BOSTON -- A relatively new treatment for depression is helping some people after medications and other therapies fail.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported that when Mark Flemming fell into a deep depression 15 years ago his life slowly began to unravel.

"It was like I was being dragged down carrying this enormous weight on me all the time," he said. "I never thought I'd get out of it."

He tried countless medications and therapies, but nothing helped him. He shut down, turned to alcohol and even considered suicide. Then, he said, his prayers were answered.

"I had the implant put in in November of 2005, and by January of 2006, I started to feel the difference. I started to feel better," Flemming said.

Flemming was talking about Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy, or VNS. It's a n epilepsy treatment now being used only for patients whose depression does not get better with drugs.

"It's for patients who have failed four or more adequate antidepression treatments," Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. Darin Dougherty said.

VNS therapy is delivered by a small pacemaker-like device that is implanted under the skin. A wire feeds up into the neck and stimulates the vagus nerve, sending electrical impulses to the brain. Dougherty is researching the therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital.

"We're able to at least reduce medications in probably about 50 percent of patients," he said.

Patients do complain of side effects. The most common is hoarseness.

"Where we put the electrodes is very close branches that go to the larynx and the pharynx which is the voice box area," Dougherty said.

For Flemming, side effects like that are insignificant when you compare them to how VNS therapy has helped him overcome depression.

"I haven't had to take any antidepressant medication. I've been able to do my job with more energy. I have more interest in my life," Flemming said.