Those of us who seek out this type of treatment usually do so after traditional methods have failed, or the side effects of the same are intolerable.
This was true for me, and as a result I had self-medicated for years. After learning that Ketamine infusions were approved in Michigan, I eagerly sought treatment, with guarded enthusiasm.
I'm usually not comfortable in medical settings, but the flexible scheduling, and patient staff at West Michigan Ketamine Clinics were both comforting and disarming. Strange, because I'm typically slightly on edge when in public.
Summarizing the experience, I will say that the experience is profound, while the lingering effects are subtitle.
I suspect that the experience is different for each person, and as for me, I have nothing to compare it to. But "Profound" is perhaps an understatement.
I had done considerable research prior to scheduling treatment and had found an article on PubMed which stated that "Ketamine Blocks Bursting in the Lateral Habenula to Rapidly Relieve Depression". The "Lateral Habenula", also known as the brain's negative reward center, is an area of the brain which can be affected by repeated negative experiences. This can lead to a condition in which experiences which should feel positive and rewarding, are not perceived that way.
In theory, Ketamine may be effective reducing the “rapid firing” of the lateral habenula, and as a result, possibly reduce anxiety and depression associated with it.
As for me, the results have been subtitle, yet lingering.
Do I still get depressed? Yes.
Has my ability to cope with it improved? Yes.
Since my ketamine treatments, I find that I am not as debilitated by depression as I once was. While I am by no means free of anxiety and depression, it seems less debilitating, and perhaps the negative self-talk which has been my constant companion, doesn’t chatter quite as much.
Ketamine is not something to be approached lightly. Do some research to understand what this is, how it works, and what reasonable expectations should be. But the fact that you are here reading this, suggest that traditional methods have not worked well for you either.
Ketamine is different, and in my opinion, not something to be undertaken outside of the therapeutic environment. And when doing so, I can think of no better place than West Michigan Ketamine Clinics.
Best Regards,
Kerry