Breaking the Stigma About Mental Health and Ketamine
It’s been just over a year since the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry. Many still mourn the death of their “friend” and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding his passing. Ketamine has been a safe and effective anesthetic for over 50 years. It has also shown benefits in mental health for over 20 years. However, its role in Perry’s death became the biggest news story. Ketamine instantly became known as a dangerous drug and Mr. Perry was stigmatized for suffering from mental illness and self-medicating in his home.
The burden of depression and the associated stigma and prejudice against those with mental health struggles can drastically impact their quality of life, relationships, and livelihood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, more than half of people with mental illness don’t receive help for their disorders due to concerns about being treated differently socially or in the workplace.
For those who do seek treatment, antidepressant medications can take 6-12 weeks for maximum effect and often bring unwanted side effects such as weight gain and lack of motivation. Additionally, over 50% of patients won’t experience remission after their first antidepressant medication. It’s not uncommon for patients to lose hope and motivation.
Ketamine provides a real opportunity for hope. Its rapid antidepressant effects and excellent side-effect profile often have people feeling great within hours or days of their treatments. At Pax Institute, our board-certified anesthesia providers follow evidence-based dosing and monitor patient vital signs throughout all ketamine treatments.
For individuals seeking compassionate and innovative mental health care, the Pax Institute offers a sanctuary of healing. Our team specializes in evidence-based treatments and fosters an environment free from judgment, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of Sioux Falls psychiatric services.
At Pax Institute, the stigma stays at the door and our expert staff welcomes each patient into our refuge for science-supported, personalized care in a relaxing and comfortable environment in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Resources:
Griffiths, Chris, et al. “A qualitative study of patients’ experience of ketamine treatment for depression: The ‘ketamine and me’ project.” Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, vol. 4, Apr. 2021, p. 100079, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100079.
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination