What the Reddit Community is Saying About Ketamine Therapy
Reddit is a great place to hear first-hand stories from people across the globe, representing any number of communities. Discussion around mental health and ketamine therapy is no exception.
Users are increasingly turning to niche Reddit communities —known as “subreddits”— to share their ketamine and psychedelic therapy success stories. Reddit users are often eager to share their experiences through “ask me anything” (AMA) style Q&A sessions to help other users learn about a topic or experience. These personal accounts are genuine, and often provide insight that helps others make informed decisions about life choices.
What Reddit Users are Saying about Their Own Ketamine Treatment
“I had my socks blown off. All the anxiety, depression, and the weight of all those things was blasted away. I didn't realize how much of it I carry around day to day, until it was gone. And I mean gone. I suddenly started weeping. All the pain and struggle was completely gone. I managed to text my sister and let her know how amazing it was to feel free of it all. I could not stop crying from the relief…
I hope all of you out there suffering can find the relief I felt. I know it's cliche, but do not give up hope. Things CAN get better. I really wish this was available to everyone struggling from treatment resistant depression. I know the pain of trying everything you can, and still feeling like it's some how your fault. Hang in there.”
“It's been over a year since I started and 9 months since my last booster but I the way I used to feel every day is now completely unfathomable. It is impossible to express how light and free I feel today. I have been quarantined alone in a one bedroom apartment for the better part of a year while the world falls apart around me and yet I have never felt so calm, so happy, and so healthy in my life…
I am not the "woo" type but I truly feel like I have been reborn after ketamine treatment. Don't give up hope — life on the other side is incredible!!”
“ I have severe PTSD, which I would characterize as treatment-resistant. In the past few months, I have experienced an incredible amount of mental clarity and mood improvement. I commented on this in therapy, as we've discussed in the past what it would feel like "being better." It is a foreign concept to me, having lived most of my life dealing with trauma, both acute and recurring.
Most noticeably, I have seen an increase in resiliency when confronted by my usual triggers. I say this as I am 2 days away from the anniversary of my most detrimental trauma. The mood elevation has been a nice change. I have more energy to do day-to-day activities. I also notice that I am having improved focus in some areas, while there are others wherein I still struggle.”
“Backstory: 32 years old, male, gay, and have had depression since I realized I was gay at about 12 years old. Never dealt with it, always stuffed it down and beat myself up mentally over it. Been “out” for 5 years. Have accepting family and friends and am navigating a self-acceptance journey, coupled with the depression I’d learned to live with that’s likely partially genetic and partially from environmental stressors. The last two serious depressive episodes were triggered by breakups…
I am coupling this with a therapist who specializes in helping the LGBTQ community with mental health, and I speak to him once a week (have twice so far). I feel optimistic, hopeful, happy, and find myself laughing again. I cleaned my house, have been cooking for myself again. I am not cripplingly sad, I’m in the “normal” range, just grieving the end of a relationship the way my friends seem to. It’s no longer debilitating…
My lows are manageable, my highs are where they should be, and my life is good. I am not suicidal, and my friends and family have commented on my attitude lately, that I “seem like myself again”. I was at a place where I felt like taking a shower was a chore...I look forward to it again. I am ready to tackle life again, instead of letting it tackle me.“
- u/db_1988
“It is still early, but I feel like I am finally able to control my thoughts and emotions. I absolutely have stressors, but I am able to recognize and take the steps to take care of myself. I’m not exhausted anymore from constantly trying to fight or control my mental state...
I’m so thankful this was an option for me. I’ve tried so many antidepressants and don’t function well on them...
Lastly - I am so grateful for this community. THANK YOU for answering my questions and being a source of comfort.”
- u/Dot-Klutzy
“I've suffered from depression for 20+ years, with the addition of anxiety in the last 10 or so. I've tried numerous prescription drugs, vitamins, minerals, supplements, as well as CBD and THC. Some worked better than others, but I was never able to find any "magic" combination that produced consistent, long term results...
For the first time in years, I feel like a normal-ish human being. Gone are the feelings of dread. My mind is no longer consumed by negative thoughts, playing out every "what if" scenario ("Are people taking about me behind my back? Am I in trouble at work? Why do I feel like a failure? How can I solve this?" Etc). While this isn't a cure (I've had some insomnia and anxiety the last couple days), the improvements are substantial. I'm laughing and smiling a lot more. I can concentrate to a much better degree. I can string two thoughts together without losing my train of thought. I've had bursts of energy, enjoying a hobby that I had no interest in for over a year. I've noticed that I'm acting much nicer and it is a pleasant feeling.”
Ketamine and Psychedelic Therapy Subreddits
If you’d like to do more research and hear first-hand treatment accounts, here are some subreddits specifically devoted to discussion around ketamine treatment, psychedelic therapy and medicine, and psychedelic research:
These communities discuss treatments, solutions, news, and general information related to psychedelic therapy solutions.
Each Ketamine Therapy Experience is Different
While most of the conversation around ketamine therapy on Reddit is favorable about the treatment, it’s important to understand that each person’s psychedelic journey is different. The excerpts above represent the positive outcomes of these Reddit users’ healing journeys, but may not paint the full picture of their experience. We encourage you to read their full stories to understand how ketamine treatment has affected their lives.
Additionally, some Reddit users report using different treatment methods such as IV/IM infusions, nasal sprays, or troches / tablets, which can provide different experiences and outcomes as well.
Overall, like the science-backed research around ketamine, feedback around this treatment modality is overwhelmingly positive. We thank these users for contributing their stories and continuing the conversation about how psychedelic medicine can change lives.
If you're considering ketamine therapy options, we invite you to take a brief survey to see if you're a candidate for Mindbloom.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. If you are in a life-threatening situation, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at +1 (800) 273-8255, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
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