energy, and a significant boost in mood. “Life just got easy again, which has been incredible,” she reflected.
Meanwhile, Hasse turned to another form of neuromodulation known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) after experiencing severe depression that led her to contemplate ending her life. Initially skeptical, Hasse found TMS to be a transformative experience, likening the relief to “pulling a heavy blanket off and seeing the light.” Following multiple treatments, she regained her passion for writing and art and experienced the joy of laughter once again—a monumental shift after a prolonged period of despair.
This shift in both Sallquist’s and Hasse’s lives echoes the biblical promise found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which states, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” Their journeys toward healing reflect the hope that can arise when individuals reach for help and embrace new, innovative treatments.
As these patients navigate their stories through the lens of faith and modern medicine, their experiences serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of seeking help through community and health professionals.
For those who may be struggling with their own mental health, Sallquist and Hasse’s transformative experiences encourage reflection and a potential journey toward healing—both physically and spiritually. Embrace the promise of renewal that God offers, and remember that hope often comes in unexpected forms. As we contemplate our struggles and those of others, let us hold fast to the belief that healing is possible and that we are never alone in our journeys.
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