If you're like most people with depression, you've probably been through multiple treatments—and none of them worked. Maybe the side effects were too hard to handle, or the treatments didn't do what was promised. Nearly one-third of depressed patients experience treatment-resistant depression. 

Is Ketamine a promising solution?

The good news is– Ketamine shows positive signs of being a solution to treatment-resistant depression. Studies show that ketamine treatments can increase glutamate production, which in turn increases synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. The health of the prefrontal cortex is linked to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and in some cases can be linked to a treatment-resistant form of depression. There is a link between MDD and a reduced volume of specific brain regions like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DSPC) which manages emotional regulation, and executive and cognitive functions. There are ways to increase the volume of the DSPC which includes increasing synaptic plasticity through ketamine treatments and by practicing mindfulness meditation.

This is not to say that ketamine is a magic bullet for treatment-resistant depression but with good preparation, a treatment plan, and integration you can take the steps necessary to set yourself up for success.

You might be feeling nervous about your first ketamine treatment, we understand! We want to make sure you're as relaxed and ready as possible, so we've put together a list of five tips that will help you prepare leading up to your treatment.

5 Tips to Prepare for Your Ketamine Treatment

1. Continue Scheduled Healthcare Appointments

The journey doesn’t start with your first Ketamine Treatment– It begins before you ever show up at the clinic. Continue to attend your regularly scheduled healthcare and therapy appointments. Your doctors are an essential part of the process of managing your health. They can help you identify and mitigate any physical or mental issues contributing to your stress, and make sure that you are taking appropriate steps to stay healthy and prevent illness. 

The team administering your ketamine treatments will take notes of your vitals and any conversations during your treatment. This information can be shared with your other healthcare providers so that you can continue to work on integration during and after your treatment.

2. Build Healthy Habits

Making a change in any area of life can be a challenge. Starting with the basics can provide a firm foundation as you begin your ketamine treatment journey. 

Sleep is non-negotiable for physical and mental health. A 2021 study showed that participants who slept less than 6 hours were 2.5 times more likely to have mental distress than those who slept more than 6 hours.

Boring and predictable is the secret recipe to getting good sleep– Go to bed at the same time every night, like clockwork. Wind down with dimmed lights and turn off devices at least an hour before bed. Develop a routine that you can replicate every evening. This allows your body and mind to anticipate the act of preparing for sleep.

Are you moving your body during the day? The best way to prepare your mind and body for sleep is to tire them out during the day. Schedule a brisk 20-minute walk in the sun. This will move your body, allow for fresh air, and give you a quick dose of vitamin D.

Limit alcohol consumption and recreational drug use before your ketamine treatment. What you put in your body will affect your response to ketamine treatment. You must communicate accurately with your doctor about your use of these substances. 

Keeping a clear mind can help as you process your treatment. Your brain will experience neuroplasticity after your ketamine treatment. The effects of ketamine offer a soft reset by counteracting synaptic deficiencies and allowing the brain to rapidly create structural adaptations. The time directly following your ketamine treatment is crucial for having positive inputs for changes. Having healthy habits in place in addition to having a plan for integration will help you gain the most out of your ketamine treatment. 

3. Be Present

As you prepare for your appointment, set aside time to reflect on what's important to you in life right now—

• What makes you feel happy? 

• What makes you feel depressed? 

• What would make today better than yesterday?

• What does progress look like for you?  

These questions can help guide your expectations for treatment and prepare you for setting your intention for your upcoming appointment. 

Practicing being present through mindful meditation, journaling, nature walks, or any other routine that allows for stillness and reflection will aid you during your ketamine treatment journey.

4. Set Your Intention

Ketamine causes neroplactistity in the brain by creating new synaptic connections. Intention helps to influence these new connections positively. Intentions can be simple or specific. Here are some examples of intentions:

• I am safe

• I can let go

• I am loved

• I am open to new possibilities, without judgment

• I will notice the goodness in and around me

Using “I am” statements allows for your intention to be a reflection of what you want as if it is happening right now. Associating a feeling with an intention, like being safe or being loved, can help you as you move through the dissociation that can happen during the ketamine treatment. 

5. Integration

Integration is a critical step following your first ketamine treatment. It is important to plan for integration support prior to your ketamine treatment so you can seamlessly move from your experience into working on lasting change.

Integration is the process of collecting your experience, thoughts, feelings, and insights. Integration works best with a professional who understands ketamine-assisted therapy. Therapists who specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or a professional coach with ketamine training can help you process your experience during your ketamine treatment and implement the changes necessary to make lasting changes.

Is Ketamine Right for You?

Implementing these five tips before your first ketamine treatment can help you get the most out of your ketamine experience. It is normal to feel nervous, excited, or unsure about what your first ketamine treatment might be like. At MindWell, we will work closely with your wellness team to monitor your progress and help you create your long-term care plan.

You might be wondering if ketamine treatment is right for you. If you have a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental illness and have not responded well to other treatments then ketamine might be an option for you. At MindWell, we focus on treating the whole patient and providing access to safe, effective care.

The best way to see if MindWell is a good fit for you is to schedule a call with Dr. Motley.  There is no charge for this informational call. Please contact us by phone, email, or through the contact button to get started.