Ketamine Infusion Therapy

My expectations going in: 

I have suffered with depression and severe anxiety for decades. I’ve been medicated longer than I can  remember and completed countless therapy sessions, lessening the frequency and scale of emotional  events, but not eradicating them. After discussing alternative therapy with my psychiatrist and learning  about Ketamine as a treatment for many mental disorders, I researched it extensively and decided I  would try my luck with the treatment. I went in with an understanding of ways to best receive and  maintain the benefits of the treatment and created a brief list of things I wanted to focus on, my  intentions.  

My Initial Experience:  

Upon first entering the clinic, I was greeted by friendly staff in a beautifully decorated waiting room. I  was immediately taken to the treatment room, a peaceful and inviting space with thoughtful  embellishments. The oversized recliner and soft lighting create a relaxing environment, while the  invitation to play music from the speaker of my phone added to the comfortability. My first treatment  went extremely well. I was surprised to gain almost instant revelations regarding my intentions set at  the beginning of the treatment, as it can take hours or days to take effect in the ways it did during my  first treatment. Leaving the clinic with the loss of grief offered hope in a journey full of ups and downs,  mostly minor wins and painful failures.  

What I experienced physically: 

I had similar experiences each time. Immediately upon the nurse administering the drug I felt suspended  in a place between consciousness and unconsciousness, similar to being administered anesthetics  before a surgery, but remaining mindful throughout. Sensibly, Ketamine is often used as an anesthetic.  During the 45 minutes, time seemed to slow, allowing my brain to dissect the questions I asked myself in  relation to my set intentions. My connection to collective energy was also heightened during  treatments.  

Each session would loosen tension from my TMJ, offering relief from constant clenching for up to 3 days  proceeding.  

My body required a period of rest for about an hour after each treatment once home. Some days I was  compelled to accomplish small things around the house. Others I would choose to stay in bed and dive  deeper mentally by journaling, or by allowing my thoughts to wander while observing. I didn’t  experience discomfort beyond occasional mild nausea during and for up to an hour after treatment.  

What I experience mentally: 

Most sessions gifted me a space to develop ways of thinking and understanding past events that have  hindered progress in one way or another. Some would be in line with my set intentions, but some  unexpected things I assumed settled were given alternative points of view, illuminating them in a new  light and offering peace and true understanding.  

My brain was able to make connections it wasn’t able to before. Extreme inconsistencies between idea  and fact were rightfully corrected, providing relief from fear and heartache. 

After the treatments I was able to make new connections in my brain for weeks following. After my first  treatment I immediately noticed the lack of overwhelming stress during tough situations. My internal  dialogue seems to be working with me rather than against me, in turn allowing me to navigate life with  more confidence. I have also been able to successfully recall and apply tools from therapy without  emotional interference.  

Where I am a couple weeks after: 

As of 7/27, don’t know how long since treatment. I feel like my old self. I laughed with my best friend on  a camping trip, fully letting myself go for the first time since I can remember. The pureness, the true  excitement was priceless.  

Not only did my nurse, Keri, pay special attention and consideration during the treatment process, she  also stamped my soul.