My experience with ketamine was beautiful, but I really wish I had been guided with therapy through my infusions (yes I had them intravenously). I asked for a guided talk therapy during the infusion, and the clinic said they didn’t do that and I would be fine. They recommended calming peaceful music to listen to. I had infusions twice a …
My experience with ketamine was beautiful, but I really wish I had been guided with therapy through my infusions (yes I had them intravenously). I asked for a guided talk therapy during the infusion, and the clinic said they didn’t do that and I would be fine. They recommended calming peaceful music to listen to. I had infusions twice a week for 6 weeks, or so. My last session was on my 29th birthday in 2021.
While I was fine during my trips, I still asked my wife to sit in the room with me, in silence. I nearly had two bad trips but I managed to quickly pull myself out of the negative and turn it into an exploration of empathy. I don’t know that everyone can do that alone. I have lucid dreams almost every time I sleep; I can turn nightmares into peaceful dreams, and I think my mental training played a part in my ability to steer the trips. Also, I wasn’t afraid of ego death and was able to let go very easily, while others say they struggle with that at first. Just know: You will come back to yourself. Let the ketamine work. By my last infusion, I felt I’d made a breakthrough in my depression and my eyes were overflowing with tears of gratitude. They gave me a small birthday cake as well. The clinic was great and very compassionate.
Immediately after a ketamine infusion, you will be very calm and have a feeling of absolute peace. You will also be unsteady on your feet, because it makes you want to sit still and observe everything. It will give you a fresh emotional perspective on everything.
I would recommend it, but only if you will be closely following up with a talk therapist during or after the ketamine. Everyone is different, so maybe my advice will not apply to you. As the original poster said, go in with and intention, and you will gain more benefits. I don’t mind answering any other questions about my own experience.
Thank you so much for your very thoughtful response. I really appreciate your candor. It sounds like your schedule is very similar to what was explained to me, with probable "booster" sessions in months following if needed. It is my understanding that the sessions will be supervised and include a mental health professional during the infusion. I have an appt with my GP next week, who is really advocating for it, and a follow up appt with my pain specialist doc in August, who is also advocating for it. You have given me some very helpful information and food for thought so again, thanks for sharing your experience. I know I have struggles with letting go and control during medical procedures. An anesthesiologist told me that while trying to sedate me for a procedure and it was in the doctor's report sent to my GP that I was very anxious and not willing to give up control to be put under lol. Maybe this is exactly what I need!
My experience with ketamine was beautiful, but I really wish I had been guided with therapy through my infusions (yes I had them intravenously). I asked for a guided talk therapy during the infusion, and the clinic said they didn’t do that and I would be fine. They recommended calming peaceful music to listen to. I had infusions twice a week for 6 weeks, or so. My last session was on my 29th birthday in 2021.
While I was fine during my trips, I still asked my wife to sit in the room with me, in silence. I nearly had two bad trips but I managed to quickly pull myself out of the negative and turn it into an exploration of empathy. I don’t know that everyone can do that alone. I have lucid dreams almost every time I sleep; I can turn nightmares into peaceful dreams, and I think my mental training played a part in my ability to steer the trips. Also, I wasn’t afraid of ego death and was able to let go very easily, while others say they struggle with that at first. Just know: You will come back to yourself. Let the ketamine work. By my last infusion, I felt I’d made a breakthrough in my depression and my eyes were overflowing with tears of gratitude. They gave me a small birthday cake as well. The clinic was great and very compassionate.
Immediately after a ketamine infusion, you will be very calm and have a feeling of absolute peace. You will also be unsteady on your feet, because it makes you want to sit still and observe everything. It will give you a fresh emotional perspective on everything.
I would recommend it, but only if you will be closely following up with a talk therapist during or after the ketamine. Everyone is different, so maybe my advice will not apply to you. As the original poster said, go in with and intention, and you will gain more benefits. I don’t mind answering any other questions about my own experience.
Thank you so much for your very thoughtful response. I really appreciate your candor. It sounds like your schedule is very similar to what was explained to me, with probable "booster" sessions in months following if needed. It is my understanding that the sessions will be supervised and include a mental health professional during the infusion. I have an appt with my GP next week, who is really advocating for it, and a follow up appt with my pain specialist doc in August, who is also advocating for it. You have given me some very helpful information and food for thought so again, thanks for sharing your experience. I know I have struggles with letting go and control during medical procedures. An anesthesiologist told me that while trying to sedate me for a procedure and it was in the doctor's report sent to my GP that I was very anxious and not willing to give up control to be put under lol. Maybe this is exactly what I need!