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National TMS Therapy Awareness Day 2026
May 14
What is National TMS Therapy Awareness Day?
National TMS Therapy Awareness Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment for major depressive disorder, depression with anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The day was launched by Neuronetics, a leading medical device company specialising in TMS technology, with the goal of educating healthcare providers and the public about this potentially life-changing therapy. It takes place each year on 14 May during Mental Health Awareness Month.
When is National TMS Therapy Awareness Day?
National TMS Therapy Awareness Day is observed on 14 May each year, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 May |
| 2025 | 14 May |
| 2026 | 14 May |
| 2027 | 14 May |
| 2028 | 14 May |
Why National TMS Therapy Awareness Day Matters
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 280 million people globally according to the World Health Organisation. While antidepressant medications and psychotherapy are effective for many individuals, a significant proportion of people with depression do not respond adequately to these first-line treatments. This condition, known as treatment-resistant depression, leaves many individuals struggling with persistent symptoms that severely impact their quality of life, relationships, and ability to work.
TMS therapy offers a scientifically validated alternative for those who have not found relief through traditional approaches. Unlike medication, TMS does not involve systemic side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or fatigue. And unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anaesthesia or cause memory loss. This makes it a particularly appealing option for many patients and clinicians.
Despite its effectiveness, TMS remains underutilised, partly because many people — including healthcare professionals — are unaware of it as a treatment option. National TMS Therapy Awareness Day seeks to bridge this knowledge gap, ensuring that more people who could benefit from TMS learn about its availability and potential.
How TMS Works
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in people with depression. During a typical treatment session, a magnetic coil is placed against the scalp near the forehead. The coil generates brief magnetic pulses that pass through the skull and stimulate nerve cells in the targeted brain region.
A standard course of TMS treatment typically involves daily sessions over four to six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 20 to 40 minutes. Patients remain awake and alert throughout and can return to their normal activities immediately afterwards. Most people begin to notice improvements in their symptoms within the first few weeks of treatment.
TMS was first cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008 for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults who had not responded to at least one antidepressant medication. Since then, it has received additional clearances for depression with anxiety and OCD, and is now available in clinics worldwide.
How to Get Involved
- Learn about TMS — Visit the Clinical TMS Society or the Cleveland Clinic TMS resource page to learn more about how TMS works and who it may benefit.
- Talk to your doctor — If you or someone you know is living with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or OCD, ask your healthcare provider whether TMS could be a suitable option.
- Share information — Use social media to share facts about TMS therapy and help others learn about this treatment option.
- Support mental health awareness — National TMS Therapy Awareness Day falls during Mental Health Awareness Month. Consider supporting broader mental health initiatives alongside TMS-specific awareness efforts.
History of National TMS Therapy Awareness Day
National TMS Therapy Awareness Day was launched in 2025 by Neuronetics, the company behind the NeuroStar Advanced Therapy system, one of the most widely used TMS devices in clinical practice. The inaugural observance took place on 14 May 2025, chosen to align with Mental Health Awareness Month and maximise visibility for the campaign.
The day was created in response to growing evidence supporting the efficacy of TMS and a recognition that many potential beneficiaries remained unaware of the treatment. By designating a specific day of awareness, Neuronetics and its partners aimed to spark conversations between patients and providers, encourage media coverage, and ultimately help more people access this innovative therapy.
The broader history of TMS dates back to 1985, when Professor Anthony Barker and his colleagues at the University of Sheffield first demonstrated that magnetic pulses could safely stimulate the human brain. Over the following decades, research into TMS expanded rapidly, leading to its clinical application for depression and other conditions.
Hashtags: #TMSTherapy #TMSAwareness #MentalHealthAwareness #TMS
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