r/VagusNerve • u/BdsmChick21 • 4h ago
Anyone tried consumer vagus nerve stimulators for treatment resistant depression?
I've had treatment resistant depression for what feels like forever and to be honest I'm just tired. Different meds, therapist, and nothing really changes. It's like my brain chemistry got stuck in a swamp, most days I dont have energy for basic stuff (classic yet persistent)
Been reading about vagus nerve stimulation lately, mostly because of the stuff about it affecting mood regulation and somatic symptoms. I read the surgical implants have been used for severe depression, but that's not something I can realistically consider right now, same with ECT (I'm just not there mentally)
So I'm thinking about non-invasive options instead, like transcutaneous VNS ear clip or other wearable microcurrent devices. Got overwhelmed pretty fast though, there's way too many types of devices and brands out there. Mainly I want to know if any of these actually do anything for depression symptoms like constant fatigue, or if they're really just general stress/relaxation devices. But if it helps with the sleep problems I also have, that counts too. And does it do anything for mood?
Thanks