There is no doubt that ketamine is a transformational medicine. Yet, when you decide to begin ketamine treatment, it's not just about sitting back and enjoying the effects of the medicine. It takes active work and effort to make the most of your ketamine journey. Here are 6 factors to understand before you begin your ketamine infusions.
1. Preparation is Key
Preparation is critical for a positive outcome. Just like studying for an exam or training for a marathon, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of success. Preparation includes:
Understanding what to expect during and after the infusion.
Setting a meaningful intention before each infusion.
Being in a calm and relaxed state of mind when coming in for your appointment.
2. Patience Pays Off
While some people feel better immediately after the first infusion, this isn’t the case for everyone. Instead, the magic usually happens somewhere between the 3rd to 5th infusion. We encourage you to be patient and give the treatment time to work. You wouldn't expect a plant to bloom the day after you plant the seed. The same principle applies here.
3. Manage Your Mindset
Your mindset can shape your ketamine experience. While ketamine can increase new brain connections and make you feel better, extreme anxiety and stress can stop those connections from forming. We understand that starting a new treatment can be nerve-wracking. Yet, we’ve seen that when people are extremely anxious before an infusion, it can negatively impact the ketamine experience.
Make sure to plan ahead so you can be armed with tools and strategies that will ease your mind as the infusion day approaches. Some techniques you could use to help you stay calm before your infusion include going for a walk before your treatment, practicing mindfulness, or even having a comforting chat with a friend.
4. Ketamine Is a Tool For Healing
It’s essential to understand that ketamine is not a miracle cure for depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While it can change the way you feel, it can't alter your life circumstances. Achieving lasting change means learning strategies and tools to help you face life's challenges with a positive mindset.
Healing is a process. It takes time, patience, and continued effort. Ketamine should be seen as a tool in your mental health toolbox - a valuable aid that can help you understand yourself better, resolve past traumas, and develop strategies to overcome life's challenges.
5. Embracing the Journey: Good Days and Bad Days
Ketamine treatment can change your life. However, it's critical to know that even when the treatment works, not every day will be sunshine and roses. There will be good days and bad days. This is a normal part of life and recovery. Your goal should not be to eliminate all the bad days, but to develop the resilience and tools to handle these days effectively. Remember, progress isn't a straight line.
6. You Could Feel Worse Before Feeling Better
There's an old saying that sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better. This can certainly be true with ketamine therapy. As you embark on this journey, you might find traumatic memories resurfacing that need to be processed. Going back to these dark places can be difficult and may make you feel worse at times. Yet, it's important not to lose hope during challenging moments. Part of the healing process is to confront and resolve past traumas so that you can overcome them.
Choosing to start ketamine infusions is a brave step toward better mental health. At Ketamine Health, we're here to support you every step of the way. Remember, you're not alone on this journey.
Ketamine Health was founded with a single goal: to provide an innovative and therapeutic solution to those struggling with mental health conditions. We are passionate about supporting you on your journey to wellness using evidence-based medicine.
If you or someone you love is suffering from anxiety, PTSD or depression, please get in touch with us to determine if you would be a candidate for ketamine infusions.