So you’ve decided to try Ketamine treatment to help your depression. Congratulations on taking that life changing step. So what should you expect?
Ketamine infusions are a very unique experience. Most people have never experienced the effect of a drug that can cause strange perceptual experiences. Some people may have received drugs such as nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) with dental work. Some people may have received IV medications for medical procedures (“conscious sedation”), but few can relate to the mental state that occurs with low-dose Ketamine infusions.
So how do you prepare?
You don’t. You just try to relax and experience it. It is like a ride at Disneyland. How do you prepare for Space Mountain? You don’t. Just settle yourself in and go for the ride.
Ketamine is like that. It is safe. You are safe.
Why should you just relax and let go? Because the treatment seems to work better when people do not try and resist the effect. There is even research that indicates the dissociative effect increases results. Efforts to block that may limit benefits. Activities that allow your brain to absorb the Ketamine optimally include relaxation exercises, meditation, listening to calming music, watching nature scenes. Activities that can diminish the effect include extensive conversation, trying to follow a story or program on TV, and loud or stimulating music.
So my recommendation for your initial Ketamine treatment is to start with the right attitude:
- This is going to be a unique experience in which I may feel more vulnerable, but is safe and well monitored.
- This is a time for me to relax, close my eyes, take a few deep breaths and lose myself in thoughts.
- This is an hour for me to forget about what is going on outside the room, or with others, and just reflect inward.
- This is an hour I give to myself to only think about myself.
- I can imagine myself having a happier life. I can imagine myself in a calm, peaceful setting.
- This is the time I can better see and perhaps understand the underlying issues I carry with me.
- This is the time I take to be well.
Here at Mind Body Centers, we seek to provide a calm, stimulus free treatment environment. We also offer customized plans for each individual, including specific recommendations to maximize treatment benefit. Call us today, and start your journey.
You can reach Mind Body Centers by calling 1-855-481-9605 or by clicking here.