It's called VNS Therapy and it's being billed as "the pacemaker for the brain." A small device is implanted in the chest, sends pulses straight to your brain and it's providing relief for thousands.

Barbara Reed is one of those Americans enjoying the benefits of vagus nerve stimulation therapy...a treament solely for those battling treatment- resistant depression. Nearly 4 million Americans face this disorder where their depression is non-responsive to medical support. But, now after a one hour outpatient surgery...there's a new found hope.

Reed says, "It's made me hope I can be my normal self again and be out with people and enjoy doing the things I like to do."

A device the size of a wrist-watch is planted in the chest. It sends pulses 24 hours a day to your brain through the left vagus nerve. The pulses travel to the part of the brain that controls your mood and as a result...keeps your depression in check. Does it work? Well, one local psychiatrist is optimistic about the therapy's results.

Dr. Taylor Porter says, "We're talking potentially about helping out a lot of people right now that science doesn't have an answer for, so I think it's very helpful."

It sure helped Barbara. She now encourages others to seek that same help that saved her life. Her message is not give up hope and to keep on going.

Now, the one drawback so far is that the therapy is not yet covered by insurance. But, Dr. Porter is hopeful that this may change in the future.

If you battle depression and think VNS therapy may be right for you, be sure to consult your doctor before undergoing any treatment.